Drawing to Learn - Part Two of Botanical Series

Fairfield Osborn Preserve
6:30 am – 8:00 am

Admission Fees: none

Registration Links:
Register for this event

But I can’t draw!! Yes, you can. You just need to look very carefully, study each element of the plant. And by drawing you will learn much more about the plant you choose to study.

The world of plants surrounds us, providing us with food to eat, materials to provide us shelter and air to breathe. All creatures depend upon plant life. We take it for granted at our own peril. In order to protect and sustain this life-giving organism, we need to understand it. To understand it, we need to study it, feel it in our hands, smell it, turn it over, marvel at its complexity and beauty.

In this series, you will be offered an optional rapid overview of the structure of plants in a one-hour online tutorial. A week later, you will venture into the field to learn the basics of botanical illustration, a key tool to learning about a plant through careful observation and drawing.

Presenter

Wendy St. John is an ecologist, teaching in both the Biology, and Geography, Environment and Planning departments at Sonoma State University. She is currently teaching Restoration Ecology. After deeply studying botanical illustration, she is eager to share this life skill with us all.

Logistics

Part Two will be a leisurely, short walk on the preserve. Each attendee will be encouraged to bring desired drawing materials, and choose a plant to draw during our walk on the preserve.

Fairfield Osborn Preserve is a 15-minute drive from Sonoma State's main campus, on Lichau Road in Penngrove. Parking is limited so please consider carpooling. 

Participants must sign a waiver upon arrival. All minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian. Pets and smoking are not permitted. This is a rain or shine event. No previous experience or knowledge is required to participate. 

COVID-19 Safety

Do not attend if you test positive for COVID-19 or if you have any symptoms that may be indicative of COVID-19. All SSU updated guidelines can be found here.

What to Bring

Please bring rain, sun and insect protection as needed, a full water bottle and snack, notebook/paper for journaling, pencil or other drawing tools, and sturdy footwear for hiking. Long pants are recommended.

A sink for handwashing, potable water and restrooms are available on site.

How to Sign Up

See registration link below. Each person should register separately. This event is free of charge.

About the Center

Sonoma State University’s Center for Environmental Inquiry empowers university students to work with community members on the environmental challenges of the North Bay. Our mission is to create an engaged and environmentally ready society, one where all people have the skills to find solutions to the challenges facing our earth. SSU Preserves are open to everyone engaged in education or research. Reservations are required.