FAQS

ABOUT GREEN SKETCHING

What is Green Sketching?
Green sketching focuses on 3 things - the process of looking at nature and using drawing to engage more fully with it; it does not require any nature knowledge (you can draw a flower without knowing its name); and it encourages joy, awe and wonder in the world, and in the process is a wonderful tool for mindfulness.

Who is it for?
Everyone! All ages and all drawing abilities (yes, even the ‘I can’t draw’ers) can enjoy green sketching. We focus on the process of looking at nature and recreating it on paper. Its the looking that matters, not the end result.

Where can I do it?
Anywhere! Ideally you are outdoors, whether that be a local nature reserve, in your garden, in the park with your kids, waiting at a bus stop - pretty much every space has at least a small bit of wildlife. Even drawing a weed in the pavement can be rewarding and enjoyable when you take the time to stop and look. If you can’t get outside, looking out of a window can be just as rewarding. Or asking someone to collect a few ‘nature treasures’ for you (pine cones, leaves, sticks, shells) to draw indoors will give you all the benefits too. 

What do I need?
Usually some paper or sketchbook, and a few crayons/pens/paints, whatever you have to hand. Don’t feel you need to have lots of materials with you or that you have to try all the options. Keeping it simple is best when you’re out, just a few coloured crayons and some basic pens is all I need. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t got the exact shade of green, maybe focus on the shape instead and worry less about the colour. 

ABOUT THE WORKSHOPS

What happens on your workshops? 
Workshops generally last for two hours. After a short introduction, we will spend about 30-45 minutes doing some simple looking and drawing activities together. Then we might take a short walk, stop to do some different drawing activities and have a break. For the final half an hour we will get some more art materials out and have a play with colour. Everything is very relaxed, we never share our work and there is no pressure to take part in every activity - you can just enjoy some time outdoors. Every workshop will be a bit different due to the location, season and what we find along the way.

Can kids come on your workshops? 
At the moment I am only offering adult workshops, but I am working on developing Family workshops as a great way for the whole family to get outside together. Sign up to my Adventure Doodles for Families newsletter to stay up to date.

How do I book?
Simply go to my Workshops page and select the workshop you want. Once you select ‘Purchase’, you will be asked to fill out a few details, including emergency contact information. If you are booking the workshop on behalf of someone else, then this needs to be information relevant to the person participating (if you don’t know the info, please put ‘tbc’ in the boxes and I will get in touch with you). You will enter your payment details at the next stage. All payment is done securely through my website, and you will get a confirmation email. All the information you need about the workshop can be found on the workshop event listing, so please refer to that. If you have any questions at all, just get in touch!

What do I need to bring?
Please wear sturdy footwear, and dress for the weather - we may be out in the cold or drizzle or scorching sun! Please also bring your own drinks and refreshments. We will be on our feet or sat on the floor, unless we get lucky and find a bench. So if you want to bring a camping chair or something else to sit on (you may have to carry this as we walk) then please do.

What do you supply?
As part of your booking fee, I will bring all the materials. Everyone will be given their own small sketchbook to use and take away, plus a Green Sketching guide to take home. I will bring a range of pens, crayons, pastels and paints which we will share and give you a chance to try out different ways of drawing.

Can I buy a gift voucher?
Yes, in the Workshops section there are two options for buying gift cards. Add as many to your cart as you want to make your final total amount, and add your message in the window when prompted (or send me an email once you’ve purchased the voucher). I will then separately email you the voucher.

Can I book a place as a gift for someone else?
Yes, please input your details for all the payment. The pop-up window requesting information about the participant needs to be for the person you are booking for - if you don’t know the info, please put ‘tbc’ in the boxes and I will get in touch with you. Please add a message in the Notes box that this is a gift, or send me an email once you have purchased it, and I can send you a gift card if you wish.

Can I book for a private group or my school class?
Yes I offer private workshops. These can be similar to my public ones but for a private group of people, or they can be developed for a specific group with different needs. To enquire and book private workshops, please get in touch and we can discuss your requirements.