Observe the living world with curiosity and attention, and celebrate wonder in a lyric blend of science and art with a Nature Journal!
Bring your love of gardens to a whole new level with a nature journal. Nature journaling is the act of putting pen (or pencil) to paper to observe aspects of nature with curiosity and attention. At this in-person workshop you’ll learn about establishing (or enhancing) your nature journaling practice in the beautiful environment of the UC Botanical Garden. The focus is on experiencing and visually expressing our curiosity about plants and nature, not about making detailed botanical or wildlife art. In this practice, “art” is the experience you have while you’re doing it.
After a brief orientation and warm-up learning activities you will have hands-on observation and drawing time in the Garden. Using words, pictures, and numbers you will capture the forms, shapes, and textures of the plants of your choice. You will practice foundational techniques such as basic drawing, annotation, and a variety of observations that prompt both deeper questions and a deeper connections to the plants. Kate will be available for questions and individual instruction during the Garden journaling time. The group will reconvene toward the close of the workshop to talk about our experiences and learn from each other.
Add "Kit" to purchase all needed materials for this workshop OR bring the below items with you:
- Journal: notebook without lines
- Notation Tools: Papermate Sharp Write #2 pencil, Tombow Fudenosuke Fine Point Black pen, Zebra Midliner Gray double-ended pen
- Observation Tools: Pocket mirror, ruler, magnifying loupe
- Carry-all: Apron with pockets or a caddy
All skill levels welcome; no prior experience necessary. The workshop will be held rain or shine. Come enjoy the beautiful botanical garden setting!
This program is in both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Instructor Biography:
Kate Rutter is an avid nature journaler, urban naturalist, educator, and native plant enthusiast who enlivens nature-human connection through sketching, observation, and curiosity. A lifelong sketcher, Kate has led nature journal workshops at the Ruth Bancroft Gardens, Annie's Annuals and Perennials Nursery, the Wild Wonder International Nature Journaling Conference, and for the California Native Plant Society. She has illustrated three books, and is an adjunct professor in design at the California College of the Arts. Kate holds a B.A. in Studio Art from Wellesley College.
***
Cancellation Policy: Notification two weeks prior to program receives full refund. If you find you cannot attend less than 2 weeks prior to event, you may transfer your registration to someone else by having them use your name at check-in. In the event that the Garden has to cancel a program you will be offered a full refund or the option to transfer to another program.
ATTENTION MEMBERS: Get $10 off Adult Registration when you Sign In above. Your discount will be automatically applied at check out if properly signed-in with email address displayed. Need help? Email gardenprograms@berkeley.edu