Getting Started with Nature Sketching

What You’ll Learn:

In this downloadable guide and video, we focus on depicting the two-dimensional shapes of our subjects in order to form a solid foundation for further study. Too often I see people rush to add 3-dimensional form, texture and color without a firm grasp of shape. This may lead to disappointment with your finished product, because something about your drawing will feel ‘off’—and that something is usually due to skipping over a careful observation of your subject’s shape.

In our first exercise, I lead you step-by-step through drawing a leaf. Leaves are great subjects, because they are readily available; they come in a wide variety of shapes; and they are mostly flat (or you can press them flat!), so you won’t be overwhelmed by the challenge of depicting 3-D form.

Next, we move on to some activities that will help you to warm up your sketching muscles and help shift your brain to its right side. My students always find these drawing activities fun and challenging, and they often experience creative breakthroughs as a result.

I’ve also included some tips and ideas for drawing outdoors and some more information about ways I can help you continue your path to learning nature sketching.

After completing the sketching exercises in this guide, I hope you’ll feel more free and confident to continue drawing on your own. If you do, you’ll find the practice of sketching to be a pleasurable and relaxing hobby that can educate you about the natural world and that you can enjoy for years to come.

Is This Guide For You?!

This basic sketching guide will benefit anyone who wants to learn and practice their drawing skills. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to draw but were too busy, or you liked drawing in school but haven’t picked up a sketching pencil in years. Or you’re an accomplished artist in another medium but have never practiced drawing. Whatever your level, this guide should help. Everyone can benefit from the practice of drawing. Studies show that partaking in a relaxing activity like drawing is an effective stress reducer (and we could all use less stress!). The practice of drawing shouldn’t be regarded as just a means to create a ‘work of art.’ For me, it is both a meditative practice and a means of learning about my subject, and if I end up with a something that I like, that’s icing on the cake!

What tools are needed to complete this guide?

All you need are a pencil and paper. I like to use a mechanical pencil because it always stays sharp, but any pencil will do. To complete the drawing exercises, you may simply use the photos and sketches in this guide or you may collect photos or real subjects for inspiration.

What's Included:

• 16 page downloadable pdf guide
• 18 minute step-by-step video tutorial

Praise:

“Christine is so genuine – in her love of nature and desire to teach others about its beauty. She warmly welcomes people into her nature-loving community. You won’t regret joining Christine!”

-Ian Fawley, Interpretive Ranger, Silver Falls State Park, Oregon

“Christine is such a wonderful teacher. She knows her field really well and is very generous with her time and information. Her classes are top of the line and so much fun.”

– Lorna Cahall, student

My Guarantee:

If you’re not completely satisfied, I offer an unconditional 30 day money-back guarantee. However, I do hope that you'll first watch the video, read the guide and try the sketching exercises before you decide that this wasn't worth the money you paid.

About the Creator:

Hi, I’m Christine. I love helping fledgling artists break through their insecurities around drawing, in order to form a deeper connection with the natural world through their sketchbooks.

I’ve spent over 20 years teaching people to enjoy the beauty of nature through the practice of nature sketching. I’ve taught workshops for folks of all ages, both in the U.S. and at international conferences.

I can proudly say that my students routinely tell me “this is the best drawing I’ve ever done!”

My formal education includes bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology, as well as a graduate certificate in scientific illustration.

In addition to teaching, I run my own business creating illustrations for use in natural history interpretive exhibits.

To learn more about my work, visit my website at www.christineelder.com.