Planning a Sketching Outing

This summer, I will be teaching a string of outdoor sketching outings in my area in northern Illinois. Here are some ideas for your own outing alone or with a group.

Also listed below are some other nature projects that would be great to try this spring and summer.

Suggested Supplies:

  • Pad of white drawing paper - one per person (Not too big or it becomes hard to work with. 9" x 12" is good.)
  • Dry mediums, such as graphite pencils, colored pencils, charcoal, or pastels
  • Baby wipes (for cleaning hands outdoors)
  • Folding chair or blanket
  • Camera
  • Nature Identification Guides

Preparation for a great day:

1. Research:

Do a little internet research for picturesque spots in your area. Many websites for public areas have photos of the nicest parts displayed on the site. Especially look for ones that have picnic areas and pavilions. This makes setting up to draw a lot easier than just parking yourself on a blanket. Check out local:
    • Park districts
    • Forest Preserve
    • Local Beaches

2. Scout:

Upon arrival to a site, take some time to scout out the area and enjoy the scenery before settling into a drawing. Don't be overwhelmed by the bigness of everything. Make sure the spot you settle into will be comfortable and preferably shaded.

3. Plan

Consider several different views of nature for drawing:
  1. The Big Picture: Look over an area with water, bridges, trees, or man-made structures and imagine a rectangular frame around one part of it. (You can even use your fingers to create the frame for viewing.)
  2. Singular Study: Choose one tree, shrub, flower, or other large item and sketch it alone without all the background elements.
  3. Still Life: Take some time to collect some leaves, flowers, stones, sticks, feathers, and other small items and create a still life that you can draw on a picnic table or large rock.
  4. Identification Study: Collect several different leaves, shells, seeds, or feathers from the area and identify them with nature identification guides. Draw several samples of one item on a piece of paper and label accordingly.

A path or a bridge make a good focal point.

Photos courtesy of www.morguefile.com

4. Document:

It's nice to record the name and town of the scene you have drawn for posterity. You never know how valuable your drawings may be someday! Find an open spot on your drawing to record the information and use nice handwriting.

5. Finishing at home:

In case you don't finish up on site, it's a good idea to bring along a camera to shoot the scene so you can work on the details some more at home.

Other Outdoor Projects:

Try these other lesson plans for some outdoor art fun:

© Karine Bauch 2009. All rights reserved.

Online projects may be copied and used for personal or educational purposes only. Copying of these projects for any other reason is unlawful except with the consent of the author.