October 2024: Mindful Nature Drawing & Watercolor Classes on Zoom

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.

A Focus on Flowers

Flower Paintings, Journal

January 9, 2018

In December I celebrated six months in my studio at East Creative Collective in downtown Portland.  After a busy phase of settling into my new space, and a lot of abstract painting, I took off to Maui for a week-long painting workshop in November to celebrate my birthday.  While in Maui, I rediscovered the joy of painting what I see, i.e. painting more representationally.  On the third day of the workshop, I painted a floral still-life of a fresh-picked Hawaiian bouquet, using transparent and opaque watercolors.

I have loved flowers for as long as I can remember.  My favorite novels are about flowers (The Orchid Thief, The Language of Flowers), I gravitate toward floral printed textiles, and for many years, before I became a painter, I nurtured an amazing perennial garden in my postage-stamp yard.  My studio is home to a rapidly growing collection of orchids, and I have long held a secret desire to be a floral designer one day

“Hawaiian Bouquet” by Elizabeth M. Higgins

So, wish me luck in my commitment to stick to this subject at least through the end of March.  I can’t wait to see where this takes me! You can follow me on Instagram to see my weekly progress.

Other floral inspirations:

"Tropicana" by Elizabeth M. Higgins

“Tropicana” by Elizabeth M. Higgins