ALL ABOUT GREEN SKETCHING

So, what makes Green Sketching different from other types of outdoors drawing? And do you need lots of experience, knowledge and kit to do it? The good news is, it’s for absolutely everyone, and all you need is a bit of paper and a pencil!

Green Sketching doesn’t really focus on your drawing or sketching ability at all. In fact, maybe another name for it should be Green Seeing - the focus is on looking and noticing the natural world. And a great way to do this is by doodling it with a pencil. The act of drawing helps you to really look at what’s around you, notice the small details, and importantly, there is evidence to show that this act of drawing will make that moment more memorable, and your connection with nature even stronger. The benefits to our mental wellbeing of being in nature is well known, and drawing can be a way to take that connection and benefit even further.

Dr Ali Foxon, the founder of the Green Sketching movement, and author of the brilliant Green Sketching Handbook, has done a TED talk which you can watch below. It should give you a good sense of what Green Sketching is all about!

“The aim of green sketching isn’t to become a great artist but a happy, resilient nature lover!” Ali Foxon

My workshops can be a great way to get started with Green Sketching, but if you just want to give it a go yourself, here are a few top tips:

Things to remember

  • It’s the process of looking, sketching and enjoying the natural world that matters, not the finished drawing.

  • Have realistic expectations of your drawings, especially if drawing is something you are not used to doing. Your skills and confidence will grow, but remember that it is the quality of your LOOKING that is important.

  • Try to relax and take any pressure off yourself. Green Sketching is a tool to help you feel calmer and more connected with nature, so avoid sharing your doodles with anyone and just enjoy the process.

Where to start

  • Get yourself a pencil and a few pieces of paper or small notebook. None of it needs to be fancy!

  • Go to a familiar outdoors spot. This could be your local woods or town square with some trees and plants, your garden or view out of your window if getting outside is hard.

  • Keep your pencil and notebook in your hand, don’t stuff it in the bottom of your bag as the chances of you doing any drawing will be slim!

  • Take a look around your location. Look for things that jump out at you, make you smile or you’re interested in the shape - maybe a tall striking tree, or a lovely colourful flower, or a leaf with a shape you find pleasing. Spend a few minutes just looking at what you have chosen, noticing what shapes it’s made up of, where shapes cross each other. Try and recreate what you are looking at with a doodle.

  • Another nice thing to try is a Doodle Block - draw a grid of 6-10 squares on your page. In each one draw a simple natural shape you can see around you. At first this might feel tricky, but the more you look, the more you will notice!

  • Try drawing the same thing a few times. The first drawing, do in just 10 seconds, this will feel very quick and you will only get the main shape down. Then draw it again but giving yourself 1 minute, you can take a lot more time to notice the details.

The more you do Green Sketching, the more you will notice of the world around you. They only need to be 10 minute doodles, but those 10 minutes spent drawing a dandelion will bring you more joy, peace and a connection to nature than 10 minutes scrolling on your phone. Give it a go!