Classes
A half-day nature journaling experience at the Banks-Vernonia State Trail
Sunday, August 23, 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 year will be the third time I’ve led this half-day nature journaling experience at the Buxton Trailhead of the Banks-Vernonia State Trail, and this year’s theme is Symbols and Stories. 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. We will sit at picnic tables to work in our journals to capture the beauty of this space. The park features a beautiful wooden railroad trestle, wildflowers, sunny meadows, and a pond and stream that connect to the Tualatin River watershed. This year we will also have the opportunity to carve our own rubber stamps to symbolize our personal connection to specific aspects of this nature space.
Cost: $60.00
What to bring:
Your nature journal or sketchbook and your favorite journaling supplies…pens, pencils, small watercolor sets, watercolor pencils, etc. If you prefer to work in an accordian journal like the one pictured above, I will have some for purchase the day of the workshop for $10.00
A stamp carving tool and carving rubber (optional…bring them if you have them) I will have some for us to use if you don’t bring your own.
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@icloud.com
Classes
Registration is now open for the following weekly classes at Hoyt Arboretum:
Sketching the Trees of Hoyt Arboretum: A Four-Week Nature Journaling Series
Friday afternoons in September
Sept 4, 11, 18, 25
1:00 – 3:00 PM
Learn more and register here: Sketching the Trees at Hoyt Arboretum
Painting Nature’s Palette: A Four-Week Watercolor Series
Indoor Sessions at Hoyt Arboretum on Friday afternoons
October 30, November 6, 13, 20
2:00 – 4:00 PM
Learn more and register here: Painting Nature’s Palette
Classes, Uncategorized
FALL 2026 STARTS ON SEPTEMBER 15
Tuesday mornings, 10:00 – 11:15 AM PST on Zoom
Six sessions September 15 – October 20, 2026
Cost: $75
Recordings only option: $40
All sessions are recorded for the option of viewing later
Simplicity, observation and creativity come together in this series of weekly drawing and painting classes inpsired 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 judgement and expectations aside as you nourish your well-being in your own personal nature sketchbook. Grow a garden in your journal and experience joy in the process!
Classes will include:
- Interactive conversation about plant symbolism and meaning
- 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 via email to register or ask any questions: e.m.higgins@icloud.com
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. I also recommend a Cotman size 8 round watercolor brush made by Winsor & Newton, or a comparable brand of quality watercolor brush.
Classes
Watercolor Explorations
Friday mornings on Zoom 10:00 – 11:30 AM PST
Fall 2026 Session: 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13, & 11/20 (5 sessions) $90
Recordings only option: $40
These classes will help you show up to paint each week and develop a habit to hopefully keep you painting! In these weekly classes, Elizabeth will demonstrate various watercolor techniques and talk about color theory, composition, and elements of design. Each session will include a demo of technique and step-by-step instruction for mapping out a painting exercise for participants to finish after class at their own pace. There will also be time for Q & A. Practice your technical skills and gain confidence in developing your own painting toolkit and individual style. Basic watercolor knowledge is helpful.
Please contact Elizabeth to register and ask any questions: e.m.higgins@icloud.com
Classes
Fall 2026 Registration is now open for the following classes:
Watercolor for the Very Beginner
Wednesday mornings, 10:30 – 12:30
September 16 – October 21
Nature Journaling
Thursday mornings, 10:30 – 12:30
September 17 – October 22
Watercolor Explorations (Senior Center)
Wednesday mornings, 10:00 – 11:30
October 28 – December 2
Please view the on-line catalog and register at the City of Hillsboro Parks and Recreation website:
Walter’s Cultural Arts Center Classes
