Join us in this new 4 week course where you will slow down and observe the natural world through sustained, thoughtful drawing. Guided by artist Jane Lander, the course focuses on building observational skills while developing your own style.

Working directly from natural specimens—including foliage, seed pods, shells, and seasonal botanical arrangements—students will learn how to translate three-dimensional forms into expressive two-dimensional drawings. Each session combines short demonstrations, practical exercises, and one-on-one feedback to support both beginners and more experienced artists.

Over four weeks, you will explore key drawing principles such as line, tone, proportion, and composition. Emphasis is placed on careful looking: learning how light, structure, and texture reveal themselves over time. Students will experiment with graphite, charcoal, coloured pencil, pastels and ink.

On completion of the course you will have produced a series of drawings and gained practical strategies for continuing to draw from nature independently. The course is ideal for anyone interested in deepening their connection to the natural environment while strengthening foundational drawing skills in a relaxed and supportive setting.

Jane has an established practice with over 30 years experience. Her work is held in many collections including the Newcastle Art Gallery, Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery, Maitland Art Gallery, Muswellbrook Art Gallery and Broken Hill Art Gallery. Lander is the 2022 winner of the Newcastle Club Foundation Art Prize and has been a finalist in many national prizes including The Dobell Drawing Prize, The Blake Travelling Art Prize, The NSW Parliament Plein Air Painting prize and The Kilgour Art Prize. Jane holds a Bachelor of Teaching (secondary, visual arts).