Discover Nature Sketching and Journaling
Gain Skills and Confidence to Document Your Nature Discoveries!
STUDENT TESTIMONIAL
"Christine is an amazing instructor; having her as a facilitator and guide was an inspiring and wonderful experience"
- Oris Sanjur; Deputy Director, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
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Just Imagine...
It's a beautiful day and you take a stroll out in nature. You sit next to a tranquil pond, a meadow's edge, a sandy beach, or under a big tree. With your sketchbook in hand, you draw the scene with ease, confidence, and joy.
Discover Nature Sketching and Journaling will help you develop a meaningful and fun nature sketching practice by providing inspiration, creative prompts, video lessons, and printable resources.
Topics Covered
- Benefits of a nature sketching and journaling practice.
- What you'll learn about nature through documenting what you see.
- Creative suggestions for what to sketch both at home and around your region.
- Tips for fostering a regular practice of sketching.
- Supplies you'll want for sketching in the great outdoors.
- Video tutorials on foundational pencil sketching techniques.
Student Testimonial
"There is nothing more grounding for me than sitting outside and taking in the beauty of our natural environment. Thanks to Christine, I’ve realized how therapeutic nature sketching can be!"
- Tabitha Stevenson
Who this course is for
- Nature lovers
- Environmental educators
- Homeschooling families
- Science educators
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View Curriculum and Free Previews Below
(Make sure to click the down arrow to see all the lessons)
Click the down arrow above to see all the lessons!
Student Testimonial
“I love all the classes Christine Elder teaches. She is an excellent instructorwho uses education, skill, and humor to teach. You will not only learn how to draw a bird, reindeer, or pangolin... but, also all about the animal, its environment, and how we can help them survive. I really like her classes and tell anyone who is thinking about taking one to "go on and take a break from your everyday busy life, learn something, craft a skill, and have fun too."
- Elaine Bishop
Printable Workbook
Course includes this downloadable booklet of high-resolutions references photos that you can practice sketching from.
Student Testimonial
"Christine helped me to become more confident and excited about drawing. As a big-picture ecologist, I’ve thoroughly loved getting back into the habit of slowing down and focusing on the smaller details. I feel like I’ve become a better artist AND a better biologist! Plus, Christine’s videos are very approachable, educational, and fun"
- Nicole Weprin
Your Instructor
I’ve been drawing and painting nature all my life and love sharing the joy I experience when I’m in the field with students.
As a former classroom teacher, I know how to lead students in a logical, step by step progression, giving them the knowledge to proceed with skill and confidence.
My advanced degrees in both biology and scientific illustration inform my work and teaching style.
I travel regularly, sketching the flora and fauna I encounter and teaching workshops to both adults and youth in such diverse places as Mexico, Honduras, Jamaica, Panama, and the United States.
I make my home in central Oregon, on the eastern slope of the volcanic Cascades mountain range, where the pine forests meet the sage steppe.
When not teaching, I enjoy hiking, bird watching and horseback riding.
Questions? Feel free to contact me via email at: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
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More Student Testimonials!
"Christine is a passionate naturalist and educator who loves to share her two loves — art and nature—with newbies like me."
-Nanette Holland O'Hara
"WOW! Christine’s sketching courses are fantastic! She shares her knowledge + love for the natural world and guides you through the sketching process to make it simple, doable, and enjoyable. It’s like having a relaxed private lesson in the comfort of your own home."
- Eve Taylor
"Christine is not only super knowledgeable about her plants & animals, but she's fun, too! I didn't think I could draw anything but even with a few video classes I learned I could. She has the perfect blend of giving really interesting information, great sketching lessons, and fun."
-Wildflowers Nature School
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"Christine consistently breaks down the complex into doable steps - beyond techniques and copying. She allows your inner artist to emerge and merge with the instructions she offers."