Spend the day learning to sketch and watercolour inspired by seasonal blooms.

Take some time out to enjoy nature through sketching. Using pencils and fine-liner pens we will create expressive sketches of plants and flowers and learn techniques that you can use to engage with nature wherever you are. The course is more about the simple enjoyment of observing than having to produce a masterpiece and there is no pressure to perform. In the afternoon we will really bring the sketches to life, adding watercolour.

Weather permitting, we will take advantage of the many lovely plants at Oak Barn and sketch outside. All materials will be provided except a sketchbook. Please bring a hardback sketchbook, it should have a minimum paperweight of 160gsm for watercolours.

Overview:

Morning – pencil and fine liner drawing
Afternoon – adding watercolour 

Subjects covered:

• Looking at flower shapes and forms
• Looking at capturing the character of plants
• Using expressive lines to make sketches full of life
• Adding bright, colourful watercolour washes to the drawings to really bring them to life (full day only, optional)

Who is the course for?

Anyone welcome, beginners included! We will hopefully be sketching outside for part of the day so consider bringing a sun hat. If you find standing uncomfortable, you are welcome to continue drawing in the studio instead.

By the end of the session, you will have:

• Spend some time switching off from daily life through sketching
• Learnt some useful techniques for making quick flower sketches
• Learnt about materials
• And taken a bit of time to enjoy nature

The workshop day includes:

Complimentary refreshments on arrival
Step-by-step guidance
All materials will be provided except a sketchbook. Please bring a sketchbook with a minimum paperweight of 160gsm.

Tutor:

Anna Ribo is a nature journaling teacher and planting designer. For her, drawing and planting are closely related and she uses drawing to think creatively when doing planting schemes and as a way to enjoy nature. She very much likes to share her skills, whether teaching nature drawing and journaling or hand drawing to garden designers. Her workshops are down to earth and accessible for beginners. 

Venue:

Our very own studio space is set within the grounds of Old Barn Garden Centre, Dial Post, South of Horsham. Our dedicated space for courses, is a light airy and spacious place to learn.

Tickets:

Standard Ticket: £65

Course Overview:

Friday 30th April 2027
10am-3:30pm
Sussex Garden School Studios, Old Barn Nurseries, Worthing Rd, Dial Post, Horsham RH13 8NR

What happens next?

Once you have booked, you will receive an email confirmation – please check your junk mail if you have not heard from us.
Shortly before your course date you will receive another email giving directions and any joining instructions – please check your junk folder if you haven’t received anything.

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