'Green sketching is a tool for slowing down and seeing nature’s beauty. It combines the benefits of mindfulness, nature connection and creativity in one simple, affordable activity. The quality of your sketch is irrelevant. It’s the looking and noticing that matters.' Dr Ali Foxon, Creator of the Green Sketching movement
Join Karen and Helen for a couple of hours of relaxation and creativity in this very special, wildlife-friendly garden. Hylands is an Arts & Crafts house and garden built in 1910. Tucked back from the road the gardens cover 2½ acres with varied areas, including formally laid out gardens, a wildlife pond, wilder areas, an exotic area, woodland walk, kitchen garden, orchard, as well as some extraordinary sculptures. Organically managed the garden restoration began in 2020.
We'll start as usual with some simple drawing exercises (optional), then you'll then be free to wander and fill your sketch book.
There will be places to shelter in inclement weather.
The focus is always on enjoying the process rather than the finished result, so there's no obligation to share and compare your sketches and doodles!
You'll discover how sketching in nature can help to bring calm into our busy lives.
Places are limited so please don't hesistate to book!
Suitable for all abilities from beginners to accomplished artists.
We will provide:
- A variety of art materials to play with
- Optional drawing exercises to warm up, plus tips and guidance along the way
- Small sketch books to purchase for £1 if required
What to bring:
- Clothing and shoes suitable for the weather(sun hat/waterproofs?) and for walking on uneven ground.
- Small sketchbook (if you have one), pencil and/or drawing pen
- A light folding chair or stool if you prefer not to stand too long whilst drawing
- Drinks and snacks (Hot drinks available in return for a donation.)
Meeting Place
The exact meeting place will be shared after you've booked your place.
Your Hosts
This event will be led by Karen Bentley-Brown and Helen Pateman
Karen is a business and wellbeing coach, founder of Simply Repair South Lakes and Future Fixers CIC and a Green Sketch Ambassador. She has a passion for connecting people with nature and with themselves. She loves to share her experiences of sketching nature, journalling and mindful mending.
- Helen is an artist, maker and cook. She is the co-founder of Kendal People's Cafe and passionate about helping to create a kinder, greener, fairer world.
