In-person learning

Learn plein-air sketchbook painting techniques at the height of bluebell season in the beautiful Holyford Woods, East Devon

Join the East Devon & West Dorset Nature Journaling club for a day of creative nature connection. Morning session – Seaton Wetlands, meet in the car park at 10 am. Afternoon session – Umborne Bridge Studio, meet at 2 pm. Payment by donation (suggested £10 per session). The club usually meets on the last Sunday of each month. PLEASE NOTE that these are untutored sessions for nature journaling together! Bring your own kit for the morning, some art materials available to share in the afternoon session. No need to book but RSVP by email if you can!

Booking now OPEN for my first nature journaling retreat! Enjoy two full days learning nature journaling at the beautiful School of Art & Wellbeing, Honiton. Three meditation sessions with meditation teacher Rachel Mann. Work on your nature journaling in the peace of the extensive and varied grounds, and contribute to a joint “journal wall” that we will create together! Monday 17th: Optional full-day guided nature journaling hike in the incredible Undercliffs nature reserve. Accomodation available on site. Click the booking link for further details.

Based on the stunning walled vegetable garden of the School of Art & Wellbeing, you will learn fundamental drawing, writing, and observation skills based on elements of botanical illustration and nature journaling. Techniques from bullet journaling will also be used to help you construct illustrated pages for your gardening to-do lists.

Derwent Inktense is a fantastic medium for creating artwork both indoors and outdoors. Bright and vibrant, Derwent Inktense pencils are similar to watercolour pencils, except they dry permanent like ink. Learn how to use Derwent Inktense pencils with confidence in this beginner-friendly 4-week course.

Derwent Inktense is a fantastic medium for creating artwork. Bright and vibrant, Derwent Inktense pencils are similar to watercolored pencils, except they dry like ink. This allows you to build up layers. Textile artists use Inktense in their work as they work fabulously on fabric. Learn the basics of Derwent Inktense with nature artist Alex Boon. We will explore the Inktense range of pencils, pans, and blocks and how to use them successfully. The day will begin with swatching and tonal exercises followed by the creation of a small-to-medium botanical or bird painting in the afternoon on textured cotton rag paper. Alex will bring some of his photos and tracing paper so drawing is optional! All materials will be provided, but please also bring your Inktense if you have any.

Learn to draw birds in this fun interactive workshop. Using photos, practice getting the “jist” of a bird in as few lines as possible – perfect for improving your sketching skills. Beginner friendly and indoor class.

Learn the techniques to make inks from plants and trees in this full-day workshop. Lots of plant materials, vials, and all equipment provided, make a batch of botanical ink to take home with you! Beginner-friendly.

Learn how to use coloured pencil effectively in this 4-week course covering the basics of colour mixing and blending, layer-building, and different strokes. Beginning with swatching and finishing with a portrait of a bird or favourite pet. Beginner-friendly, all materials provided.