Fall Sketchbook Classes at the CT Audubon Center and my Studio Classes

The Fall schedule for the CT Audubon Center classes is posted - and I'll have three sessions of Nature Journaling there in Pomfret this Fall. It's a beautiful place - and we'll be outdoors as long as the weather cooperates! (and if it doesn't we have a GREAT indoor space, too).  Similar to last summer, here's the dates:

Saturdays 9am-noon

September 24th

October 15th

November 12th

Call ahead to reserve your spot: 

860-928-4948

$10 for members, $20 for non-members
ALL the proceeds go to the CT Audubon center to help support programs! 

The sketchbook pages I'm sharing today were from last Friday, over at Bluff Point preserve in Groton. It was definitely the calm before the storm. Hurricane Hermine blew in over the weekend with fierce wind one day and rain the next, but nothing too horrible in our area. Whew!

I'm also holding classes for Sketchbook Journaling here in my studio in Mystic. Some will be indoors, and we'll venture outdoors in some of them as well! Classes here will be kept small  - with lots of individual attention! 

Here's the dates:

Thursdays 9:30am-noon

September 29th

October 6th

October 20th

November 3rd

November 10th

November 17th

Purchase the group of 6 classes for $150, or 

drop-in rate of $35 per individual class.  

I look forward to seeing you this fall!! 

YOU hold the keys to your enchanted life!

"You will not find wi-fi in the forest, but you will find a better connection." - unknown

I'm so proud of my 12 students this past Saturday morning! I taught Nature Journaling at the CT Audubon Society in Pomfret, CT.  It's beautiful countryside up there - but the things I teach can be taken anywhere.  Watercolor and a sketchbook is so wonderfully portable.  It's a wonderful habit to grow and develop.  Some came with lot of current skill - and found new vistas and things to try.  Some were refreshing old skills that had gone un-used for over a year.  Some were bravely learning a brand new skill that very day!  One was eager try out a new medium once she saw the fun that others were having.  

All came away with some very 'zen' moments of the day, recording this beautiful place on paper and in their memory.  It was indeed an enchanted morning, the kind that starts with a bit of fog, fierce and interesting clouds, burning off to glorious sunshine.  This mirrors our emotional start when we start to learn a new task. 

I love to see the expressions on people's faces when they go from "that moment of doubt" to the "aha! moment of discovery" - and the joy on their faces with the knowledge that, "hey, I can DO this! It is a learnable task that I can do!"

I'm grateful for the opportunity to volunteer with the CT Audubon Society.  We're putting together the fall schedule there, and I'll be holding new classes and workshops in my home studio as well  - starting in late September, once I return from Ireland.  I'll be putting the dates on my website VERY soon! Check the link here for Fall updates! 

Besides the wonderful hay bales, here's some more of what our attendees were able to journal in their sketchbooks:

jewelweed or "touch-me-not" plant

which by the way, is a poison-ivy antidote!

a bundle of tiny rose hips from that invasive climbing rose that has escaped all over Connecticut, 

and a lovely hawk, who kept watch over us from above! 

I think I've found the "Fairy Glen" in Pomfret, CT!

"When we see with clear eyes, we know that we are surrounded by beauty."

"The scales have tipped and the days have more of early fall in them than early summer in them."  

- Edwin Way Teale

Yes, I am feeling the changes in the air after last weekend's sweltering heat.  And the length of day light is changing, too.  Sunset is coming around 7:45pm now, rather the the early-mid summer long days. 

Yesterday I spent the morning up in Pomfret, CT; sketching at the CT Audubon Grassland Bird Sanctuary.  The fields are in the process of being cut for hay.  Big round-bales dotted the rolling hills, a most wonderful sight for an artist I might add...or for anyone.  Why should only artists be privy to the "magic" in a beautiful view?  I'm looking forward to this Saturday, when I share this view with a group of people who are coming to learn about "sketchbook journaling" or keeping a nature journal.  With the fields mown and hay bales lying about, I think I have discovered "the fairy glen".  It's an area previously inaccessible to me. There's a large swath of shade that will last for the entire 3 hours of class - with interesting views in all directions.  Several types of wildflowers are still in bloom - the very last of the milkweed (though most are producing their big pods now), and an interesting yellow-orange flower that looks a bit like an orchid that grows on a climbing vine. (remember, you can click on any photo to enlarge it, and see up close!)

Turns out it is called 'touch-me-not' plant or jewelweed. It is found in moist areas where poison ivy grows and it's an 'antidote' for it.  Crush the watery stems and leaves in your hand and rub vigorously on affected areas. It soothes and helps prevent spreading of poison ivy oils. 

A cluster of pea-sized berries turns out to be the 'rose hips' of that  (invasive) species of climbing rose here in Connecticut (it IS a vigorous grower).

Along the edges of the cut field tall goldenrod spills its plumes. A hummingbird hovers to look at me before darting back to the yellow orchid-like blooms of jewelweed.

 In the middle of sketching, I hear, and notice a hawk soaring over-head. 

As I complete each sketch, I notice the deep calm I feel of my being here, in this one place....intently looking and listening.  Deep awareness - yet deep calm. I'm refreshed and invigorated from the experience (perhaps addicted) knowing that as soon as I drive away, I'll be wanting to return. 

For more info on the next class, see the calendar of events, click on August 20th, Nature Sketchbook Journaling here at this link.

I do hope you can join us!

A New 'Master Naturalist' - Sketching and Painting

High Tide Spring (available here) - based on a watercolor sketch at the Connecticut River

This year has been so exciting so far, and we're almost 2/3 of the way through!  And there's still more exciting things yet to come! 

Perhaps you can join me at the next "Nature Sketchbook Journaling" class at the CT Audubon center in Pomfret, CT. 

  

August 20th - Saturday - 9am to noon

$5 for CAS members, $10 non-members

This fee goes to support the center!

After completing the Master Naturalist class with the CT Audubon in Spring, I've been able to expand my role from simply 'nature lover' to one who shares with my community.  Currently my  role as master naturalist is to continue learning everything I can about our natural world here in Connecticut, and share/teach this to others in the form of sketchbook journaling. 

 I grew up in Florida, and always loved being outdoors.  From a lifetime of learning in the south, I felt I knew and was familiar with all of that region's 'flora and fauna' but knew little of my adopted home state here in Connecticut.  So I jumped at the opportunity to learn through the Master Naturalist program at the CT Audubon Society center in Pomfret, CT.  

As a painter and a naturalist, in a time when so many are dis-enchanted with our world and things that are going on...I wanted to help people become "enchanted" by our natural surroundings and help them develop a love and appreciation for it... perhaps helping them to see things in a new way.  When people see beauty (and learn to see it in places where they might not expect it), they are more likely to love and protect that place or thing. 

I spent the winter and spring in the weekly course sessions held at the CT Audubon center in Pomfret.  Like "drinking out of the fire hydrant" - there is so much material to cover! It made me realize how long it would take for me to feel truly competent!  Luckily, learning is a lifelong endeavor that we commit to.  Each class was fascinating and amazing.  I'd come home smiling those days, feeling like a happy 10 year old Girl Scout!  The teachers were excellent - I had found an entirely new appreciation of my surroundings - the courses had exceeded my expectations!

 Each of the new master naturalists is asked to give back 40 hours of volunteer time.  I am thrilled to be able to share and teach "nature sketchbook journaling".  As a painter, I love the look and feel of paint and ink on paper.  But as a life-long nature lover, I especially enjoy going back through old sketchbooks.  I can see what was blooming on a certain date the previous year, remember funny incidents like the antics of a chipmunk.  This little creature chased a group of sparrows all around a garden bench...while they continued to taunt him!  These painted sketches bring back so many more wonderful memories than most photographs ever do!

Sketching has a meditative quality to it, and sketching from life - out in nature - allows you to see things you would NEVER notice if you were just hiking through.  Time seems to stand still, while you observe things like a dragonfly trying to lift off the ground with a small crab he has captured; or a hummingbird that is hovering over your page as you paint red flowers! Nature is enchanted indeed. It cares not of our skill in drawing or painting, only that we witness it, and fall in love with it - and preserve and protect it!

 I'd love for you to join us in Pomfret on the 20th; call and reserve your spot

CT Audubon Society- 860-928-4948

and be prepared to be enchanted! 

Nature Sketchbook Journaling class -CT Audubon Society

 Join me this Saturday, July 23rd

9:00am 'til noon

at the CT Audubon Society

Grassland Bird Conservation Center

218 Day Road

Pomfret, CT

 for 

Nature Sketchbook Journaling! 

Cost - $5 CAS members, $10 non-members

This is my "give back to community" class, all proceeds go to the CT Audubon Society right there in Pomfret, CT.  It looks like it may be a 'hot one' outside on Saturday. No worries, if it does indeed turn out to be a scorcher, we'll stay inside in the BIG room (in the air-conditioning) and I'll show you how to make a gridded page of "found objects in nature".   

You'll spend time sketching and painting from nature/objects from nature, using pencil, pen and watercolor.  Learn new skills or develop ones you already have. I'll show you how to simplify what you see and teach basic drawing and quick intuitive watercolor techniques.  Enhance your creativity, observe nature, record the day and enjoy the meditative qualities of sketching! 

Materials you'll need to bring:

-pencil, eraser

-permanent, waterproof, black drawing pen (Faber-Castell PITT artist pens, or Pigma Micron pens are good brands) Sharpies tend to bleed through most papers

-watercolors (a travel size or kid's set)

-watercolor brush (you'll want to start with at least 1, choose anything between a size 6 to 10)

-watercolor sketchbook/journal (regular will buckle, make sure it says "watercolor or multi-media" on the label)

-water bottle

-small plastic container for rinsing

-camp chair or stool to sit on outside (if we end up outside!)

-sunscreen, bugspray, a hat with a brim/visor

 The center is in a beautiful, rural part of CT, with inspiring views. Even if we work inside (if it turns out to be hot and muggy), our room has a big spread of windows on 2 sides- great light and views. 

***You may want to bring some 'found objects' of your own, flower heads, seed pods, pine cones, abandoned bird nests, interesting twigs, shells, feathers, leaf stems. There's lots of fun ways to design a page with these little treasures of nature!

Hope to see you on Saturday!!

-

-

Nature Sketchbook Journaling Class at the CT Audubon Center

Are you ready to start your own Nature Journal? There's so many ways to go about it. This Saturday is the second session for my Nature Sketchbook Journaling class at the Grassland Bird Conservation Center/Connecticut Audubon Society in Pomfret, CT.  

Whether you're new to the whole thing of working in a sketchbook, or you've been at it for years, and are looking for some new ideas, or just a beautiful way to connect with nature, then this class is for you. 

You'll spend time outdoors sketching and painting from nature, using pencil, pen, and watercolor. Learn new skills or develop ones you already have. 

I'll show you how to simplify what you see and teach basic drawing and quick intuitive watercolor techniques. Enhance your creativity, observe nature, record the day, and enjoy the meditative qualities of sketching outdoors.  

DATES ARE AS FOLLOWS (you may choose one or all, as your schedule permits this summer):

June 25th, July 23rd, and/or August 20, 9:am-noon

Cost per day: $5CAS members, $10non-members. All fees go to CT Audubon. 

Materials you'll need to bring:

-pencil, eraser

-permanent, waterproof, black drawing pen

-watercolors (a travel size or kid's set)

-watercolor brush

-watercolor sketchbook/journal (regular paper will buckle)

-water bottle

-a small plastic container for rinsing

-Camp chair, or stool to sit on outside.  

I went out on Monday to scout out the area again, and see what wildflowers are currently in bloom (that would be milk weed, just opening up). I went from the fields, to the woods, and back; sketching in each place as I went. There is a beautiful spot along the wooded trail that overlooks a ravine (above). I was experimenting with a bit of layering. 

 I even went to look for places I wanted to avoid! (those with poison ivy....and deer flies!!). That place was hard to stick around for very long, the deer flies ran me off in this one wooded area! 

I'm glad there's lots of great places to sketch here on the grounds of the preserve! Here's their address and phone number:

CT Audubon Society

Grassland Bird Conservation Center

218 Day Road

Pomfret Center, CT 06259

860-928-4948

Giving Back - Nature Sketchbook Journaling at CT Audubon Society in Pomfret, CT

I've just recently completed the Master Naturalist class offered by the Connecticut Audubon Society in Pomfret, CT. All of my classmates agreed that we've barely scratched the surface.  But we've been fascinated, enchanted, and amazed at the things we have learned each week. Life around us is never boring - there is always something new to learn and wonder about! 

As part of our course, we agree to share what we've learned with others - in the form of volunteer hours.  The facility and grounds in Pomfret offers so much! Our summer programs are beginning this month, and I am offering a series of Nature Sketchbook Journaling (yes, as my form of volunteering!). 

I do hope you'll join us at the Pomfret Center, here's the address so you'll find us on these Saturdays (listed below):

Grassland Bird Conservation Center

218 Day Road

Pomfret Center, CT 06259

(860) 928-4948

 The schedule is as follows: 

Saturdays, June 4, June 25, July 23 or August 20, 

9a.m. to Noon

You'll spend time outdoors sketching and painting from nature, using pencil, pen and watercolor. Learn new skills or develop ones you already have.

I'll show you how to simplify what you see and teach you basic drawing and quick intuitive watercolor techniques. Enhance your creativity, observe nature, record the day and enjoy the meditative qualities of sketching outdoors. 

*Cost per day: $5 CAS members, $10 non-members. (all fees go to CT Audubon)

*Materials you'll need to bring:

-Pencil, eraser

-Permanent, waterproof, black drawing pen

-Watercolors (a travel size or kid's set)

-Watercolor brush (or waterbrush)

-Watercolor Sketchbook or 'multi-media sketchbook' (regular paper will buckle)

-Water Bottle

-Small plastic container for holding water/rinsing

-Camp chair or stool to sit on outside

 Please share this post with friends who may be interested!!