Illustrated Nature Journaling

Journaling, especially when enhanced by your own illustrations, can add much to your enjoyment and remembrance of time in nature. Documenting what you see through photography or by creating sketches is something that can be learned by almost anyone, especially under the guidance of skilled, experienced instructors. This spring promises to supply an abundance of subject matter in the form of desert wildflowers—join us for a day of learning to document their beauty!

Many non-artists say "I just can't draw!" In the afternoon, Callie will introduce students to techniques which anyone can use to record their observations of nature on paper. The emphasis will be on creativity and learning in a supportive and fun atmosphere. Students will need a sketchbook (around 8 1/2 x 11 or larger is fine), an HB pencil, a good white art eraser (not a Pink Pearl, please!) and a small sharpener, as well as water, hats and sunscreen. Students may also wish to bring colored pencils or watercolor pencils if they have them and would like to use them.

Photographing flowers, either for later reference to identify or sketch them or just because they’re beautiful and you want to remember them, isn't difficult and can be done with a minimum of camera equipment. One of the "must haves" though, is a sturdy tripod to keep the camera stable and steady as you photograph flowers. In the morning half of this class, Phil will teach you how to take well exposed, sharp images of flowers in your backyard and out in the field.

Bring: lunch, water, hat, sunscreen, camera and tripod, sketchbook, HB pencil, small sharpener, and a white art eraser.

Cost:  $45 or $35 for ABF members 

Sign Up Now                                                    

Your instructors:

Callie Mack lives and works in San Diego. She has a B.S. in Biology from Cleveland State University, and attended Mesa College and UCSD Extension for illustration and graphic design classes. She works in a variety of media, and has created art for educational software, banner designs and logos, detailed scientific illustrations, and environmental-awareness posters for City of San Diego Parks. She is currently working closely with educator Pat Flanagan and the Desert Protective Council to design and illustrate the Salton Basin Living Laboratory curriculum, a desert nature education program for teachers and students in the Salton Basin area.

Phillip Roullard is a professional photographer with a BA from Brooks Institute of Photography, who also works for California State Parks. Phil has taught workshops & classes for UCSD Extension, San Diego State Extension, Adventure 16 and the San Diego Natural History Museum. Published work includes, National Geographic books, Audubon calendars, Audubon Field Guides, BBC Wildlife, San Diego ZooNooz and Time magazine. You may view his work at www.philliproullardphotography.com