May 11, 2012
Discover how to quickly and accurately draw birds with naturalist, educator and artist John Muir Laws, who is the author and illustrator of The Laws Guide to the Sierra Nevada and The Laws Pocket Guide Set to the San Francisco Bay Area. He will discuss the basics of bird anatomy and demonstrate tricks to help you learn to draw birds whether for field notes or for the pleasure of sketching. The goal of the workshop is to help you master the one-minute gesture sketch and learn tricks on how to draw heads, wings and feet. No previous drawing experience is necessary.
For ages 10 and up. Space is limited. Please reserve a space online or call 415-379-8000. Note: This workshop does not require admission to the Academy and participants should plan to meet at the Business Reception Desk from the Middle Drive East business entrance.
May 5, 2012
California’s Coast Ranges extend north-south for over 600 miles, more than two-thirds the length of the state. The variety of elevations, rock types, and climate zones in this group of mountain ranges supports a remarkable diversity of plant and animal life. Through an illustrated lecture, John (Jack) Muir Laws will lead us on a virtual walk across the Coast Ranges, exploring delightful relationships between plants and animals as we go. Along the way, we will learn a three-step process that will help us see more and think like naturalists. Jack will also discuss some of the conservation challenges in the region and what stewards of nature are doing to confront them. Whether you’re a botanist, birder or hiker, don’t miss this great opportunity to enrich your next exploration along the coast!
April 29, 2012
Learn tricks and techniques to quickly and accurately draw wildflowers. Then step out into the Santa Clara Valley’s Wildflower Show and put your new skills to work. Bring your sketchbook and pencil.
April 28, 2012
Join me for a sketching field trip along the shore of Bolinas Lagoon, to learn and practice the fundamentals of bird field sketching. We will have opportunities to observe and draw waders, waterfowl, and songbirds. By drawing what you see, you will observe more carefully and will be able to remember the features of the birds you see. Learn tricks to see past the details to capture the essence of birds with posture, and proportions, and learn a revolutionary way of handling shading. Bring a sketchpad and pencil
Carpooling from West Marin School, Point Reyes Station
April 28, 2012
Learn how to quickly and accurately draw birds in the field and from photo reference. In this class participants will learn the basics of bird anatomy and tricks to help quickly draw birds either for field notes or for the pleasure of sketching. Master the one-minute gesture sketch and learn tricks on how to draw heads, wings, and feet. Learn basics of bird anatomy; and quick field sketching. No previous drawing experience is necessary. Bring a sketch pad and pencil.
Event location: West Marin School, Point Reyes Station
April 28, 2012
California’s Coast Ranges extend north-south for over 600 miles, more than two-thirds the length of the state. The variety of elevations, rock types, and climate zones in this group of mountain ranges supports a remarkable diversity of plant and animal life. John Muir Laws is working on an illustrated field guide to the region and in the course of this work has learned some delightful tales of natural history. Through an illustrated lecture, he will lead us on a virtual walk across the Coast Ranges, exploring amazing relationships between plants and animals as we go. Along the way, we will learn a three-step process that will help us see more and think like naturalists. Jack will also discuss some of the conservation challenges in the region and what stewards of nature are doing to confront them. Whether you’re a botanist, birder or hiker, don’t miss this great opportunity to enrich your next exploration along the coast!
Dance Palace Community Center, 503 B Street, Point Reyes Station
March 21, 2012
Understanding neurocognition and how your brain stores and retrieves information makes you a better naturalist. How can you see more when observing nature? How can you remember what you see in greater detail? Learn proven tricks and techniques to see details that your brain would otherwise ignore, see nature more deeply, and get more out of your time in nature. Plus a few great nature sketching tricks and, some wild stories of adaptation of Sierra Nevada species.
March 17, 2012
Drawing Birds: You can learn how to quickly and accurately draw birds. Drawing birds makes you a better birder by teaching you a new way to observe and helps you retain details of your observations. In this class we will learn the basics of bird anatomy that are important for an artist to understand and tricks to help quickly draw birds in the field either for field notes or for the pleasure of sketching. Learn to draw birds that move. Master the one-minute gesture sketch and learn tricks on how to draw heads, wings, and feet. Learn field techniques in pencil, watercolor and colored pencils. No previous drawing experience is necessary. Bring a sketchbook, pencils, your favorite portable art supplies and something simple to share for a potluck lunch.
March 14, 2012
This will be a day of sketching and art instruction to jump start you in keeping your own field journal or re-inspire you to pick up your sketchbook again. We will examine tricks and techniques to help you simplify a complex flower shape, draw wildflowers in perspective, and simple ways to add color to your drawings in the field. Bring paper and pencil if you have it, supplies will be provided for those who do not have their own. Participants are encouraged to bring colored pencils or a portable watercolor kit.
$40.00 for full-time students and California Naturalist registered participants
$65.00 for Arboretum Associates & CNPS members
$100.00 for nonmembers
February 18, 2012
Have you ever wanted to paint or draw a landscape but felt you did not have the time? Have you ever gotten sick of drawing trees halfway through a drawing? Then this class is for you. Drawing landscapes is a great way to connect yourself with a place and is a terrific addition to a travel or nature journal. In this class you will learn the basics of composition, how to simplify detail and values, and master the five minute landscape. Learn to draw trees without needing to draw every leaf and forests that give the sense of deep woods without needing to draw every tree. We will explore techniques with graphite, colored pencil and watercolor, all of which are well suited for easy sketching outdoors.
We will meet 10 AM at the Drakes Beach parking lot. We will then carpool to several sights along Sir Francis Drake and Mt. Vision Rd heading toward Mt. Vision sketching landscapes as we go. I will be demonstrating in pencil, colored pencil and watercolor throughout the day. We will head back to Drakes Beach and end the day around 4 PM. Please call (415) 663-1200 Ext. 307 the week of your seminar for updates.
