Nature Through Your Palette: An Art, Science, and Nature

Nature Through Your Palette: An Art, Science, and Nature

Register

Required Book:

“Painting Nature: Techniques, Tutorials and Projects”; Gemma Koomen; Quadrille; ISBN 978-1837832750

 

Suggested Books:

  1. “Botanical Watercolor Painting for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide to Create Beautiful Floral Artwork”; Cara Olsen; Page Street Publishing; ISBN 978-1645675921
  2. “Wildflower Watercolor: The Beginner’s Guide to Painting Beautiful Florals”; Sushma Hegde; Page Street Publishing; ISBN 978-1645676775
  3. “Thinking in Watercolor: A Daily Practice to Unlock Your Creativity & Discover Your Inner Artist”; Jessie Kanelos Weiner; Artisan; ISBN 978-1648293320

Recommended Supplies:

  1. Smartphone camera
  2. Backpack or shoulder bag
  3. Journal with watercolor paper (cold press)
  4. Soft pencil (HB, H, or #2) 
  5. Pencil sharpener
  6. Technical drawing pen
  7. Refillable brush pen
  8. Binder clips
  9. Small ruler
  10. Colored pencils (watercolor pencils work well)
  11. Watercolor set (pans or tubes)
  12. Small mixing palette
  13. Small sponge 
  14. Small rag 
  15. Small water bottle 
  16. Small water spray bottle
  17. Small syringe (no needle)
  18. White gel pen 
  19. Color wheel
  20. Small hand lens or magnifier

Nature Through Your Palette: An Art, Science, and Nature Workshop – Brewster Book Store 

 

Description: Nature Through Your Palette is a four-session workshop series that invites participants to explore the natural world through observation, artistic expression, and gentle scientific curiosity. Designed for adults interested in watercolor, nature journaling, and creative exploration, the series blends art practice with insights from ecology and visual perception. Participants will slow down, look closely at the landscapes and objects around them, and learn how color, light, and form in nature can guide the creative process.

 

Unlearning creative anxiety begins with letting go of the need to get it “right.” Many artists carry quiet expectations shaped by comparison, past criticism, or the pressure to produce something meaningful every time they create. This process invites a shift—from performance to exploration—where mistakes become information, and uncertainty becomes part of the practice. By returning to curiosity, play, and attentive observation, artists can loosen the grip of self-judgment and reconnect with the simple act of making. In this space, creativity is no longer something to prove, but something to experience.

Each session builds from inspiration to technique, helping participants develop confidence with watercolor while deepening their connection to place. Through field observation, sketching exercises, and painting practice, the workshop encourages curiosity, experimentation, and a sense of wonder. (Please Note: Each session is designed to stand alone, so please register for one session or the series.)

May 4, 2026 – 10:00 - 12:00 am

Session 1: Nature and Art
Description: This opening session establishes the foundation for the entire series: the art of observation. Participants explore how artists, naturalists, and scientists have historically relied on careful looking to understand the world—from field sketches of plants and animals to studies of light and form.

We begin with guided observation exercises using natural objects such as leaves, shells, stones, or seasonal finds. Participants practice slowing down and engaging their senses, noticing details like texture, symmetry, pattern, and subtle shifts in color. Simple sketching exercises focus on contour drawing, negative space, and mark-making rather than perfection.

We also introduce the idea that seeing is both biological and interpretive—how the eye and brain work together to perceive color, contrast, and shape. By the end of the session, participants begin to shift from “looking at” nature to truly “seeing” it, setting the stage for deeper creative work.

Participant Expectations:

  1. Engage in close observation of natural objects using all senses
  2. Create simple sketches focused on line, shape, and pattern
  3. Experiment with mark-making rather than aiming for finished drawings
  4. Participate in guided discussions on perception and observation
  5. Begin building a personal visual journal of nature studies

May 11, 2026 – 10:00 - 12:00 am 

Session 2: Finding Inspiration — Awakening Curiosity

Description: This Inspiration grows from attention, and this session is designed to help participants discover what draws them in the natural world. Through guided outdoor or observational exploration, participants learn to identify moments of interest—whether it’s the curve of a shoreline, the color harmony in seasonal foliage, or the interplay of light and shadow on a simple object.

We introduce techniques for collecting inspiration, including nature journaling, thumbnail sketches, written reflections, and color notes. Participants experiment with creating quick visual studies that capture the essence of a scene rather than every detail.

Scientific ideas such as seasonal change, habitat, and light conditions are gently woven in, helping participants understand why certain scenes look and feel the way they do. The goal is to build a personal library of inspiration—training the eye to recognize beauty, pattern, and story in everyday surroundings.

Participant Expectations:

  1. Participate in outdoor or observational exploration (weather permitting)
  2. Identify and document moments of visual or emotional interest
  3. Create thumbnail sketches and quick studies
  4. Record written reflections and color observations in a journal
  5. Begin developing a collection of reference material for future paintings

May 18, 2026 – 10:00 - 12:00 am 

Session 3: Watercolor Techniques and Supplies — Building Your Toolkit

Description: This session focuses on developing confidence with watercolor as a medium. Participants are introduced to essential materials—types of paper, brushes, pigments, palettes, and water control—and how each affects the outcome of a painting.

Through hands-on exercises, participants explore foundational techniques such as wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry application, creating washes and gradients, layering and glazing for depth, and mixing colors inspired by natural palettes. We also explore texture techniques and mark variation to represent natural forms.

We connect technique to observation by demonstrating how watercolor can capture translucency, texture, and shifting light. Participants create color swatches based on natural objects, learning how to mix and match colors seen in the field.

Participant Expectations:

  1. Learn and practice foundational watercolor techniques
  2. Experiment with different brushes, papers, and pigments
  3. Create color swatches inspired by natural objects
  4. Practice mixing and matching colors observed in nature
  5. Embrace experimentation and the fluid nature of watercolor

June 1, 2026 – 10:00 - 12:00 am 

Session 4: From Sketching to Painting — Bringing It All Together

Description: The final session is about synthesis and expression. Participants select sketches, notes, and inspiration gathered from earlier sessions and use them as the foundation for a finished watercolor painting.

We explore how to move from observation to composition—considering focal point, balance, scale, and use of negative space. Participants are guided in simplifying complex scenes, emphasizing mood, and making creative choices that reflect their personal perspective.

There is also a focus on storytelling—how a painting can convey not just what was seen, but what was felt. The session concludes with reflection and optional sharing, celebrating each participant’s unique interpretation of nature.

Participant Expectations:

  1. Select and refine subject matter from previous sketches and notes
  2. Develop a composition for a finished watercolor painting
  3. Apply learned techniques to create a cohesive piece
  4. Make personal, creative decisions about color, mood, and style
  5. Participate in reflection and optional group sharing