Arty Explorers: Nature Connection & Sketch Booking Workshop

In this gentle, immersive workshop, you’ll be invited to reconnect with nature through the practices of nature-based meditation and sketchbooking. Set outdoors in the Hunter Wetlands on the edge of Newcastle, we’ll begin with a quick meet & greet before we float off in canoes to explore the wetland canals, soak in nature, and enjoy some guided mindfulness practices to ground and attune to the landscape.

Once back on land, with pencils, watercolour paints and sketchbooks in hand, you’ll be gently guided to observe, reflect, and draw the birds, bodies of water, trees and other natural objects around you.

Whether you’re an experienced artist or haven’t picked up a pencil in years, this workshop is for anyone seeking creative exploration, inner stillness and a deeper connection with nature and the land.

Meet Sami and Zoe in the Hunter Wetlands Visitor Centre (you can browse the nature-based art exhibition or grab a coffee at the on-site cafe while you wait). Once everyone has arrived, we'll head off to explore the beautiful surroundings and capture the essence of nature through no-pressure art.

Don't miss out on this fun and social opportunity to soak in nature, learn new art techniques, meet like-minded individuals, and create beautiful sketches inspired by the great outdoors. You'll leave with a deeper relationship to place, a handful of sketches, and a renewed sense of calm and clarity. See you there!

• Canoe trail through the wetlands
• Guided nature-based meditation practice
• Gentle creative prompts for observing and sketching nature
• Time to explore, draw, and reflect in your sketchbook
• Supportive guidance (no art skills needed!)
• Picnic lunch and sharing to conclude

• Picnic lunch (in an esky/cooler bag with ice)
• A sketchbook or notebook
• Pencils or pens (watercolours optional)
• Something to sit on for picnic lunch (picnic rug, mat, cushion, towel, or foldable chair if you're uncomfortable with ground sitting)
• Hat, water bottle, weather-appropriate clothing
• If you don't have art supplies, don't stress - we'll bring some spares along

• Those wanting to make new like-minded friends
• Anyone seeking stillness and creative connection
• Artists wanting to return to nature
• Beginners curious about drawing, nature journaling, or nature-based meditation

📍 Meeting inside Hunter Wetlands Visitor Centre

📅 Sunday 19 October 9.30am-1.30pm

🎟️ Cost: $50 + booking fee (includes entry fee and canoe hire)

🧘‍♀️ No art experience necessary. Beginners warmly welcome.

• A few pages of sketches and notes
• A deeper connection to nature and your inner self
• Simple tools to continue a nature-based art practice
• A sense of spaciousness, peace, and creative renewal

• You can sketch abstractly or realistically—anything is welcome.
• At times we will allow silence to be your co-teacher.
• It’s okay not to finish your sketches... doodling and being present is great.
• The page is a place of relationship, not judgment.
• You belong here.

Have questions?

Please reach out anytime:

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📱 Instagram: @zoe_art_and_soul

Also check out other Arts events in Hexham, Trips & Adventurous Activities in Hexham, Health & Wellness events in Hexham.