Would you love to be able to capture magic of nature in a sketchbook?
One of my favourite things is going for a walk in the countryside, park or garden park and noticing the changes in the nature along the way. The first crocuses opening their faces to spring sunlight; robins singing at dusk; trees growing green with new leaves in April, then warming into orange and golden brown in October, then scarlet berries and sprigs of mistletoe in December.
If these things also make you feel happy and connected to the “real” world, (not the one of screens and internet connectivity!) then this wonderful weekend workshop is designed with you in mind. I find that nature sketching is a wonderful de-stressor and never fails to lighten my mood…
When you come to my workshop you’ll learn so many things:
How to choose the best sketchbook and art materials to make your nature sketching easier
How to begin your sketches with basic shapes and then adapt and refine them, whether you’re drawing a bird, a tree, or a flower.
How to easily simplify what you see and recreate it in your sketch book
Adjusting techniques to use watercolours on sketchbook paper
How to blend colours to match your nature specimens
Essential tips on layout and lettering to make your sketchbook even more beautiful
What will I do in the workshop?
Day One
You’ll learn to really observe the shapes and colours of nature, whether they’re real specimens, or from reference photos (we’ll be working from both: it is February, after all!) Feel free to bring any of your own special, small items along that you’d like to sketch, too.
Today our focus is on the sketching techniques. We’ll do some warm-up drawing exercises, followed by “guided drawing” with me to build your confidence as I draw some of our specimens step-by-step on the whiteboard.
I’ll demonstrate sketching leaves, mushrooms, leafy twigs and simple birds to inspire your relaxing afternoon of sketching things of your choice.
I’ll also give you tips on layouts and simple, attractive lettering to make your sketchbook even more desirable
Day Two
Day Two is all about colour, texture and how to use shadows to make your drawing look 3D (no more flat looking drawings!)
Tips on using simple watercolour and how to adapt it for use in a sketchbook
You’ll create some beautiful colour swatches for your specimens, and I’ll share some of my best and easiest colour “recipes”!
You’ll be able to add colour confidently to your sketches of the precious day and by the afternoon you’ll be creating some wonderfully satisfying and beautiful colour studies of nature. You’ll enjoy it so much you won’t want to leave!
“Sarah is a great teacher - patient and clear and she makes watercolour painting seem so simple. It’s so relaxing learning with her.”
What’s included?
A high-quality, British-made hard bound sketchbook to take home—the very one I rely on for my own artwork
I provide you with all the art materials to use during workshop, plus hot drinks on tap whenever you like.
You’ll go home with your beautiful sketchbook with several beautiful completed double-page spreads, an invaluable handout recapping the techniques we’ve used, and a few selected sheets of extra reference photos to continue working with at home.
Most importantly, lots more confidence and inspiration!
Course Info
Length: 2 days 10am-4pm
Fee: £199
Location: The Ballroom at The Union Hotel, Chapel Street, Cornwall TR18 4AE
Limited to 15 students: spaces fill early so book early!