Ink and Watercolour in nature

Slow down, look closer & discover nature through ink and watercolour. A relaxed outdoor workshop with me, Matt Dampier. Ink & Watercolour in NatureA relaxed 3-hour outdoor sketching and watercolour workshop with artist Matt Dampier Step outside, slow down, and discover the landscape through ink and watercolour. Join Hamilton artist Matt Dampier for a relaxed and welcoming three-hour outdoor workshop exploring how to sketch trees, plants, and the natural world around us using ink and watercolour. Set in one of the beautiful green spaces surrounding Hamilton, this workshop is an opportunity to step away from the everyday, spend time outdoors, and look at the landscape in a new way. No previous drawing or painting experience is required. Whether you're completely new to sketching, have experimented with watercolour before, or simply want to spend a few hours being creative outdoors, you'll be guided through the process at a comfortable pace. What we'll explore We'll begin with the basics of sketching with ink, learning how simple lines, shapes, and marks can be used to capture trees and the landscape around us. You'll explore: • Basic observational sketching techniques • How to simplify complex natural forms • Creating depth and distance in your drawings • Using line, texture, and contrast • Understanding composition and framing • How to choose what to include—and what to leave out • Developing confidence with ink Once we've created our ink sketches, we'll introduce watercolour and explore how transparent washes of colour can bring your drawings to life. You'll learn some simple watercolour techniques and how to apply them directly to your ink sketches, using colour to suggest light, atmosphere, foliage, shadows, and depth while retaining the character and spontaneity of your original drawing. A gentle approach to creativity This isn't about producing a perfect drawing or painting. The workshop is designed to be relaxed, supportive, and accessible. There will be demonstrations and guided exercises, but also plenty of time to sit, observe, experiment, and develop your own work. Sometimes the best way to improve our drawing is simply to slow down and really look. Hamilton and the surrounding area offer an incredible variety of natural landscapes, and we'll use our surroundings as both our subject and our inspiration. What's included? ✓ 3 hours of guided instruction ✓ All ink and watercolour materials provided ✓ Outdoor sketching exercises ✓ Demonstrations and individual guidance ✓ Introduction to composition and creating depth ✓ Introduction to watercolour techniques ✓ Your own ink and watercolour sketches to take home Who is this workshop for? This workshop is suitable for beginners and experienced artists alike. You don't need to know how to draw, and you don't need any previous experience with ink or watercolour. All you need is a willingness to experiment, spend some time outdoors, and see where your creativity takes you. Come slow down, look closer, and discover a different way of seeing the natural world through ink and colour. Workshop Details Duration: 3 hours Location: A beautiful outdoor green space in the Hamilton area Materials: All materials provided Experience: No previous experience required Instructor: Hamilton artist Matt Dampier Group size: Limited spaces available