Introduction to Nature Journaling

Deepen your enjoyment of nature and understanding of conservation needs through nature journaling at the Houston Botanic Garden. A nature journal is a dynamic way to creatively document plants that support our wildlife, including pollinators like native bees and the endangered monarch butterflies.

In a workshop suitable for all skill levels, we will slow down and use the creative practice of combining sketches and text as we observe and document nature. After a presentation and drawing warm up, we’ll walk together to the Coastal Prairie and draw from direct observation with a focus on native plants. Guided prompts and instructor assistance will be available during the drawing session.

In this class, you will learn:  

• Techniques for expressive plein air drawing and combining images with text  

• To observe nature in a new way 

• How to create a sketching kit for outdoor use 

• About the types of nature journals, and subject ideas  

• Information about the Coastal Prairie 

Some of the personal benefits to nature journaling include stress and anxiety reduction, a break from technology, and an opportunity to enhance your observation and recall skills. 

Non-member Ticket Price: $40
Member Ticket Price: $25 ($15 discount)  

Instructor Bio: Artist, naturalist, and environmental advocate Renata Lucia strives to shift aesthetics toward a wilder landscape and inspire others to protect local ecosystems. She grew up amid forests and woodlands of the Columbia Bottomlands along the Texas Gulf Coast, which provide the roots of her ecological artworks. Her art practice involves regular engagement with the environment, including volunteer work as a Texas Master Naturalist and a Board Member of the Houston Native Prairies Association of Texas, as well as employment with the Native Plant Society of Texas. Her paintings, drawings, and prints have been featured in New American Paintings, The Hand Magazine, and Manifest Gallery’s International Painting Annual. She has been a resident artist at Houston’s Project Row Houses and Burleson’s Russell Farm Art Center and an award winner at both the Lawndale Big Show and Assistance League of Houston Celebrates Texas Art exhibitions. She lives in Houston and works out of her home studio in the Sharpstown area.

Skill level: All skill levels welcome, no drawing or writing experience required. 

What to bring: 

• A refillable water bottle (there are two water refilling stations at the Garden). 

What to wear: Comfortable clothing, a hat (to keep the sun out of your eyes while drawing), walking shoes, sun protection 

What to expect: We will meet in the climate-controlled Culinary Garden Tent for the first part of the class, and then we will walk to the Coastal Prairie.  

Class is taught in English. 

*photos by instructor Renata Lucia