Materials List and Workshop Outline for Capturing Nature: A Landscape Sketching
Instructor: Colleen Harrigan

Materials List:

• Sketchbooks or drawing paper (preferably with a textured surface) 
• Pencils (graphite: HB, 2B, 4B, and 6B) 
• Erasers 
• Fine-tip pens or markers (optional, for adding details) 
• Charcoal sticks (optional) 
• Clipboards or portable drawing boards (optional) 
• Reference images (e.g., photos of landscapes, nature scenes) 
• A small set of watercolors or colored pencils (optional) 

Workshop Outline: 
1. Introduction (15 minutes) 

• Welcome and Objectives: Briefly introduce the goals of the workshop—focusing on observation, composition, and technique in landscape sketching. 
• Icebreaker Activity: Quick sketching exercise where participants draw a simple landscape scene from a provided reference image, focusing on capturing basic shapes and composition. 

2. Fundamentals of Landscape Sketching (30 minutes) 

• Basic Techniques Overview (15 minutes): Discuss key techniques such as line drawing, shading, and creating texture. Demonstrate how to sketch basic elements like trees, hills, and water. 
• Drawing Practice (15 minutes): Participants practice these techniques on a simple landscape drawing, focusing on capturing shapes and textures. Provide individual feedback and tips. 

3. Observational Sketching (60 minutes)

• Introduction to Observation (10 minutes): Explain the importance of observing nature and translating what is seen onto paper. Discuss how to break down a complex scene into manageable parts. 
• Outdoor or Reference Image Sketching (50 minutes): If possible, go outdoors or use reference images for sketching. Participants choose a scene or image and work on capturing its elements, paying attention to composition, perspective, and details. 

        ○ If outdoors: Set up in a location with a clear view, and participants sketch the landscape directly. 
        ○ If using reference images: Distribute images and have participants select one to draw from. 
4. Adding Depth and Detail (45 minutes) 

• Creating Depth (15 minutes): Teach techniques for adding depth to a sketch, such as using overlapping elements, varying line weight, and shading to create perspective. ● Detail Work (30 minutes): Participants enhance their sketches by adding finer details, textures, and refining their compositions. Encourage them to use different pencils and techniques to achieve varied effects. 

5. Review and Reflection (15 minutes) 

• Group Sharing (10 minutes): Have participants share their sketches with the group. Discuss different approaches and techniques used. Offer constructive feedback and highlight unique elements in each participant’s work. 
• Reflective Discussion (5 minutes): Ask participants to reflect on their experience, what they learned, and how they might apply these techniques in future work. 

6. Closing and Q&A (15 minutes) 

• Recap and Summary: Summarize the key techniques and concepts covered in the workshop. Encourage participants to keep practicing and exploring landscape sketching on their own. 
• Q&A Session: Answer questions and provide additional resources or tips for continued learning. 

Optional Follow-Up: 

• Post-Workshop Assignment: Encourage participants to create a series of landscape sketches over the next week, experimenting with different scenes, techniques, and styles. They could share their work in a follow-up session..

This workshop plan provides a comprehensive introduction to landscape sketching while allowing participants to practice and refine their skills.