Field Sketching: A Year of Mindfulness Year 1

Online

A year of mentorship and coaching

Learn the tools and techniques for sketching the natural world from life. 22 lessons over the course of four seasons in an encouraging and supportive atmosphere.

The 5th (and final) cohort begins
November 6, 2025

"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

2 spots open

Program description

Field sketching offers an opportunity to connect with the natural environment in which you live. Through first-hand observations and the drawing process, you become familiar with the other living creatures that share their space with you; who rely on it, same way you do.Mindfulness comes in when tapping into a sense of curiosity and wonder as you witness the marvels of the natural world. You become present in the moment, which has positive impacts on mind and body.Join me for a full year focused on phenology and sketching!

Have questions?
Send me an email.

What's included?
(the benefits)

  • Four seasons with a 3- to 4-week break in between each;

  • 2hr 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 more accurate sketches;

  • 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 Thursdays 2-4pmAKT, 6-8pmET; and

  • All classes are recorded so you can reference the material after a missed class or for learning at your own pace

What one student recently said:
Sandy, thank you for these last few years of instruction and encouragement. I've been with you since 2022! When I look back at my signature messy pages it gives me a lot of pleasure to see how even a hot mess on the page like myself can make some progress towards a little more organizational awareness. More importantly, it's wonderful to see how I tried to express my love of nature on the pages of my journals, and to see how I've learned to observe a little more deeply and a little better as I've gone along. Thank you for this gift of connection to our mysterious and beautiful world!."
- Ivy

Ready to join? Do that now.

Or, read more below👇

Details

Fall Season 4 classes: Nov 6 & 20, Dec 4 & 18
Covers the basics of using graphite, pen & ink, and a few important watercolor skills; 3-4 drawing exercises to sharpen observation skills. Introduction to the Sit Spot and selection of a study tree that you'll observe throughout the year. Break from mid-Dec through early-Jan.

Winter Season 6 classes: Jan 8 & 22, Feb 5 & 19, Mar 5 & 19
Continued practice to understand the the three mediums, dipping into slightly more intermediate techniques. Break until early April.

Spring Season 6 classes: Apr 16 & 30, May 14 & 21, Jun 4 & 18
Switching to a handful of concentrated drawing lessons to learn how to see perspective, shapes, proportions and 3D form. Break until mid-July.

Summer Season 6 classes: Jul 16 & 30, Aug 13 & 27, Sep 10 & 24
Covers slightly more advanced topics such as composition, page layout in the sketchbook, drawing animals.

What Will It Cost?

A full year of practice under guidance and mentorship (instructor details below)

$3999 (actual value)

your cost:

$2999

That's a 25% discount!

  • Three payment options are available

  • Register before September 26, 2025 and receive an additional $300 discount code to be used at time of registration

  • It's your final chance to join. After the 2025/26 year, this program will disappear

2 spots open

Still have questions?
Let's schedule a free Zoom call via email

“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

About the Instructor

My field sketching practice informs everything I do as an Artist, Instructor, and Writer.Art and nature have been part of my life in varying ways since childhood. After a few years flipping between art and biology as an undergrad, I found my way to Natural Science Illustration and never looked back.Teaching others to connect with the natural world through direct observation and journaling brings me as much joy as my personal art practice does.With a focus on "process" rather than always completing finished works, I am teaching skills that apply to anything you want to sketch.You know the old adage..."Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime"? That's what I aim to do.Join me for a year of coaching your own practice.

All images on this page ©Sandy McDermott with exception of the instructor photo above, ©Morgan Lee Photography, and cannot be used without permission.