Nature Junky Artists
A virtual meetup group
What if you could make Field Sketching or Nature Journaling a consistent part of your life—without letting everyday obstacles get in the way?
What if removing one of those obstacles helped you connect with the surrounding landscape more sustainably?
Exactly what
Nature Junky Artists
aims to do.
In this non lesson-based program, you and your peers receive a seasonally focused prompt each month to work with; on your own, in your own time.We come back together one month later to:
- share the field work and discoveries,
- receive and offer feedback, and
- get a new prompt
Expanded to two sessions:
Mondays (1 spot open) and Tuesdays (2 spots open).
Each session limited to 6 spots.
Registration open now
New cohorts begin Nov 9 & 10.
(Registration closes October 10, 2026)
This is for you if...
You seek to nurture a Field Sketching/Nature Journaling practice in a less-formal setting
Appreciate a positive, respectful learning atmosphere
Enjoy natural history exploration
For me, this course has been a lifeline to my nature journal practice. Having a prompt and a deadline has helped me to get new ideas and to keep going with my practice. I have learned so much and continuing to learn and grow. ~Susan
Ready to join?
1 spot open in the Monday group.
2 spots open in the Tuesday group.
Not ready yet?
Read more 👇
What's included
A prompt each month that eases the pressure about "what to do"
Demos to support understanding of prcesses shared by others
Personal feedback for direction and guidance
Ongoing learning about the natural world
Ongoing learning about techniques to document your own observations
Consistency to establish (or solidify) a regular practice of field sketching
Improved mental, emotional, and physiological balance by connecting with the natural world
Recorded classes to reference the material after a missed class and learning at your own pace
Inspiration from peers with a wide range of art experiences from none to many years
Accountability to keep you engaged and committed
Last but not least, fun and camaraderie
Sample prompts:
- Twilight; the liminal space
- Red fruits of Winter
- 30 seconds free form–spy something, capture first impression, stop. Go again! Repeat ten times.
- What is that? What do you think it does?
The prompts encourage focus, spark curiosity, and foster meaningful conversations about the natural world.
2026/27 Dates
Mondays, 6-8pmET
Nov 9, Dec 7, Jan 11, Feb 8, March 8, Apr 12, May 10, Jun 7, Jul 12, Aug 9, & Sept 13
(Mostly second Monday of each month)
1 spot open
Tuesdays, 2-4pmET
Nov 10, Dec 8, Jan 12, Feb 9, Mar 9, Apr 13, May 11, Jun 8, Jul 13, Aug 10, & Sep 14
(Second Tuesday of each month)
2 spots open
Cost
$500/year or $50/mo
👉 Closes when seats are full or by October 10, 2026 👈
or
If this program doesn't seem like a good fit right now, get on the Priority List to learn first when new programs are coming up.
It’s a kind of VIP list for anyone who wants to know first when I am launching a new workshop or cohort.There is no obligation tied to being a VIP. Jump on an opportunity that feels right or take a pass if it isn’t a good fit at that time.
Have questions?
email me.
About the Instructor
My field sketching practice informs everything I do as an Artist, Instructor, and Writer.Art and nature have been part of my life in varying ways since childhood. After a few years flipping between art and biology as an undergrad, I found my way to Natural Science Illustration and never looked back.Teaching others to connect with the natural world through direct observation and journaling brings me as much joy as my personal art practice does.With a focus on "process" rather than always completing finished works, I am teaching skills that apply to anything you want to sketch.You know the old adage..."Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime"? That's what I aim to do.Join me for a year of coaching your own practice.
"I like that I not only have grown my skills but I've become ever more observant and I have learned so much about the
plants and creatures around me.
~Susan
All images on this page ©Sandy McDermott with exception of the instructor photo above, ©Morgan Lee Photography, and cannot be used without permission.