Classes and Courses
Drawing for Connection: How to Start Nature Journaling
5-week Online Course
28 September to 26 October 2026
Live workshops every Monday at 7.00 pm – 8.45 pm (BST)
If you're ready to deepen your curiosity and wonder at the natural world through drawing and creative journaling, join me for this 5-week course where I'll guide you through starting your first nature journal and developing your connection to the natural world through journaling activities and observational drawing.
28 September to 26 October 2026
Live workshops every Monday at 7.00 pm – 8.45 pm (BST)
If you're ready to deepen your curiosity and wonder at the natural world through drawing and creative journaling, join me for this 5-week course where I'll guide you through starting your first nature journal and developing your connection to the natural world through journaling activities and observational drawing.
Book Your Place
Nature journaling is the practice of observing and recording the natural world through drawing, writing and mindful attention. These workshops invite you to slow down, notice more deeply, and experience the changing seasons and natural world around you.
You don’t need to be ‘good’ at drawing to enjoy nature journaling — curiosity and noticing are much more important than artistic skill. Through simple, enjoyable step-by-step exercises and guidance, we will explore drawing as a way of learning.
Throughout the course, Bethany shares photos of her process, describes her nature journaling techniques, and gives you an intimate peek at her own pages.
Participants will have access to an online folder of resources, photo references, example pages and session recordings, as well as a dedicated Padlet for sharing your questions and ideas, getting feedback and encouraging each other in your nature journaling journey.
There will be a suggested homework task (provided as a PDF) given each week to be done in nature or from easily observable natural phenomena.
The live lessons will last approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes each. There will be plenty of time to ask questions during the workshop, plus optional individual feedback on your artwork at the end of the session or via Padlet. You may need to allow an extra 15 minutes at the end of class if you would like feedback.
Lessons are recorded, and a link will be emailed to participants. If you cannot make the workshop live, you can catch up later with the recordings.
In this class, you'll learn:
• What nature journaling is and how it can benefit you.
• How to combine words, pictures and numbers on a page to record an observation.
• How to use 3 simple prompts: ‘I notice’, ‘I wonder’, and ‘It reminds me of’, to journal about anything.
• Observational drawing techniques including how to draw using a boundary box and negative shapes, basic botanical drawing and gesture sketching birds.
• How to use a phenology wheel to record the seasons and weather observations.
• Composition and layout
• Study pages combining sketches and information
• How to use maps and drawings to illustrate a walk or a garden and create sound and texture maps.
Who is this class for?
This class is for everyone! All levels of experience are very welcome, including complete beginners. You will pick up some art techniques and lots of tips for drawing, although the focus is on curiously observing and recording. You do not need to be an artist or naturalist to enjoy this course. This is also something you can have your children do with you!
Benefits of Nature Journaling:
• Be curious and slow down, pay attention and experience wonder at the natural world.
• Spend time in nature, nurturing your sense of connectedness, wellbeing and calm.
• Improve your drawing skills and learn various exercises for observational drawing.
• Have fun!
Materials
You do not need extensive materials, and all the activities can be adapted for different media; below is an example of the materials I will be using.
A Sketchbook / Heavyweight Mixed Media Paper
HB – 4B Pencils
Waterproof Drawing Pens
Coloured Pencils
Brush Pens Or Markers
Watercolour Paint
Brushes Or Waterbrushes
White Gelly Roll Pen
Ruler
Scissors and Glue
About your Tutor
Bethany Milam is an Artist and Tutor taking inspiration from the natural world. With 16 years of experience, teaching a wide range of art subjects and media at different levels, she is a patient and generous teacher. Bethany hopes to inspire students of all ages and teaches with a growth mindset approach.
Contact Bethany Milam for more information, or if you do not receive a confirmation email within 48 hours.
To make the activities in this online course as accessible as possible, all suggested journaling activities will be suitable or adaptable for those less able to access natural spaces. Please inform the tutor when you book if you have any accessibility concerns, and I will be happy to advise you.
Nature journaling is the practice of observing and recording the natural world through drawing, writing and mindful attention. These workshops invite you to slow down, notice more deeply, and experience the changing seasons and natural world around you.
You don’t need to be ‘good’ at drawing to enjoy nature journaling — curiosity and noticing are much more important than artistic skill. Through simple, enjoyable step-by-step exercises and guidance, we will explore drawing as a way of learning.
Throughout the course, Bethany shares photos of her process, describes her nature journaling techniques, and gives you an intimate peek at her own pages.
Participants will have access to an online folder of resources, photo references, example pages and session recordings, as well as a dedicated Padlet for sharing your questions and ideas, getting feedback and encouraging each other in your nature journaling journey.
There will be a suggested homework task (provided as a PDF) given each week to be done in nature or from easily observable natural phenomena.
The live lessons will last approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes each. There will be plenty of time to ask questions during the workshop, plus optional individual feedback on your artwork at the end of the session or via Padlet. You may need to allow an extra 15 minutes at the end of class if you would like feedback.
Lessons are recorded, and a link will be emailed to participants. If you cannot make the workshop live, you can catch up later with the recordings.
In this class, you'll learn:
• What nature journaling is and how it can benefit you.
• How to combine words, pictures and numbers on a page to record an observation.
• How to use 3 simple prompts: ‘I notice’, ‘I wonder’, and ‘It reminds me of’, to journal about anything.
• Observational drawing techniques including how to draw using a boundary box and negative shapes, basic botanical drawing and gesture sketching birds.
• How to use a phenology wheel to record the seasons and weather observations.
• Composition and layout
• Study pages combining sketches and information
• How to use maps and drawings to illustrate a walk or a garden and create sound and texture maps.
Who is this class for?
This class is for everyone! All levels of experience are very welcome, including complete beginners. You will pick up some art techniques and lots of tips for drawing, although the focus is on curiously observing and recording. You do not need to be an artist or naturalist to enjoy this course. This is also something you can have your children do with you!
Benefits of Nature Journaling:
• Be curious and slow down, pay attention and experience wonder at the natural world.
• Spend time in nature, nurturing your sense of connectedness, wellbeing and calm.
• Improve your drawing skills and learn various exercises for observational drawing.
• Have fun!
Materials
You do not need extensive materials, and all the activities can be adapted for different media; below is an example of the materials I will be using.
A Sketchbook / Heavyweight Mixed Media Paper
HB – 4B Pencils
Waterproof Drawing Pens
Coloured Pencils
Brush Pens Or Markers
Watercolour Paint
Brushes Or Waterbrushes
White Gelly Roll Pen
Ruler
Scissors and Glue
About your Tutor
Bethany Milam is an Artist and Tutor taking inspiration from the natural world. With 16 years of experience, teaching a wide range of art subjects and media at different levels, she is a patient and generous teacher. Bethany hopes to inspire students of all ages and teaches with a growth mindset approach.
Contact Bethany Milam for more information, or if you do not receive a confirmation email within 48 hours.
To make the activities in this online course as accessible as possible, all suggested journaling activities will be suitable or adaptable for those less able to access natural spaces. Please inform the tutor when you book if you have any accessibility concerns, and I will be happy to advise you.
