Nature Blog Network and Drawing

I also want to thank N8 at Nature Blog Network for his inclusion of Pencil and Leaf in his "Sketch Pad" round up of Artist's Blogs here . To be mentioned alongside these excellent nature artists is an honour.. especially as Leonardo is in the same article.
I often wonder what other people see in drawing. I am very passionate about drawing. I perceive its value extending far beyond just graphite on paper, but I just wanted to include N8's observation because it seems very relevant.

"I have a real appreciation for the pen or pencil or paint to paper abilities of others, and there’s just something about a really nice illustration that says something a photo doesn’t. That’s not to say the skill set necessary in taking a fine photo isn’t impressive but it’s more subtle and sometimes feels more accessible to the amateur photog. In comparison, we’re all aware of the time needed to make a top-notch illustration, the care, the skill, the complete internalization of the subject. It seems more distant, and therefore, more impressive.

It is true that to in order to draw something in detail you really do have to study it. Often, just looking at something properly, from every angle and trying to understand how it is put together can take a good hour.
Sometimes, after spending a whole day on one very small pencil drawing (or even worse spending a whole day and throwing it away), I look at the fabulous colour photographs and astonishing Photoshop tricks of others and wonder why I am doing this. Your kind comments on the blog and this perceptive insight from N8 keep me going.