Sketchbook Traveler: A Virtual Workshop Series with James McElhinney (Part 5)

What had once been a medium solely for mapmakers and naturalists, watercolor painting has become the most portable medium for both artists and enthusiasts. Plein-air watercolor journaling transforms the sketchbook into something more nimble than canvas. Anyone can enhance how they experience the natural world by generating memories, knowledge, and ideas through drawing and writing in journals.

Author, educator, historian, and journal painter James McElhinney leads this five-part series of workshops and lectures, inspired by the exhibition Landscape Art & Virtual Travel: Highlights from the Collections of the HRM & Art Bridges. Participants are invited to develop their skills for mindful travel through journaling, geared toward adults at different levels of proficiency.

Participants are invited to join any or all of the five sessions.

Materials: Anything that makes a mark, and any surface that takes a mark will be perfectly suitable. Consult this extensive list of tools and resources for optional supplies.

Part 1: Introductory Lecture (Virtual)
Wednesday, May 12, 1:30pm
Join us for this introductory lecture to learn about journaling and expeditionary art, tools, and materials, followed by Q&A with the artist.

Part 2: Plein-Air Experience (Virtual)
Wednesday, May 19, 1:30pm
Join the intrepid sketchbook explorer at a mystery location somewhere within the North Country or the Hudson Valley! The artist will lead this virtual painting demo from an outdoor location, sharing its unique sights and artistic challenges.

Part 3: Plein-Air Experience (Virtual)
Wednesday, June 2, 1:30pm
Join the intrepid sketchbook explorer at a mystery location somewhere within the North Country or the Hudson Valley! The artist will lead this virtual painting demo from an outdoor location, sharing its unique sights and artistic challenges.

Part 4: Plein-Air Experience (Virtual)
Wednesday, July 7, 1:30pm
Join the intrepid sketchbook explorer at a mystery location somewhere within the North Country or the Hudson Valley! The artist will lead this virtual painting demo from an outdoor location, sharing its unique sights and artistic challenges.

Part 5: Critique (Virtual)
Wednesday, August 4, 1:30pm
The artist will conduct a professional critique of participants’ watercolors. Images of the works will be shared with the group in a slideshow for discussion. Everyone in the workshop will have the opportunity to appreciate what others have done. Instructions for submitting work for critique by James McElhinney will be included in your registration confirmation.

Support provided by Art Bridges.