Seeing Trees

Each participant will immerse themselves in nature, selecting a grouping of trees, a single tree, or specific tree parts as their focus. Using diverse drawing materials and techniques, you'll document your observations and emotions evoked by the tree's presence. We'll explore historical and contemporary representations of trees by artists, gaining inspiration. In the end, you will have spent concentrated time with your tree and filtered many sensations and visual phenomena through your own consciousness and onto paper.

Whether a novice or experienced artist, the instructor offers tailored entry points to the process, fostering growth. Embrace exploration and play as you deepen your expressive potential in communion with the natural world.

Bonnie is a very experienced and intuitive instructor who can help students explore a wide variety of mediums and processes and help identify each student's individual goals. She is the owner of Paisley Studios in NE Portland, a visual art studio that offers grounding support to artists of all skill levels and an affordable membership program for womxn artists. Bonnie received her BFA from RISD and her MFA from Portland State University.

9x12 inch spiral bound sketchbook of decent quality drawing paper (Strathmore, Canson, Bee paper Co.)

Pencil or pen for writing

All students should prepare to spend time drawing outside. If the student cannot stand or sit on the ground for a period of time, some sort of travel camp chair is useful. Dress in layers for inclement weather and bring desired outdoor items such as a sun hat, bug spray, walking shoes etc.

If a student has prior experience and is very fond of certain types of drawing materials, they are enncouraged them to bring them.

8x24" paper

A wide variety of drawing materials including inks, charcoals, pencils, colored crayons, pastels, and some other non-traditional tools and materials.