Observational Sketchbook Workshop
connecting to land
Weekend Workshop
Thursday evening to Saturday afternoon
8-10 October 2026
The LaHave Bakery, Conquerall, Pleasantville Nova Scotia, B0R 1G0 Canada
about the course
walking, observing, gathering earth material resources for experimental mark making, recording colour using watercolour paints & earth pigments on paper & cloth
The workshop aims to inspire an observational sketchbook practice sharing innovative and intuitive ways to visually document resources. Connecting to land, walking, gathering, observing is fundamental to immerse yourself in place, slowing down to notice and experience the repetitive rhythms of nature. On the first morning we will go outdoors for an hour or so – it is not a hike, it’s time to find a quiet space to sit, reflect, gather materials, briefly record colour, line, texture, write notes as inspiration for your work.
Combining outdoor exploration with studio practice, the course encourages everyone to be playful, curious, exploring mark making and experimental drawing techniques using found objects. The tutor will demonstrate how to prepare and use the biodegradable soya milk binder she uses to paint earth pigments on cloth & paper. With guidance participants will have the opportunity to try out this process to make colour studies, discovering how subtle variations of hue, tone, and shade can transform a palette.
Group discussions and one-to-one mentoring will help students to focus and evaluate outcomes to develop and expand their understanding of various creative processes. Perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike, the workshop offers a nurturing space to discover what resonates with them and inspire a personal reflective sketchbook practice.
The first evening we will settle in, introduce ourselves and create a personal pop-up studio space. I will give a brief slideshow presentation sharing my studio practice and my field trip sketchbooks that will be available to look through over the weekend.