A notebook for looking closely

Small details.
A wider view.

Notes on light, texture and the quiet structure of everyday landscapes. Open a page and take a closer look.

Reading morning light

Low light makes a small change in height visible. Look for the edge of a shadow before looking at its colour.

Stone, bark and worn paint are easiest to read when their scale is clear. Include a familiar edge or joint in the frame.

The position of the horizon changes how a landscape feels. A lower line gives more attention to the sky and a higher one to the ground.

A limited palette can make an ordinary scene feel coherent. Look for related colours before searching for a strong contrast.

Cloud cover softens the transitions between light and shade. It can reveal surface detail that would disappear in a sharp shadow.

A reflection is another way of arranging the scene. Small ripples break straight lines and make familiar objects feel different.

A path suggests movement, but it does not need to lead to a dramatic destination. The change in width can be enough to create depth.

A notebook is useful when it records decisions as well as results. A few direct sentences can preserve what attracted your attention.