Drawn to Quebec: a new illustrated newspaper column

I am absolutely thrilled to share some great news with you.*

Today marks the third week of an illustrated column - Drawn to Quebec - I have begun penning for North America's oldest newspaper.

The Quebec Chronicle-Telegraph is Quebec City's only English-language newspaper, and I've been a contributing journalist and photojournalist there for a couple of years. 

"Drawn to Life" workshop: Register now to learn how to record your life visually

I am delighted to announce I'll be leading a workshop in my hometown on May 3rd (with my sister). 

We'll focus on basic sketching techniques and some exercises for exploring the world around you. If you are in the area (or can plan to be), please get in touch and sign up!

Click here to see all the details and reserve your spot today!

Ships, ahoy!

Sketches from the 2012 Rendez-vous naval de Québec, completed 9 June 2012, down at the docks on the St. Lawrence River.

NGCC Pierre-Radisson, Canadian Coast Guard

THIS IS SUCH A COOL SHIP!  I find it remarkable that this ship can convert salt water to potable water, and get through ice a meter thick.  Looks are deceiving, too.  It looks kind of like the ferry we take across the river to Lévis, and you might think it was, if you didn't know better.  

Drawn to Québec

As you may know, since February, I have been leading a drawing class series entitled "Nature Drawing in Quebec City."  We have been meeting once a month, and have focused on basic drawing skills and techniques which are useful for sketching outdoors, en plein air.  Because we are in a city, we are obviously also grappling with how to satisfactorily incorporate buildings, etc. into our sketches.

A sketch of the Morrin Centre and Canadian Institute,made
while waiting for a benefit concert to begin in Vieux-Québec.

"Drawing a Blank"

Nature Drawing Exercise 2: Negative Space drawing

Supplement to 'Drawing in Quebec City' Series

Click here to download PDf Version.

One of the greatest challenges facing us when drawing “from life” is the temptation to draw expectations and preconceptions.  Negative space drawing encourages you to consider not only the space occupied by your subject (positive space), but also the space around it (negative space).  In so doing, you will see what you are observing from a new perspective.

A Step Beyond "Just" Drawing

Transforming a sketch into a field journal entry

Supplement to 'Nature Drawing in Quebec City' series

A field journal entry combines words and sketches in a way that records both what you see and your curiosity about your subject. You can turn any sketch into a field journal entry by including some basic information (time, date, location, weather, etc.), and by making some detailed observations to accompany your sketch.

Drawing with Your Eyes

Nature Drawing exercise 1: Contour drawing[i]

Supplement to Nature Drawing in Quebec City series
Click here to download PDF version.

One of the greatest challenges facing us when drawing “from life” is the temptation to draw expectations and preconceptions.  Contour drawing is a method which encourages you to truly see what you are observing.

Nature Drawing in Quebec City

5-month series offered in collaboration with:

 voice of English-speaking Quebec

contact us To sign up today!  

limit of 15 participants/month!

FOR DETAILS:

1. Click here for full-screen view.
2. Scroll down for plain-text version. 
3. Click here for print-able version.  When document opens in new window, select "Print" from options in right-hand column.
4. Click here to view samples of instructor's work.

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Plain-text version:


nature drawing in quebec city
Scroll to bottom for schedule & registration details.

DESCRIPTION

In Brief 

Following a centuries-old tradition, this series offers a casual environment in which to try your hand at nature drawing and journaling.  I've always said, “ANYONE CAN DRAW.  It is like paddling a canoe or dancing the tango – it helps if someone shows you the basics first, and then it’s all about practice.”

In this series, I will work with the group to develop confidence in recording what you see en plein air, outdoors.  You will use words and images to reflect your observations, and don’t worry; it’s not just about nature.  After all, we live in a city, so we will be drawing the things that interest us during any given session.  For example, see samples from my sketchbooks online. 

Session Topics will include:

• Engaging in natural history through field sketching
• Fundamentals of field journal organization
• Basic techniques for sketching plants and animals
• Tips for accurately recording characteristics of plants and animals, to enable accurate identification later
• Additional topics may be arranged, based on group interest.

A LITTLE BIT MORE

The history of science and art are closely intertwined.  Think of the drawings and paintings of Leonardo da Vinci, Maria Sybilla Merian, John James Audubon, or the maps drawn by Samuel Champlain. Prior to the advent of cameras, scientific inquiry required drawing.  Additionally, most people with an interest in the natural world were trained to make basic drawings of what they observed.  Their illustrated journals and drawings persist as tangible records of myriad discoveries, adventures and personal experiences.

Today this ability has lapsed as a public tradition, but it persists as a profession – scientific illustration – and as an avocation for many naturalists and enthusiasts of the natural world.  And yet, these hand-rendered reflections of the natural world still possess the power to transfix us, and make us long for the ability to do something like it. 

Certainly, professionals like Val Webb, Clare Walker Leslie, David Allen Sibley make it look easy.  However, while fine art may not be what you’re after, it is possible to render what you see in a way that satisfies and delights you.  

Join us to hold this ability

in your hands.

sign up today!

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REGISTRATION DETAILS

·         SCHEDULE: Once monthly, February - June (scroll to bottom for complete details).

·         PRICE: $5 if using materials*; free if you bring your own. 

·         Previous experience:

o   No prior drawing experience or other artistic training is required! 

o   More experienced amateurs (naturalists and artists) are also welcome.

·         language: Offered in English

·         PARTICIPATION:

o   12-participant max. per session

o   Open to adults (16+)

o   RSVP requested at least 24 hrs. prior to session. 

o   RSVP to fruit.root.leaf (at) gmail.com or call 581-981-3669.

o   You need not come to every session, although it is encouraged if you want to enhance your drawing skills or natural history awareness.

·         Materials*

o   Basic materials will be available ($5/per session; pens, pencils, colored pencils & paper).

o   A list of suggested materials will be provided to all new participants, and is available online here.

o   You are welcome to bring your own materials if you prefer, such as a camp chair, drawing and painting supplies, binoculars, or identification guides.

DATE

• Monthly, final Tuesdays
• February 28, March 27, April 24, May 3, May 29, June 26

TIME

• 1-hour sessions
• Feb. & Mar., start at 7:00 PM
• Apr.-June, start at 6:00 PM

Location

Location varies each session. Please contact me directly for details.