Nature Sketch Walks

My nature sketch walks are particularly suitable for festivals and community gatherings because it works so well across all ages. I’m interested in ways that the different generations can play together and find ways to learn from one another. With drawing, no particular age group is ‘better than’ another one and we can all encourage and inspire each other (…ok yes the 3 year olds are always best but the rest of us are still good!). Everyone brings their own sketchbook and art materials (something handy like colouring pencils are great for on the go!) and we take a walk and tune into nature. I move around the group to encourage people and make sure everyone is getting into the flow of looking and drawing. It becomes a really relaxing time together and sometimes I get a chance to show off my wildflower/tree/bird identification knowledge…at some point we all get over-excited about a tiny insect or an extra nice flower… It’s a fun and gentle to bring people together and connect to nature.

Donegal Sketch Walks 2024

I was delighted to be awarded an Artist Bursary at the end of 2023 from Donegal County Council to fund some nature sketch walks in County Donegal in the coming year. This series of sketch walks will be free to the public and hopefully you will be able to join me then – I’ll keep you posted!

Leitrim Organic Centre Sketch Walk May 2024

I hosted a super-chilled nature drawing workshop in the beautiful surroundings of The Organic Centre in Rossinver, North Leitrim on May 18th 2024 as part of the National Biodiversity Week. It was so nice for everyone to come together and draw – I started with some simple drawing exercises to warm up then we had a little wander and drew whatever took our fancy – we let the kids show us the way in terms of free flowing creativity :). This one was extra special as I was back in my home county – some of my family and friends were in attendance and I made new friends too that I’ll hopefully meet again at my next workshops.

Waterways Ireland made this short film about one of my sketching workshops along the beautiful river Barrow in Carlow, summer 2022.

Here are some photos from a recent nature sketch walk I did as part of Carlow Garden Festival. This was along the River Barrow in Leighlinbridge, an exceptionally beautiful setting! Thanks to Carlow Tourism and Paul Murphy for the photos.