Most people who come to this workshop have never sketched before and feel a little nervous about it. That's completely normal — and it's exactly what this workshop is designed for. There are no artistic skills required here, no judgement, and absolutely no pressure to produce anything "good". Just two hours outside in a beautiful spot, slowing down and really looking at the world around you.
Day & Time: Friday 19th June 2026, 10.30am – 12.30pm
Venue: Meet at the Lily Pond in Castle Vale Park, Berwick-upon-Tweed
Price: £35pp — all materials provided
Full joining instructions will be sent to you on booking.
What to expect
In this 2-hour outdoor workshop you'll learn simple sketching techniques that make it easier to really see and notice nature — not to produce a perfect drawing, but to slow down, observe and enjoy being outside. We'll cover:
Simple, stress-free techniques for recording what you see
How to really look at nature — and why drawing helps you notice things you'd otherwise walk straight past
How to let go of the inner critic and actually enjoy the process
You'll go home with a sketchbook, drawing tools and my Introduction to Green Sketching booklet — full of exercises and tips for keeping the habit going long after the workshop.
Please bring a drink and a snack, and dress for being outside — layers are always a good idea in Northumberland!"
What previous participants say
"I learned more than I ever did at school."
"Being given the confidence to experiment was such a bonus. And it was fun!"
"The relaxed atmosphere and encouragement meant I left feeling curious and relaxed — and like I wanted to do it again."
Please see my Booking Terms & Conditions for full details, including cancellation. Participants must be aged 18+. 14–17 year olds are welcome with an accompanying adult — both participants will need a ticket.
Any questions? Drop me a message — I'm happy to help.
Almost everyone who comes to one of my sketching workshops arrives thinking the same thing: "I'm not sure I'm good enough for this."
They leave thinking something completely different.
"Friendly, encouraging and non-threatening."
"I enjoyed learning new techniques."
"I always learn something new. Negative space! It's a fun and companionable session."
This session is for anyone who loves being outside and would like to slow down and really look at autumn landscapes — sketchbook in hand, no pressure to perform. You don't need to be experienced. You just need to want to give it a go.
October at Paxton House is something special. The grounds are at their most dramatic at this time of year — warm russets, golds and ochres, the shapes of trees coming into sharp relief as the leaves begin to turn. It's one of the most rewarding times of year to sketch outside, and the beautiful grounds of Paxton House are the perfect setting for it.
We'll spend the morning exploring different ways of capturing autumn leaves and seasonal colour in your sketchbook — starting with warm-up exercises to get our hands and eyes working together, moving through a couple of short tutorials on capturing the forms and colours of autumn, and then settling into free sketching time to record whatever catches your eye. I'll have materials for you to experiment with if you'd like to try something different, or just bring whatever you like to draw with most.
If the weather turns, we have use of the education centre or an alternative indoor space — so the morning goes ahead whatever October throws at us.
What to bring:
A sketchbook, your preferred drawing materials (pen, pencil, watercolour, whatever you enjoy), and a reusable cup or bottle. Refreshments are also available from The Stables Tearoom. Dress for being outside in October — warm layers and waterproof footwear are a good idea.
Day & Time: Friday 23rd October 2026, 10.30am–12.30pm
Venue: Paxton House, Paxton, Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 1SZ
Cost: £25 per person
Full joining instructions will be sent on booking. Please see my Booking Terms & Conditions for cancellation information. Participants must be aged 18+; 14–17 year olds are welcome with an accompanying adult (both require a ticket).
Any questions? Get in touch!
Almost everyone who comes to one of my sketching workshops arrives thinking the same thing: "I'm not sure I'm good enough for this."
They leave thinking something completely different.
"Friendly, encouraging and non-threatening."
"I enjoyed learning new techniques."
"I always learn something new. It's a fun and companionable session."
This session is for anyone who loves being outside and would like to slow down and really look at the coast — sketchbook in hand, no pressure to perform. You don't need to be experienced. You just need to want to give it a go.
July is a wonderful time to sketch on the Northumberland coast. Seabird colonies, drifts of sea thrift, bird's foot trefoil and wild thyme — the coastal path comes alive in midsummer, and there's no better way to really see it than to sit down and draw it.
We'll meet at the car park above Greenses Haven (near the Golf Club) and spend the morning working our way along the path, with time for warm-up exercises, a couple of short tutorials on capturing cliffs and coast in your sketchbook, and then plenty of free sketching time to record whatever catches your eye. I'll have materials for you to experiment with if you'd like to try something different, or just bring whatever you like to draw with most.
Important: This session will involve quite a bit of walking along the cliff path. We’ll be stopping to sketch and then moving on again, so make sure you’ve got sturdy, comfortable shoes or walking boots.
What to bring:
A sketchbook, your preferred drawing materials (pen, pencil, watercolour, whatever you enjoy), a reusable cup or bottle, and layers — it's the coast, so come prepared for a breeze even in July. You may also want to bring a walker’s stool or sit-upon if you prefer to perch whilst sketching.
All the details:
Day & Time: Sunday 19th July 2026, 10.30am–12.30pm
Venue: Car park above Greenses Haven, near the Golf Club
Cost: £25 per person
Full joining instructions will be sent on booking. Please see my Booking Terms & Conditions for cancellation information. Participants must be aged 18+; 14–17 year olds are welcome with an accompanying adult (both require a ticket).
Any questions? Get in touch!
Drawn to Nature at Hepple Wilds | Friday 16th October | Hepple Estate, NE65 7LN
£70pp