Creative Nature Journaling

Capture the beauty, wonder, and diversity of nature with fresh, creative approaches to nature journaling. This workshop focuses on multiple ways to sketch and paint nature-related subjects with an eye toward deepening your understanding, appreciation, and personal connection to the places you live or visit. Tanque Verde Ranch presents a perfect setting to explore and sketch the Sonoran desert’s vibrant community of plants, birds and wildlife. From tiny cyanobacterial soil crusts to towering Saguaros, we’ll explore a landscape shaped by sun, wind, drought, and time. Working primarily in ink and watercolor – the most portable and versatile mediums for field sketching – you’ll build artistic skills while experimenting with page layouts, ways to incorporate text, and techniques for capturing a wide range of subjects in your nature journal. We’ll focus on four main approaches: Explorer’s Sketch – Learn to capture a sense of discovery with multiple subjects connected by a theme. This technique is ideal for journaling while walking along a trail, roadside, or beach, sketchbook in hand. Field Notes –Take a deeper dive into natural history through simple sketches and watercolor washes, paired with observations, research notes, and questions about plants and wildlife. Poetry of Nature Sketch – A nature journal is not just about recording what you see – it’s also about you. It’s about what you see, what fascinates you, and what you want to express. We’ll practice conveying the essence of your subject paired with a quote, poem, or short personal reflection. Sense of Place Sketch – Learn to use a flexible grid format to capture key elements of a particular place. This technique is especially useful when traveling or anytime you want to convey a sense of place with multiple small sketches, such as landscapes, maps, plants, wildlife, simple color swatches, and words. Our group will work together in a supportive, encouraging environment and people at all levels of experience are welcome. Jean will work with you to expand and refine your skills and leave you feeling inspired to continue your nature journaling practice. Workshop Schedule: Sunday Night: Welcome Reception at 6pm Monday – Friday: 9am – 4pm *Subject to change*