Junior Nature Sketch
Junior Nature Sketch is an art and nature education program that encourages students to explore and develop their sketching skills and inspire them to deepen their connection to nature. The course will cover our Nature Sketch skills using a pencil, eraser and sketchbook. Students will cover such art fundamentals as line drawing, understanding shapes and shading techniques, with a fresh and fun approach that will encourage budding artists to create beautiful nature sketches.
Because we cover the great breadth of Canada, we will be making general observations about the changing seasons. As well, we will be discussing the career and art of Canadian artist Robert Bateman, with a focus on his values, his great love for the outdoors and the impact of these on his creative processes.
Supplies needed:
- Good quality sketchbook
- HB pencil
- White eraser
Junior Nature Sketch is an outdoor nature program for kids 5-12 years of age that focuses on sketching and observing wildlife habitats in unique ecosystems. Guided by a sketch artist and a naturalist, this program encourages children to connect to natural environments in their local community using a pencil and a sketchbook.
Children will learn about their local area and wildlife using established eco-literacy principles from Robert Bateman. The program includes ecosystem outings, full lesson plans, a special Nature Sketch sketchbook, and sketching materials.
Nature Sketch aims to encourage fun learning and exploration, developing creativity, and building confidence along the way.
Supplies needed:
- Backpack
- Water bottle
- Nut-free snack
- Sketchbooks & Pencils will be provided.
Instructors
Val Lawton
Teaches in Victoria, BC.
When artist-illustrator Val Lawton was a kid, her favourite books were the ones with the simple scratchy drawings, like Winnie The Pooh, or The Twits. Since then, she has gone on to illustrate over 30 children’s picture books for such clients as the Canadian Football League and the National Hockey League. In addition to being a best-selling, award-winning children’s book illustrator, Val loves being in nature and creating art with kids.
Sue Macartney
Teaches in Victoria, BC.
Sue Macartney is a children’s book author-illustrator, with a professional background in graphic design and art education. She is passionate about the environment and has been exploring nature on Canada’s west coast and around the world since she was a small child.
Melissa Bracken
Teaches in Duncan, BC.
Melissa decided at a very young age her purpose in life was to advocate for environmental connection and sustainability using art. Over the years this journey has taken her down many paths, leading to a large skill set. She has strong backgrounds and substantial certification in Environmental Education, Psychology, Music, Art, Biology and Geography. Currently, Melissa is pursuing a Master of Arts Degree in Environmental Education and Communication at Royal Roads University and has obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Vancouver Island University. She has taught all of the above subjects and has over 15 years of experience in recreational education. In her spare time, Melissa researches ways to care for her local environment and writes environmental music.
Maggie Chow
Maggie teaches in Vancouver, BC.
Maggie has been serving the community with inspired programs and events
for artists of all ages for over 28 years. She studied Drawing and Painting in Vancouver and San Francisco; however, it was the Reggio Emilia philosophy in Early Childhood Education that has shaped her practice most as an art educator. She also has special interests in
Place-Based Learning and Eco Awareness. She is now a full-time artist and teaches across B.C. Maggie is a member of the National Art Education Association and a founding member of Arts and Play Society, a non-profit organization that supports the Pedagogy of Play and using art and nature to create a space for social connection.
