Nature invites us to explore and enjoy the world, yet often, we are too busy to respond. Would you like to deepen your connection to nature? Practicing nature journaling is a fun and easy way to slow down, tune in to the world around, and enjoy greater well-being. As you record your discoveries, you develop your observation skills and create a treasured record of small moments in your life that might otherwise slip away. In this class, we’ll incorporate mindfulness techniques to break free from the distractions that are common in daily life and practice paying close attention. With simple writing and sketching techniques, you’ll capture the beauty around you and learn to see like an artist. We’ll talk about ways to overcome obstacles to creative practice, such as not having enough time and dealing with the inner critic. Erika Walker is a Denver writer and artist and has been teaching and practicing nature journaling for many years. She has a certificate in botanical illustration from the Denver Botanic Gardens. No art background is needed to enjoy this class, the purpose is the process, not the product.

Student buys and brings materials ($10-$20). Bring a sketchbook with unlined pages, at least 5x7 and no larger than 8x12 (if you are going to add watercolor to sketches, make sure the sketchbook has thicker paper). Bring something you like to draw with, either two pens (waterproof if going to do watercolor, like a Sakura Pigma Micron 01 and Sakura Pigma Micron 03 for drawing) and/or pencils (HB and H); an eraser; and pen and paper for note taking and exercises. The instructor won’t be teaching about watercolor or colored pencils, but if you’d like to add color to your drawings, bring them to class to use. Time may be spent outdoors, so dress accordingly, and bring what you will need to be comfortable, such as a sun hat, sunglasses, water bottle, etc.