Like the great naturalist John Muir, who documented not only the flora and fauna of his beloved Yosemite, but also the scents and sounds of forest walks and mountain storms, participants in this nature journaling workshop will use all their senses to sketch and paint what they see, hear, smell and touch, adding any thoughts, observations, prose or poetry that come up during their outdoor meditations.
With guidance from artist Sylvia Eneriz, you’ll closely observe whatever sparks your curiosity on the trail, learn quick watercolor and sketching techniques, and experiment with different compositions to capture the feeling or essence of a subject, place or experience. You might draw and scientifically label different birds or plants you encounter, create a simple painting of a sparkling stream and record your thoughts about its babbling sound, or dip your toes in the water and jot down a poem about the feeling of cool stones beneath your feet. However you choose to explore and capture your surroundings, your instructor will create a fun, memorable experience, and she’ll teach you basic nature journaling skills you can take on any outdoor wander.
- Beginner level: Little to no experience required, ages 12+.
- Registration: $20 per day per visitor. Advanced registration recommended; drop-ins welcome as space is available.
- Location: Happy Isles Art and Nature Center. Park at Curry Village, and take the shuttle (shuttle stop #16). Workshops are held outside, weather and medium permitting.
- Time: 10 am–2 pm, Monday–Friday. Please arrive at 9:45 am to purchase supplies, and plan for extra time when taking the shuttles.
- Materials: Supplies are not included in the registration fee. Supply lists are sent to registered participants once payment is received. Additional supplies are available for purchase at Happy Isles Art and Nature Center. All purchases benefit the park! Materials available for use free of charge: field easel, field stool, hardboard, water containers and paper towels.
- Lodging arrangements are the responsibility of the participants.
