Classes
Fall Session: October 8 – November 12 (6 weeks) Tuesday mornings on Zoom
10:00 – 11:15 AM PST
Cost: $75
Recordings only option: $40
Simplicity, observation and creativity come together in this series of weekly drawing and painting classes inspired by nature. Experience the healing properties of nature and art by following Elizabeth’s gentle guidance as we explore various drawing and painting exercises that are relaxing, fun and meditative. Set judgment and expectations aside as you nourish your well-being in your own personal nature sketchbook. Grow a garden in your journal experience joy in the process!
Classes will include:
- Interactive conversation about plant symbolism and meaning (sharing is optional)
- A variety of simple drawing techniques that anyone can master
- Basic watercolor instruction with an emphasis on simplicity and using the materials you are most comfortable with.
All sessions are recorded and sent to students each week for viewing or reviewing on your own schedule.
Suggested supplies: A sketchbook or spiral-bound pad of drawing or mixed-media paper. Drawing pens with permanent ink, such as Micron Pigma pens or Faber-Castel Pitt pens. Pencil and eraser. Ruler. Watercolors of any type…small travel sets are fine. A detailed supply list is available here.
Contact Elizabeth at e.m.higgins@comcast.net to register.
Classes
Suggested supplies for my Nature Drawing & Watercolor classes.
A sketchbook or spiral-bound pad of drawing or mixed-media paper. My favorite is the Canson Mix Media 98 lb sketchbook measuring 9 x 12 inches (above). I also like the Canson Drawing Pad of 24 sheets of 80 lb paper (shown below). The tablet below has thinner paper that still holds watercolor, but it will wrinkle more than the Mix Media sketchbook.
Drawing pens with permanent ink, such as Micron Pigma pens or Faber-Castel Pitt pens. For the Microns, I like using 03, 05 and 08 wide tips. Faber-Castel uses S, M, and L to designate their pen tips. I also sometimes like using a water-soluble Paper-Mate Flair felt-tip marker in black. I will demo this in a class, but you don’t need to have it.
Pencil and a large eraser. I use a regular #2 wooden pencil, and a large Mars plastic eraser made by Staedtler.
Ruler of any kind…you’ll use it to make straight lines.
Watercolors of any type…small travel sets are fine. Bring whatever you own, or invest in a small set of pan watercolors, such as the Winsor & Newton travel watercolor set.
Classes
Half-day nature journaling experience at the Banks-Vernonia State Trail
Sunday, August 25, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Join me in Buxton, Oregon 30 minutes west of Portland to connect to nearby nature and other people who love to be outside and create in a nature journal. This half-day nature journaling experience will take place at the Buxton Trailhead of the Banks-Vernonia State Trail, and features a beautiful wooden railroad trestle, wildflowers, sunny meadows, and a pond and stream that connect to the Tualatin River watershed. The day will begin with a 30-40 minute gentle hike that will familiarize ourselves with the space, followed by gathering at the picnic shelter for an early packed lunch, and an introduction to the watershed and wildflowers of the area. Following prompts and guidance from Elizabeth, we will work together in our journals independently and together to capture the beauty of this space. As part of our nature connection experience, we will collect water from the nearby stream to use with our watercolors.
Cost: $50.00
What to bring:
Your nature journal or sketchbook and your favorite journaling supplies…pens, pencils, small watercolor sets, watercolor pencils, etc.
A packed lunch and bottled water for drinking
A small towel, blanket or camp chair for sitting (there are also picnic tables and benches)
A sun hat and sunscreen for sunny spots
Wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes
Register by emailing Elizabeth here: e.m.higgins@comcast.net
Classes
Fridays in September
September 6, 13, 20, 27
1:00 – 3:00 PM
Hoyt Arboretum is home to a global collection of over 2,200 species of trees from all around the world. Join me on the trails each week to visit many of these species as you explore their unique textures and colors. Close examination of bark, cones, seeds, fruit and leaves will bring new and exciting challenges to your art practice each week. Bring your love of learning and creativity; no previous nature drawing experience is required.
Registration is now open on Hoyt Arboretum’s website
Click here to register at Hoyt Arboretum
Classes
“Time in the Forest: Watercolor Journaling as Nature Connection”
A two-day workshop on September 23 – 24, 2024
Sitka Center for Art & Ecology on the Oregon Coast
I am thrilled to be able to return to Sitka Center for Art and Ecology in September to present my two-day workshop of nature connection, creativity and mindfulness in this transformative setting. This two-day workshop will encompass a diverse range of techniques, including watercoloring, stamp-carving, drawing and writing. It will take place in the Sitka classroom and also in the expansive nature preserve nearby.
Learn more and register here: Sitka Center Workshop Listing
Classes
Summer-Fall 2024: In person classes on Wednesday evenings
I teach beginning and intermediate level watercolor classes Wednesday evenings from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the Walter’s Cultural Arts Center in downtown Hillsboro. Check their website for complete details and registration.
Walter’s Cultural Arts Center Classes
