Spring Observations: Nature Journaling Walk and Workshop at Mequon Nature Preserve

Participants will look to the Wisconsin spring landscape as inspiration for a natural journaling experience. Think of this as a mini artist in residence, allowing for exploration and creativity. It will combine a thoughtful walk with a studio experience, using different drawing and water-based painting materials. Participants will be encouraged to bring out the beauty of the season in their own unique way. Creating compositions, technical advice and using observation skills will also be included in the content of this workshop. Participants will be guided on how to be thoughtfully observant of the natural world, learning the process of creating personally meaningful images with drawing and watercolor media. No art experience is necessary, just enthusiasm to visually contemplate the environment, realizing how profound the act of making connects us to it. This workshop is also appropriate for those who have art experience, allowing an opportunity to build on their knowledge and creativity.

The class will involve a walk around Mequon Nature Preserve (MNP) in which participants make visual and written notes on what they see (Note: If the weather is severe, participants will observe the creatures and nature collection of the MNP nature center indoors). They are also welcome to take phone photos especially for some MNP residents who move quickly, like insects! The class will then return to the classrooms to be shown in how to combine their experiences to make a nature journaling style page.

This class is open to everyone 16 years old and older. Snacks and drinks will be provided.