Joanna Klepadło

I am a naturalist illustrator and an art teacher. Through my work, I help to popularize natural science, I share my appreciation and respect for the natural world, I help people notice the beauty of simple things, and I assist them in exploring their creative potential.

Through my artistic work, I hope to spread knowledge and increase sensitivity about biodiversity issues among the public. I am particularly interested in the small-scale details of plants and small organisms that often go unnoticed. I have a master’s degree in printmaking, with a focus on etching and aquatint. In my everyday work I usually use traditional drawing techniques such as pen and ink, pencil, colored pencils and watercolor, and I love sharing my skills and knowledge with others through workshops and courses.

Learning to draw is an excellent way to observe the natural world, notice the beauty of ordinary things, get into the state of flow, release stress, enhance creativity and connect with others. During my workshops, participants learn to observe their surroundings and then render their observations into images using drawing techniques and creative thinking. As part of individual work, they are able to concentrate, calm down, develop creativity, and learn new techniques at their own pace. In group projects, in which participants share creative ideas to create a piece together, the perspectives, ideas, sensitivity and flexibility of each of them are respected and valued. Such activities have a potential to foster our individual well-being and growth, personal connections with each other, and teamwork.

I have experience leading art workshops in educational, cultural and tourist venues, in several European countries (Poland, Slovenia, Spain, Italy), and for people of all ages. At the moment I am based in Italy.