Learn how to notice what really captures you about an environment or scene and how to translate this into painting through form, color, texture and pattern. We will explore working from a number of different visual references and how to draw from these something that is individual to you. We will look at the importance of creating your own "techniques library" in a sketchbook to refer back to time and time again.

Suggested Materials

• Sketchbook or several sheets of paper (preferably at least 300gsm)

• Watercolors and/or gouache in a range of colors

• Palette or plate for mixing

• Brushes of varying sizes including a couple for finer detail

• container(s) for water

• pencil, eraser, pencil sharpener

Visual resources to consider

• At lease one clear and well-lit photograph of nature you have taken/or found: this could be of an landscape, plant, animal etc (better to have multiple of the same subject matter)

Optional for considering mood boards

• Images from magazines, books, films and documentaries.

• Images from your favorite artists, photographers: these do not need to be connected to the theme of nature but we will use to reflect on visual elements which resonate with you.