"What if...?" is the artists greatest tool, thanks for the great video.

This is such a nice discussion and what you say really resonates with me. I've been getting deeper into nature journaling in the past year (in fact I found you through the class you did with John Muir Laws), but I find my perfectionist tendencies getting in the way a lot. It's not so much that I feel I'm not good at it as that I want to catch EVERY detail and then start to feel overwhelmed, so I don't even start. Still, I've been practicing loosening up and getting some quick and sloppy sketches down. It helps that there are always so many neat phenomena to investigate in nature! Meanwhile I've been feeling like knitting and spinning again after a bit of a hiatus. That's a creative outlet where I really can let the perfectionism drop and just enjoy the process of letting all those amazing textures of wool run through my fingers.

Great video, Rosalie! My 10-year old son used to spend time writing stories and drawing, but for awhile now he's gotten away from those creative outlets and spends a lot of time playing video games. He looked at an old drawing of his tonight and his interest got stirred in getting back into it. So I played your video for him just now, and after it was over he excitedly said "O.K., that's it. I'm getting back into drawing!" So, as a father, I say a big thank you - your message came at the right time.

Thank you so much for sharing! The kids and I watched your video - very encouraging!

This was so inspiring Rosalie

I'm one of those older ones who is exploring too. I took voice lessons a few years ago and have been thinking it's about time for a refresher. Thanks for the encouragement!

I started my morning listening and watching your video, sooo inspirational and beautiful, and mindful! Yes, there are so many facets to us. I am so drawn to birds and nature and want to Nature Journal and keep putting it off. You are right, mindless Instagram scrolling time could be spent drawing, painting, reading...thank you and have a great day.

I am 57..I’ve looked back also at “little me” and in the past 4ish years have allowed myself to go back to art! You have been a great influence! Thought I’d let you know❤ commented on another video earlier…have watched them all…especially loved the NL one as I was born in NL and lived there til I was 39. I have learned I love watercolor, used to think I could only draw with pencil and charcoal and gave that up almost entirely when I was 16 because “you’ll never make any money doing that”…dream squashed…now I’m dreaming again and it is the best! Recently added gouache (after doing your skill share and love it!) At 50 I decided to try and learn something new every year if possible be it big or small!!

You are multi-talented and an inspiration to others. Keep it up. Thanks for sharing. 😃

I am one of the older ones. I thought I couldn't draw or do any painting. But I began stitching embroidery and then took up watercolors and sketching during the pandemic...retired from work and had all of this time and space to create for the first time in life! I am on a constant learning journey now and trying not to judge my creations...just enjoy the process. Yesterday I found your channel and your book through The Pressley Sisters. Your book is just what I was looking for and I ordered it today! I am really looking forward to trying some of the lessons!

I bought your book “watercolor in nature” and I love it! I’ve been an art “student for over four years and your book and approach to art is similar to mine. I’m having a blast following the step by step instructions and seeing the drawings come to life. Thank you so much.

Enjoyed your channel so much. Keep it up. It’s all so wonderful

Hi Rosalie! Love this video! I am a young 71 and fascinated by all types of creative pursuits. I still work a 40 hour week at a desk job so don’t have a lot of time for creative pursuits. I was interested in some art things as a kid, I did woodburning and paint by number. It’s exciting to hear about all the things you did as a kid. I too am interested in all kinds of different creative pursuits. I have been following your illustration journey and just wonder at the beauty that you create with that. I stumble and struggle with painting and drawing. But it is a fairly new thing for me. My interest in creative pursuits has only grown stronger as I’ve gotten older and I’m not afraid to try things I’ve never done. Pottery is my first love cents 1995. I sold what I had and moved to Western New York state to attend Alfred University when I was 47. I learn everything I can to keep growing in the area of drawing and painting and clay and fiber and Portraits and urban sketching and… It’s funny, I feel like I’m just getting started. Thanks again for the Vlog! Oh, by the way, I’ve had an urge for the past year to play the fiddle. I know there would be a learning curve but I feel like it would be fairly easy for me. Have fun with that!

Thanks so much for encouraging thoughts. As I listened I made a list of things I’d like to learn, one being learning to play the ukulele I bought years ago! I’m in my 70’s so it is a daunting task to just start. With your words in my head I will give it a try.

Great video discussion! I'm finally about to retire and can't wait to spend more time on all my creative interests, which range from completing a novel to sewing to sketching plein air to bonsai. "Let's see what happens" is my life long mantra. Being creative, having fun, and playing with others should be our focus, because its something you'll never regret doing. You should check out the Table Rock Writing workshop held near Asheville in August, because it includes a songriters section similar to the old time music camp you just did. Fun!!!🎉

i also had so many animal dolls that i named them and write funny poems and little narratives about them. i use to draw cartoons. make very simple animal origamies. i use to care more about clothing. i even had a simple toy keybkard. that fell and broke.i had fishes chicks and turtles . i was very creative as a child but same happened to me. i choose my art as career and after 18 years it got a little boring for me. nowdays i try my other artistic interests to get more variety in my life. so this video resonated with me. thanks

So inspiring and beautiful! I love how you reflect and encourage others through your own thoughts, interest and stories. This is an important message that all ages can learn from! Thank you for sharing!

Hi Rosalie! Wonder if I could get some advice from you on cameras. I have an iPhone 13 Pro and I’m not getting the pictures the way I would like to see them so I see that you carry a camera and I’m just wondering if you could recommend a brand and model. I especially want to capture light as it hits things. I’ll see a beautiful light on a tree or plant or some thing and I take the picture and that shimmer of light is not there, so wanting to see if I can take a picture that will show that. Also, when I take pictures of small things, I’m not getting the clarity in detail like your pictures get. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thank you! Connie.

I have difficulty drawing outside for "adults" need to interrupt you. The kids are fine. Do they walk up to people playing music and say, "Are you playing music, talk to me instead." Here I am with my ego, draw me. Are you my entertainment?