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In this tranquil, day-long retreat, you will experience the connections between nature, creativity, and mindfulness. At Jacob’s Farm, in the beautiful, rolling farmland of Seekonk, MA, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural world with an artist’s eye. You will marvel at nature’s abundant creativity, expressed through countless beautiful lines, forms, and patterns, and you will learn drawing techniques that help you record these marvels in your art journal as never before.
If you don’t live nearby, you can join the online version of this retreat by clicking here.
Contour drawing and mindfulness both call on us to SEE what is truly before us and within us without judgment. Their roots are the same, and they offer us a unique opportunity for mindful, creative play.
We will take nature walks, draw in the fields and in the shade of trees, and return to the light-filled retreat space to create, reflect, and connect. You will learn to take a gentle approach to drawing, welcoming imperfection, distortion, and beauty.
Our Day
As we gather together, we will connect with nature and each other through the following exercises:
- Defining how open curiosity connects mindfulness and drawing practice
- Practicing blind contour drawing – or “wonky drawing”
- Seeing with curiosity on relaxed nature walks
- Writing to make meaning of our experiences in nature
- Using color and text to fully paint your deep experience of the natural world
- Softening to embrace the beauty of imperfection and the joy of the creative process
Mindful Drawing Materials
For this workshop, you’ll need to bring the following materials:
- Sketchbook for drawing and watercolor, I like using quality journals that don’t buckle and help me feel successful like Moleskine and Strathmore
- Micron drawing pen Size 03 or Pitt pen
- Watercolor paints OR Watercolor markers and Brush
Jacob’s Farm and The Barn
Please dress in layers so that you can enjoy the outdoors as well as the tranquil quiet of the renovated barn space. In order to protect the delicate wood floors, there is no eating or shoes allowed in the barn, so please plan for your comfort. Bottled water is welcome. We will take scheduled bathroom and snack breaks, but of course, I invite you to step out and take care yourself as needed.
Our Meal
Please bring a bag lunch and water for the day. Unless it is raining, we will eat outside, or some may choose to sit on a small porch.
Pricing
The investment for your experience is $149. You can register here.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need prior art or drawing experience to participate?
No, whether you’ve never drawn before, or you are an experienced artist, this day-long retreat is structured to provide you the space to learn to see in new ways, and opportunities to translate those new visions onto your journal pages.
Are the materials provided?
You will bring your own materials. Please only bring what is on the list, as there are strict rules about what can be used in the barn. Please do not bring chalk, charcoal, acrylic paints, as they can damage the floors. Our goal is to take advantage of the simplicity of only using pen and watercolor to focus on nature’s beauty and the mindful process.
Will lunch be provided?
No, please bring your own bag lunch.
What time is the retreat?
We will gather at 10 am – 5pm.
Do you have an online version of this retreat?
Yes! You can join the Drawing Closer to Nature Online Retreat on May 10th.
Refund Policy
No refunds will be granted, regardless of reason. If I have to cancel for any reason, your money will be refunded.
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