Field Sketching:
A Year of Mindfulness
Year 1

"Great introduction to exploring the natural world with sketching and watercolors. In-class instruction about accurate and realistic drawing and use of watercolors is solidified with flexible homework assignments and group review.
Fosters observations and learning about the natural world, and has enhanced my enjoyment of nature.” - Marian

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Here is how the ONLINE course works:

- Four seasons with a 3- to 4-week break in between each;
- 2.5hr classes are held bi-weekly, leaving a comfortable amount of time to attend to homework assignments;
- Each class will focus on specific drawing or observation skills to help create inspirational sketches and writings;
- Each season will focus on specific topics related to natural history to become more aware of the rhythm of nature;
- Homework assignments are provided as guidance outside of class;
- Homework review as a group that offers personal feedback, direction, and confidence;
- Classes are held Wednesdays 2-4:30pm AKT, 6-8:30pm ET;
- All classes are recorded so you can reference the material after a missed class or for learning at your own pace; and
- Access to me for additional help, in between classes, 7 days/week.
PLUS I sometimes create extra video material, micro-lessons, to supplement the in-class learning.

Space limited to 10.

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“The class is more than an art course… what I most appreciate… is that I am more observant of the nature around me, whether it is in my backyard, on my commute to work or out in nature.” - Amy

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Field sketching is a wonderful tool for capturing the environment in which you live, travel and appreciate. Add some color to those sketches to make a beautiful illuminated journal!Your goal is to capture quick flashes of the things around you. Many of your sketches may end up very unfinished. Think of each page in your journal or sketchbook as a “study” of some object or place that you want to remember.Birds, mammals, trees and flowers, waterscapes, even buildings, will provide interesting and fun challenges for us as we use various tools for capturing the moment outdoors.

Fall Season Nov 1, 15 & 29; Dec 13
Covers some very basic stuff: tools, how to use them, all the drawing exercises, using graphite, using pen & ink, and some very basic stuff with watercolor. Seasonal nature subjects. Break from mid-Dec through mid-Jan.

Winter Season Jan 10 & 24; Feb 7 & 21; March 6 & 20
Covers intermediate techniques, mostly with watercolors but we'll throw in some graphite and/or pen & ink for continued sketching practice. Color temperature and value, some landscape lessons, some atmospheric and linear perspective lessons. Seasonal nature subjects. Break for May.

Spring Season Apr 10 & 24; May 8 & 22; June 5 & 19
Covers more intermediate stuff, combining graphite and pen & ink with watercolors. This offers some really nice effects. I would also like to emphasize seasonal nature subjects more intently during this session. Break for August.

Summer Season July 10 & 24; Aug 7 & 21; Sept 4 & 1; 8
Covers slightly more advanced stuff such as composition, page layout in the sketchbook, and a few more items I'll think up.

“DO IT! Sandy is amazingly talented and superbly supportive and encouraging no matter what your skill level is.” - Angela

Next cohort begins Nov 1, 2023.

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