Explore the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway while learning to identify and sketch fascinating plants as you paddle!
This series of paddles is designed to introduce the basics of drawing and illustration, while also identifying native plants of the St. Croix River Valley while paddling the river. Each paddle is designed to build off of previous sessions, but it is not necessary to attend each paddle. The series introduces people to the basics of illustration, observational drawing, composition and plant identification. Whether you are experienced with drawing, or just getting started, each paddle is designed to accommodate all comfort levels. Drawing style and approach will focus on the history and contemporary approaches of botanical illustrations, providing guidance, insight and inspiration as a foundation for continued practice.
Paddle 1: Sunday, May 24th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Paddle 2: Saturday, June 27th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Paddle 3: Saturday, August 22nd from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Paddle 1: Basics of Drawing / Illustration: Mark Making + Sketching
Location: St. Croix River (WI Interstate to Osceola Landing)
Topics:
- Line + line weight
- Intro to gesture: mass gesture + scribble gesture
- Contour: blind + continuous
Paddle 1 introduces the basics of plant identification and drawing. Drawing techniques include an introduction to line, line weight and mark making. How do we start a drawing when there is so much to look at in the world? What happens to the quality of the drawing when we keep it loose and light, and our hands moving? How does a relaxed approach to drawing from living subject matter influence and impact personal style and visual quality? Approaches including contour and gesture to help establish hand-eye coordination, while observational drawing helps reinforce plant identification.
Materials:
- Sketchbook: whatever size and format you are comfortable with. A hard cover with pages that can be folded back is ideal.
- Drawing Materials / any combination of the following: graphite pencils (either classic or mechanical), sharpener, eraser, charcoal, vine charcoal, waterproof case or ziplock bag for storage.
Paddle 2: Composition and Design
Location: (Osceola Landing to William O'Brien)
Topics:
- Balance / Composition
- Focus / Emphasis
- Visual Structure / Hierarchy in the Picture Plane
Paddle 2 focuses on the basics of visual composition, while reinforcing plant identification as subject matter. Topics and techniques include balance and composition, focal points and emphasis within the picture plane, and visual structure. We will be exploring how we can work within the confines of a sheet of paper to establish the importance of content and provide a hierarchy to relate the importance of subject matter.
Materials:
- Sketchbook: whatever size and format you are comfortable with. A hard cover with pages that can be folded back is ideal.
- Drawing Materials / any combination of the following: graphite pencils (either classic or mechanical), sharpener, eraser, charcoal, vine charcoal, waterproof case or ziplock bag for storage.
Paddle 3: Extended Observational Drawing / Bringing it all together
Location: Lotus Lake
Topics:
- Sketching
- Composition
- Long Format Drawing
Paddle 3 brings it all together! This paddle will leave the St. Croix River to explore Lotus Lake in Osceola, WI. This small, calm lake is full of blooming lotuses late in the summer, the perfect models for extended drawing sessions! Topics include sketching, composition and long format drawing. Alex will help assist in warming up with preliminary sketches, helping establish composition and approach before settling into longer format drawings.
Materials:
- Sketchbook: whatever size and format you are comfortable with. A hard cover with pages that can be folded back is ideal.
- Drawing Materials / any combination of the following: graphite pencils (either classic or mechanical), sharpener, eraser, charcoal, vine charcoal, waterproof case or ziplock bag for storage.
Registration: $125 / per artist per paddle or $350 / per artist for all 3 paddles
Instructor:Alex Petersen
Outfitter: Paddlefish Adventures
Don’t miss this awesome opportunity to Paddle with Alex!
Registration is processed through Paddlefish Adventures.