Join us for a wild wandering of art and nature in a social set-up!
Our outdoor drawing workshops are inspired by artists who found magic in nature, especially Henri Rousseau , the self-taught painter known for his vivid, dreamlike jungle scenes. Though Rousseau never left France, he sketched plants, flowers, and animals from gardens, zoos, and museums, later reimagining them into fantastical forests on canvas. This workshop invites you to observe the natural world with care, then allow imagination to take over.
Our concept:
We offer a guided creative session with a tutor inspired by Rousseau’s approach: start with detailed observation, then build your own world from what you see . You’ll receive compositional guidance and tools to help you focus your eye, arrange elements on the page, and create sketches rooted in nature with the potential for transformation.
Perfect for beginners, hobbyists, nature lovers, and artists looking to reconnect with the outdoors or explore a more intuitive way of drawing.
How does it work?
We meet at the Community Garden in Westerpark , a seasonal green space filled with diverse plants and flowers. The session begins with an introduction to Rousseau’s techniques, along with practical tips on how to observe, select a focal point, and build a composition. You’ll then explore and sketch at your own pace, gathering inspiration through direct, immersive observation.
You’ll be provided with:
-Easel (standing/table)
-Drawing board and clips
-A3 drawing paper
-Charcoal and graphite pencil
-Kneaded eraser
You’ll learn how to:
-Choose a focal point in an open setting
-Build a strong composition from natural forms
-Observe textures, shapes, and rhythms in plants and flowers
-Use graphite and charcoal to capture expressive details
-Translate what you see into imaginative sketches, Rousseau-style
This is a calm, exploratory session where you can enjoy nature, sharpen your eye, and draw freely. No prior experience is needed.
Location: Community Garden, WesterparkAmsterdam, Netherlands
You will receive the exact meeting location on the same day!
Note: The garden is seasonal, so the plant life varies beautifully depending on the time of year.
We look forward to seeing you!
For questions, feel free to message us via WhatsApp.
We also offer one-on-one drawing sessions, private group workshops, and team-building activities, which can be held at our studio or a location of your choice. For more information or special requests, email us at:
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Art Studio Amsterdam is registered at KVK 73923621.
I’m Secil, an artist, educator, and social entrepreneur. I believe in art as a cultural shifter: a powerful tool for reflection, connection, and transformation. I look forward to meeting you at the workshop!
Also check out other Arts events in Amsterdam, Fine Arts events in Amsterdam, Workshops in Amsterdam.