"S" is for Summer and Summer is for Sketching!

I've been drawing a lot of feet lately. I'm not totally sure why...

My studio time has been minimal lately. Not that I haven't been creating, it seems that the summer brings a shift in my sensibilities. Sitting on my covered deck in the rain with a sketchbook and pen, using watercolours at outdoor events to etch memories onto paper. Our Alberta climate is such that by the time May rolls around and I can reliably be outside without a snowstorm looming, I can't bear to stay inside. So, I like to make my work portable. 

This time of the year is also where I look to refill my reserves and bank some creative ideas for when the machinery of life starts up again in September. A day spent sketching and dreaming often pays dividends further downstream when I need inspiration. I can open a sketchbook, feel the memory of hot sun and survey the notes I made while my creative urges were blooming. 

This has been my rhythm for around twenty years now. I am a firm believer in grounding myself in the pages of my sketchbook. It is my memory keeper, colour swatcher, endeavor planner and place for safe keeping. A treasure trove of ideas. 

Since this is such an integral part of my art practice, as an instructor, I jump at every chance I get to share some of the tricks and methods I've stumbled across and integrated into my studio practice. This summer is FILLED to the brim with such opportunities. In fact, I've already held a few sketching based workshops, with lots more on the way.

All of these classes are suitable for beginners who are looking to open a sketchbook and begin their creative journeys, seasoned professionals who just need a creative exploration to shake things up and everyone in between. Oftentimes these classes become a catalyst for creativity and cross pollination as everyone is supportive and friendly. It's a great way to meet some new people and potential future sketching buddies! 

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Coming up this weekend, I will be returning to the charming Leighton Art Centre for a special sketchbook class - 

Creative Freedom – Using an Art Journal to Unlock Your Creative Spirit 
(One Day Workshop)
June 22, 2019  10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 

Unsure of where to start on the path of creativity? Feeling stalled with creative blocks? Need an infusion of inspiration? Whatever your experience level or challenges you face with your art, you can break through using a series of creative techniques and journaling to discover the next step in your artistic journey!

$85.00 + GST & Eventbrite Fees
Registration closes on Thurs. June 20, 2019 at 6:00 PM 

Register here or contact workshops@leightoncentre.org or phone: 403-931-363

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In July and August I will be doing five sessions at the fabulous Inglewood Art Studios (in Bridgeland), we held a session at this location in May and the variety of architectural and natural features was amazing to draw. Great for people watching too! 

Plein Air Sketching Summer Series
(One Day Workshop, 5 different sessions to choose from)
Saturdays from 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
July 6th
July 20th
July 27th
August 17th
August 24th

Come join us at the Inglewood Arts studio and around Bridgeland for some outdoor urban sketching. This series of classes will focus on a wide range of approaches for quickly capturing the moment with easy-to-transport supplies as well plenty of practical information of what to bring on your adventures! Each session will feature different techniques and places in the neighbourhood. Sign up for one, or join us for more!

Choose your dates ($90 per session - Save when you register for more then 1 Session)

1 Session $90
2 Sessions $150 (Save $30)
3 Sessions $195 (Save $75)
4 Sessions $240 (Save $120)
5 Sessions $275 (Save $175)​

Register here or contact Inglewood Art Supplies at inglewoodart@shaw.ca or 403-265-8961

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If you are looking for a reason to get back into your sketchbook, want to learn how to draw while travelling or to start using all those empty sketchbooks you keep buying... come and join me on one of these dates!