The Great Sketchbook Encounter, a fun new challenge for Nature Artists’ Guild members, begins next week.  Members who wish to participate should bring an empty sketchbook to the June 2, 2016 meeting, where they will receive an official participation stamp on the first page.

The very next day, the fun begins!  As detailed in the e-mail sent to members earlier this week, the Great Sketchbook Encounter is a challenge to Nature Artists’ Guild members to fill two pages in their sketchbook every day from June 3 until September 4, 2016.  That’s 90 days of skill-improving sketching!

Before purchasing a new sketchbook, participants might like to take a few minutes to think about when and where they are most likely to find the time and opportunity to sketch, and which media they would like to try.  Pencil sketches just require a regular sketchbook, a few pencils, a sharpener and an eraser. Adding color, whether with colored pencil, watercolor, inks or pastels may require a thicker or textured paper.  Pen and ink may work better on something smooth.  If you are planning a lot of traveling, a small sketchbook and simple supplies can go anywhere, but if you plan to sketch in your garden each morning, a larger sketchbook may result in some lovely frame-able drawings.

Great Sketchbook Encounter tote bags will be awarded at the October 2016 meeting to those who meet the challenge, and any members who wish to may display their sketchbooks at the meeting. Thank you to Evelyn Grala for planning this exciting challenge!  Those who wish to participate or have questions but cannot attend the June meeting, should check their recent e-mail for contact information.