Lichen. Moss. Ferns.

In this workshop, we will venture outdoors to sketch incredible species as we explore trails nearby! We will look for plants that fill in the forest floor, hang from branches, and cling to rock to create design ideas. Returning to the studio, we will create works of art that honor these fascinating neighbors using the 2D media of your choice (realistic or abstract)! Individual instruction, demonstrations, and botanical information on the uses, evolution, and habitat of various species will be included.

*Sketching locations can be 1/2 mile one way on uneven terrain.

Zebith Thalden shares her passion and enthusiasm for the outdoors as a nature illustrator, environmental educator and author. Her own artwork presents hyper-realistic representations of insects, botanicals, amphibians and other living treasures. Her pieces have been featured in solo and group exhibitions in galleries, cultural centers, and art museums throughout the United States and abroad. She received a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design and an MFA from Goddard College. Through her instruction, creative work and interdisciplinary collaborations she hopes to inspire a deep engagement with the natural world, ecological stewardship and connection through shared wonderment.

Portable items:

Sketchbook and drawing/color utensils

Camping chair that is easy to carry (optional)

Backpack for hands free carrying (encouraged)

Water bottle (most important item)

Snacks

Walking or hiking shoes (may get a little wet and/or muddy)

Personal weather preparations (sunhat, rain jacket, bug repellant, warm/cool layers, etc)

Hiking poles (optional)

Studio items:

Drawing pencil- HB or slightly harder

Non-toxic 2D media (paint, torn paper, colored pencil, pastel (oil or chalk), charcoal, etc.)

Multiple grounds in a size/ material of your choosing (paper, canvas, or the like), for wet media I use 140lb hot-pressed watercolor paper

Have enough supplies so that, if you'd like, you can create multiple finished works each day (that can be completed in a few hours).

Additional supplies that support above items (brushes, glue, pencil sharpener, drawing board, artist tape, ruler, eraser, etc.)

*If you are new to art, I can supply a specific list based on your media preference

Easels

Paper cutter

Water containers for paint