Nature Journaling Workshop Helps Participants Develop Drawing Skills
Our first nature journaling walk | workshop at Berrinba Wetlands on the 1st of April, turned out to be such an enjoyable morning!
Even though the numbers were small, it was perfect for my first nature journaling walk. The weather was cool and overcast, which allowed us to enjoy the wetlands without getting too hot, and made a nice change from the previous hot days we had in Brisbane just prior.
The morning started with a walk from Billabong Outlook, observing our surroundings, taking photos, collecting plants and seeds (only ones that were on the ground) and marveling at the beauty and tranquility. And it wasn’t long before we stopped at the first lagoon to marvel at how beautiful it was and to admire the water lillies, which we noticed hadn’t actually opened because the sun wasn’t out.
With the recent rains, the lagoons were full to the brim with water and the wetlands lush and green, attracting a number of water birds. We ended up spending a considerable time at one lagoon in particular which we were all captivated by. Not just because of its’ beauty, but because of the antics of the ducks and a family of Magpie Geese. One goose in particular (see first pic below) was very vocal, as he clamoured for the attention of a park visitor who happened to be feeding the ducks first.
We finally pulled ourselves away from the lagoon and the birds and made our way back to Billabong Outlook, and sat down at a picnic table and seats as everyone was eager to begin some nature journaling.
We began with a warm-up exercise, called Blind Contour Drawing to ease ourselves into nature journaling (thanks to Paula Peeters for this great lesson). After this and a couple more warm-up exercises, cries from Sally of Get Out There Adventures, of “I don’t know how to draw!”, gave way to…“I love this – I can draw!”.
Self-doubt gave way to pure joy in being present and enjoying the process of observing and drawing. From there I pulled out some coloured pencils, watercolour pencils and watercolour paints and brushes for everyone to experiment with adding colour.
The morning flew by and it was time to pack up and get on with our day. Everyone had a wonderful time and vowed to return for the next walk and workshop. Except for Sally, who will be heading off back to WA in a couple of weeks and making her way across by car and van with her beautiful little family. She was so enthused by her newfound drawing skills, she hopes to document her travels across Australia with a new nature journal. I look forward to seeing the pages of her journal as she experiences and documents the next chapter in her life and creates new adventures!
Thanks to those who attended my first nature journaling walk! I had a great time and was so buoyed by your enthusiastic participation and obvious joy and satisfaction of just creating. I was so impressed by what you were able to achieve in such a short period of time.
Save the Date for our next Nature Journaling Walk + Workshop
The next walk + workshop will be on Saturday June 17 at Logan Village. So put that date in your calendar! This walk + workshop will be a little different, and I’ll reveal all the details as it gets a bit closer. Just know that after our walk, you’ll be able to enjoy the workshop in comfortable surrounds and hot drinks to keep you warm!
Until next time, please enjoy…
…good things.
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