Local Artist Plans Unique Summer Workshops

By Lindsey Pizzica Rotolo

Artist Leslie Watkins has taught watercolor drawing for almost 30 years, but this summerís instruction has a new bent. Her upcoming ìKeeping a Nature Journal Workshopî offers artists and nature lovers not only the opportunity to record their observations in natural settings, but also an education on a variety of flora and fauna related topics.
“My hope is to attract not just artists to this workshop, but writers and nature enthusiasts as well,” Watkins said. The idea for the workshops was born partly out of one of Watkins’ early teaching experiences in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The International Women’s Writers Guild convened on Skidmore College’s campus every summer and Watkins had a unique opportunity to bring groups of female writers into the woods of Saratoga to sketch nature scenes. The course, entitled “Taking Nature with a #2 Pencil” was where Watkins first witnessed the deeply personal nature journal take shape.
“Nature journaling has become quite popular,” Watkins admits, “and there are a lot of workshops out there, but most of them not taught by professionals, as this one is, and very few are taught by trained artists. It’s a great opportunity for nature lovers.” She is careful to point out that “nature journals are not for making masterpieces, but for quickly recording your close observations.”
The workshops, which take place from late April to late September, follow natureís progression through the warmer seasons. Each class will have a theme, (peonies, blueberries, mountain laurel and mushrooms, for example) and take place in one of a dozen different locations including Bartholomew’s Cobble, Dennis Hill, Aton Forest, Haystack Mountain, Great Mountain Forest and numerous private residences throughout town.
At all these workshops Watkins envisions some participants creating journals that may not include any artwork at all—just their thoughts, poetry or other musings. Each class will begin with a brief talk about that dayís subject matter. Some of the talks will be given by naturalists, field researchers and ornithologists ó others by writers or Watkins herself.
Of course, anyone looking for serious art instruction will be given that as well. Watkins specializes in watercolors and nature studies. Her work has made it’s way around the world in a variety of publications and exhibitions.
All one need to bring is a little sketch book, a number two pencil, a hat with a brim and bug spray.
For more information, and to register, go to www.naturalartjournal.com or call (860) 542-3920. All ages and skill levels are welcome and participants can register for single sessions, by the month or for the full course.

Photo by Bruce Frisch.