After teaching my 3 day class earlier in July, I headed up to Door County in Wisconsin to teach a 5 day Illustrated Nature Journaling class. If you don't know about The Clearing in Ellison Bay, Wisconsin, you need to check it out. The Clearing is a folk school founded in 1935 by landscape architect Jens Jensen. Their mission is to provide diverse educational experiences in the folk school tradition, in a setting of quiet forests, meadows and water. It is a place were adults who share an interest in nature, arts and humanities can learn, reflect and wonder.

A class demo, Ironwood tree   |   View from the Council Ring off the cliffs

Two years ago I was invited to teach a week long class by the director. I treasure my week there, staying in a lovely cottage, eating fantastic meals prepared for us and meeting new people. This place is a dream location to offer my class, where students are devoted to learning, sharing and expressing themselves in numerous ways. In the five days I have time to cover most of the extensive material I like to offer. As in the other workshops, I teach drawing step by step, pen and ink, watercolor, watercolor pencil, page layout, calligraphy and collage.

Summer went by way to fast. This past July I taught two different Nature Journal classes. In teaching this topic for many years, I have developed from 2 day curriculum (weekends usually) on up to 5 day sessions. Several friends and past students came to participate in a three day class held at the Holy Wisdom Monastery near Madison, Wisconsin. Although very, very hot, I arrived the first day with a bucket of fresh native plant clippings gathered on a friend's property. Students brought photos to supplement. We had a fun, congenial time in a beautiful sunroom on the second floor of the Monastery. I was impressed with how well everyone did in the three days. We covered the drawing process (step by step), pen and ink, watercolor, watercolor pencils, collage and calligraphy. A participant from Iowa came and stayed at the Monastery which is a nice option for out of town students. I enjoyed arranging this class on my own rather than going through an arts organization. I thank my friend, Ann, for helping me get started with the process and may plan more classes there in the future.