We are working on a redesign of this website. Subsequently, this class will be available for registration by August 6.
Instructor: Marley Pfeifer
Thursdays, September 18, 25 and October 2 and 9, 3:00 – 5:00 PM, East Rec
4-week session. Cost: $70 + cost to purchase your own materials. See list below.
Course Description:
Do you want to experience Nature with fresh eyes? Do you want to notice, understand, and remember more of the vibrant world around you? This fun class will teach you the skills and give you the tools used by the greatest Naturalists of all time. Using pencils, ink, and watercolor we will create sketches and take notes of plants and landscapes at different locations near Oakmont.
Course Detail:
In this class we will assemble one of the most powerful toolkits for learning about Nature. Following in the footsteps of Audubon, Humboldt, Darwin, and Maria Sibylla Merian, we will reintegrate art and science in a creative synthesis that is fun, functional, and aesthetically engaging.
Part of each class session will take place outdoors where we will explore the diversity of life forms and relationships that surround us. We will use techniques of observation and analysis based in field biology as well as note-taking and memorization methods based on cognitive science. This will be balanced with poetic, artistic, and creative approaches. Art materials and strategies will be discussed and practiced in a variety of media but with a strong emphasis on watercolor. We will make short excursions carrying our Nature Journals and portable art supplies. As we explore we will stop to observe and illustrate what we see.
By the end of the class you will have sharper eyes, better nature awareness, and a beautiful journal documenting your experience. You will also possess the tools and mindset necessary to pursue a life-long learning adventure. Some drawing experience recommended and ability to do some outdoors walking is required.
Week One:
Introduction to teaching philosophy, syllabus, schedule, expectations and review of supplies and materials. Brief overview of Nature Journaling techniques. Basic drawing.
Methodology: Lecture, Slideshow, Group Discussion, hands-on drawing practice.
Week Two:
Introduction to Nature Journaling in the field. Demonstration of materials and techniques, practice of observation methods. Focus on plants, basic botany and botanical illustration.
Methodology: Short lecture, experiential activity, field study, group discussion. Optional dive deeper homework resources.
Week Three:
Continuation of Nature Journaling in the field. Introduction to color theory and use of watercolor in the field. Practice of observation methods. Continued focus on plants. Combine observation with drawing and color techniques.
Methodology: Lecture, experiential activity, field study, group discussion, one-on-one feedback. Optional dive deeper homework resources.
Week Four:
Continuation of Nature Journaling in the field. Focus on capturing the feeling of a place and ecological information in small watercolor landscapes. Implementation of drawing and color techniques.
Methodology: Lecture, experiential activity, field study, group discussion, one-on-one feedback. Optional dive deeper homework resources.
Week Five:
Continuation of Nature Journaling in the field. Work on personal project pages combining elements we have learned so far based on plants and landscape observed in the field. Small lesson on drawing birds in the field. Final project review. Group journal share.
Methodology: Lecture, experiential activity, field study, group discussion, personal projects. Optional dive deeper homework resources.
Supply List:
Please get your supplies in advance of the class. They can be purchased online or I recommend Rileystreet Art Supply in Santa Rosa. They will have our class supply list there if you ask for Marley’s Nature Journaling Class and they can help you with the list.
- Mixed media sketchbook: preferably wirebound, hardcover, 8.5”X11”, approx 150 gsm paper.
- Japanese “Fude” Brush Pens: Waterproof ink! This is our main drawing and writing tool. Possible brands include Zebra Pens, Tombow Fude pens.
- Micron or other fineliner pens: Waterproof ink only! If you cannot find fude type pens these can work. Size 01 and 05.
- Pentel Aquash Waterbrush: The main type of watercolor brush we will use. Get size large or medium. I do not recommend small size.
- Basic Watercolor kit: such as Winsor and Newton Cotman 14 pan Field Set
- Pencil: Regular HB pencil or a basic mechanical pencil size .7 such as Pentel “Twist Erase CLICK”
Non-Art Supplies
- Carrying Bag: Large purse, canvas shopping bag, or messenger style bag that can hold your sketchbook, art supplies, and a water bottle.
Here is a more in depth list with links: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14no26LTsTTDAPcJUPnbFufOVRJCDHsAqkRlOttU4mx4/edit?usp=sharing
