Nature Sketch class

Cairn and I woke up bright and early and got out the door to be at our Nature Sketch and Journal class.  It was a brisk morning so we dressed in layers - 2 pairs of pants, 2 shirts plus a fleece, 2 pairs of socks, hats and gloves.

The sun was shining.

We also were meeting some friends from our homeschool group at the class.

The first 2 hours we learned about how to sketch.  Cairn is a pretty good sketcher but me, on the other hand, I don't have a drawing bone in me.  I sure enjoy trying though.

We learned about blind contour sketching which is where you look only at the object you are drawing and never look at your paper and draw the outline.  After you get the outline you can then go back and add the details.

As we were sitting there, we warmed up and even were able to take off our coats and gloves after a while.

We also learned how to draw by lines, shapes, angles and proportion.

After practicing sketching and even doing quick sketches for those animals that move quickly.  We learned about the different materials we should carry - a sketchpad or journal, pencils, coloring pencils or watercolors, chairs or garden pad to sit on.

 We got to experiment with adding color to our sketches and played with watercolor.

Then we set off on a short hike for an hour and we could draw anything we wanted.  We were creating what they called an event map - drawing things on your path to help you remember your hike.

I drew this little cactus.

Then I drew this rock formation - it is Morrison sandstone and is probably about 3 million years old - according to the retired geologist we met.

 Cairn and her friend working on the same rock formation as I drew.

 

 I also tried to draw this mullen because it had incredibly pretty dew on it.  I think I got the plant but trying to add the dew was tricky.

 After an hour of sketching we returned to our group to share out sketches.  Here is Cairn's.

Here is my event map.  I was trying to experiment with colors but I wasn't liking them.  I should have stuck with my pencil.

Cairn and I both agreed it was a lot of fun and I thought it was very relaxing.

We returned home by noon and the house was empty.  I got on the couch and read and maybe a little nap too.  Cairn sat on the opposite side of the couch and read with me.  We had a very relaxing girl day.