Our story – field notebook

Description

This is a nature drawing workshop that combines individual creative work with teamwork, where the perspectives, ideas and sensitivity of each participant are respected, and where flexibility is valued. It is suitable both for people who are familiar with drawing techniques and for those without drawing experience.

Number of participants: min. 5, max.15

Duration: 90-120 min.

Space: outdoors, in a natural area (forest/park/meadow etc.). Alternatively, it can take place indoors. In this case, it is a room where various seasonal elements of the natural world are put in the middle of a table.

Part 1: This task combines careful observation of nature, concentration, drawing from nature and getting into a state of flow that results in relaxation. At first I explain the task and show examples of works created using the technique of stippling that the group will be learning. This technique allows for gradual rendering using tiny dots, which are used to show the object’s shape, texture and shading. I show examples that demonstrate how the participants can proceed with stippling step by step.

Then each participant looks around (or explores objects on the table) and looks for a small element of nature to draw. These can be elements such as leaves, fruits, seeds or branches, which can be easily held in one’s hand. For drawing they use a sheet of paper that is folded in such a way that it has “wings” on the sides, which need to remain blank. Once the participants choose the objects, they sketch them using a pencil (contour drawing). In order for them to complete this step and enhance observation, I provide them with tips on how to render correct proportions in drawing. Once the shape of an object is defined, I assist each participant individually to develop their drawing using the technique of stippling. I make sure that there is a balance between this guidance and independent work in which the participants can focus, explore possibilities, express themselves and get into a state of flow.

Part 2: Once the drawings are completed, participants sit together in a circle / by the table and put their drawings in the middle. I explain their group task, and after that I am not part of their brainstorming but I provide technical help if needed. 

The task is to make a graphic story by using all the drawings made in the first part of the workshop and gluing them together, creating a harmonica book. The participants brainstorm what this combination of images could represent. It can tell a story related to the natural area they are in, the aspects of the season they are in, or it can symbolically represent another story, for example one related to their company. They can decide to write captions on images to express this story, with the consent from the creators of the drawings. With the consent of the creators they can also modify/add new elements on the drawings made as part of the first task. They can also make additional drawings in order to complete the story, as long as they also use all drawings made during the first task. In the end, they give the story a title and present the final work to me, explaining the idea behind it.

If a group is bigger than 9 participants, for the second task they are divided into groups. 

The important aspects of this task are: sharing different perspectives on the same subject, brainstorming, respecting authorship of each participant, as well as flexibility and openness to modify one’s work in order to reach a common goal.

Benefits

• reducing stress
• increasing mental state of well being

Drawing is often recommended as an activity that reduces stress. In case of this workshop, the technique taught, stippling, is particularly helpful in getting into a state of flow, which results in relaxation. In addition, contact with nature and its observation as part of the workshop help to increase mental state of well being.

• creativity 

Participants develop their creativity both as individuals and as a group. In the first part, each participant individually explores their own creative potential by interpreting the chosen subject and by exploring possibilities of the new drawing technique. In the second part, the participants share their creative ideas to create something unique together, and in this way they explore and develop their creative potential as a group. 

• team relationship-building
• empathy
• perspective
• teamwork 

Participants are able to talk about their artistic choices, and to share ideas and different perspectives on the same subject. This helps them to get to know each other’s sensitivity, creativity and perspective. In order to create the final work, all participants need to value and respect each other’s authorship and personal connection with one’s work (by asking for permission to apply any changes to someone else’s work). However, they are also encouraged to try to be flexible in order to reach a common goal.