A sedate, mindful nature journaling weekend in a beautiful private location
Join me, Alex Boon, for a special weekend here at the School of Art & Wellbeing. To me, nature journaling is largely about wellbeing and finding space and connection to nature. In this gentle weekend, we will be focusing on how to use nature journaling as a form of mindful self-care. Gentle exercises will be provided for you to try and you will go out in solitude to write, draw, and paint in the beautiful grounds of the School. We have a walled garden, wildflower meadow, forest garden, wildlife pond, and hedges and wildflower patches galore all exclusive to us for the weekend. We have a fully equipped art studio in the old cricket pavilion with the wildflower meadow right outside.
A series of exercises will be provided, along with some self-guided periods of mindful solitude. Alex will be on hand throughout, with his nature and creativity expertise and a huge library of guidebooks and nature books for you to enjoy.
This weekend takes the form of two full-day workshops, with tuition taking place between 10 am and 4 pm each day. Accommodation is available on site if you would like to stay between the two days (or arrive early on the Friday), details below. No food is provided, but there is a communal fridge in the studio space, so do feel free to come stocked up!
SATURDAY 5TH JUNE, 10-4: NATURE JOURNALING FOR MINDFULNESS
We will explore mindfulness-based nature journaling techniques including:
Mindful listing and listening
Interconnections and interdependencies
Settling ourselves into the landscape through mindful writing
Doodling and sketching exercises
Finding connection through curiosity and identification
The majority of Saturday will be filled with beginner’s nature journaling skills sessions. These will include drawing, writing, and identification sessions with plenty of time to practice and work on your skills either in the pavilion art studio or out in the grounds.
SUNDAY 6TH JUNE, 10-4: EMBRACING NATURE-INSPIRED CREATIVITY
After an initial series of drawing warm-ups, you will be invited to explore a wide variety of art materials to freely create in your nature journal. This will include Derwent Inktense pencils, coloured pencils, watercolours, collage materials, pens and pencils and more. Individualised tuition will be provided by Alex to help you create something special. This can take place in the fully equipped art studio (converted from an old cricket pavilion) or out on the grounds, or a mixture of both.
FAQ
Do I need to have any experience?
No, this weekend is intended for complete beginners. All you need is a passion for nature and creativity. People who have experience in art, writing, or naturalism separately but have not combined these, or people wishing to try something new are very much welcome. Art beginners especially welcome, you do not need to be able to draw or paint already to enjoy nature journaling.
What will I need?
All art materials and sketchbooks are provided although you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer. You will be given an “Introduction to Nature Journaling” guide, a sketchbook, and a few other goodies on the first day.
Bring lunch for the two days, there is a fridge for you to use in the pavilion art studio.
Bring comfortable outdoor clothing suited to the weather forecast as there is a strong outdoor component to this weekend. Insect repellent and suncream encouraged!
Can I stay for the weekend?
On-site accommodation is available, which should be booked directly with the School of Art & Wellbeing (info@artandwellbeing.co.uk). The options comprise B&B in the house, glamping options and camping. Prices range from £80 (single occupancy) in the house to £15 per night for camping. Camper vans and motorhomes are welcome at the camping price. Facilities are available in the pavilion.
