Hello hello!
I’d love to share my latest art adventure with you, as well as some short reflections from this beautiful trip, and an invitation to come sketch with me in a beautiful ancient woodland.
As someone who is nearly always completely overwhelmed by big cities - the sounds, so much visual stimulus, the smells, my bad sense of direction… It all usually muddles together into being a little too much. However, I am really happy to say that this trip to London was different, and I think I know why.
Sketchbooks! Or rather, one determined purpose.
On this trip I decided to navigate the city with a clear focus; immerse myself in art, in my sketchbook, in nature. Decidedly walk the streets with the intention to notice what tree species, birds, flowers are there. And I was so surprised when looking at the big city through this lens, just how much it had to offer when it comes to nature.
This year I can feel myself being drawn to paint nature where it shows up in more inhabited places; accessible nature that can make a big difference to the humdrum of daily life for the many, rather than the less accessible wilderness landscapes that I have been drawn to paint for years (that shape my holidays and one off adventures.) I’ve been really feeling the magic of everyday nature noticings, and this relationship between everyday nature, people and daily life is starting to filter into my sketchbooks.
If you’ve been following the stories I share online for a wee while, you’ll probably already know just how much I love to paint and sketch outside, and spend time in nature with my art. It’s always been the thing that calms me, grounds me, gets me out of my head and into something bigger or more meaningful than my inner everyday thoughts. The main driver to create has often been the creation process and connection it brings (to nature, to myself and others) first, and the end artistic outcome secondary.
And it’s really this experience that drives me to share what I learn with others, so as many people as possible can access the joy and stillness and general positivity that making art (and making art with others) can bring. Not with the aim to be the best artist on earth, but for all the reasons I’ve listed above. And inevitably, when we are having fun, relaxed and open, our art skills and learning tend to fast-track anyway… so, a win win in my books really (because if we are honest, who doesn’t like to see a little development and learning happening too).
With that said, I would love to invite you to two things:
The first, to check out my latest art vlog, where we explore London and find nature and colour in unexpected places. You can grab your sketchbook, a cup of tea, and paint along with me too. I’m always looking for new ways to share ideas to help others start creating and connect to nature through art, as I know not everyone can access in-person events: My youtube channel has become a bit of a home for this mission!
And the second, is an invitation to an Outdoor Sketching Workshop in the ancient woodland of Birnam. The workshop is an expressive mark making workshop, which will be hosted beside the river and in the woodland, to explore the relationship between sounds and the environment around us.
What will we be doing? In this workshop I’ll share my process of drawing to sounds with you. This workshop is in collaboration with musician Katherine Wren of Nordic Viola, who will be helping us listen for sounds and record what we hear.
Who is this workshop for? Anyone who would like to slow down, relax, and be introduced to gentle and no-pressure ways to create and connect to their surrounding environment. This way of drawing focuses on experimentation, loosening up and responding - so if you’ve wanted to ease back into creativity, this will be a lovely way to do so. Open to all ages and stages of artists!
Following the workshop there will be a concert by Katherine’s trio Nordic Viola, in which you are welcome to come and draw along to the music as well. The performance explores themes of climate, landscape, and hope, and incorporates natural sound recordings too. There’s even a ticket with a lunch option, which I highly recommend as the food at Birnam Arts is delicious!
You can find out more about both events hosted at Birnam Arts Centre here:
If you have any questions please do let me know, it’d be wonderful to see you there.
As always, See you Outside!
Orla
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