A Perpetual Journal Practice is an all-in-one guide to the art of perpetual journaling by Lara Gastinger. The book includes all the information and materials you need to start a perpetual journal, with many examples of Lara’s intricate drawings for inspiration, including full-page spreads of her second perpetual journal kept over the course of seven years, and annotated with the species name and date drawn. In a narrative format, Lara explores the appeal of perpetual journaling, and how it is a practice that cultivates mindfulness, fosters curiosity and wonder, and improves drawing skills.

Perpetual Journal Practice provides guidance for page composition, adding value and color, and using frames to highlight details. Lara’s helpful tips for approaching a subject, such as going from micro to macro, are peppered throughout the pages. Finally, Lara addresses common concerns: what happens if you can’t draw, or miss a week? What if winter is long and nothing is growing?

To celebrate the publication of her new book, we collaborated with author and artist Lara Gastinger to bring you a special custom- designed bookmark signed and stamped by Lara and featuring her artwork. A bookmark is included the first 100 copies purchased through our website, available while supplies last.

A Perpetual Journal Practice along with all of our other reading recommendations, is on our Books page and in our Retail Shop!

Lara Call Gastinger is an artist and botanical illustrator from Charlottesville, Virginia. Her art appears in Peterson Field Guide to Mushrooms of North America and the American Society of Botanical Artists’ Botanical Art Techniques, and she was the chief illustrator of Flora of Virginia, a botanical reference. Lara offers virtual and in-person classes with a focus on botanical illustration and perpetual journaling.

Learn more about Lara on her website, Instagram, and Patreon.