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Mentoring & coaching programs

Early registration will open Monday Sept. 8, 2025 for Priority List members.
THREE DAYS ONLY.

The no-obligation private Priority List only shows you have a deep interest in the program AND allows you access to early registration. Your contact details are not shared with anyone or any entity and you will not automatically become a subscriber.

The programs:

A: Field Sketching; A Year of Mindfulness Year 1 (final year)
Learn the basics of how to build or sustain a Field Sketching or Nature Journaling practice. Lessons include graphite, pen, and watercolor techniques. (more details further below)B. Field Sketching; A Year of Mindfulness Year 2 (final year)
In my advanced mentorship, we'll expand on a few concepts from Year 1 and include a few new tools for the sketchbook. (more details further below)C. Nature Junky Artists
This intermediate-level group meets once monthly and works from prompts that I provide. This is an open enrollment; you can join the group at any time of the year. (more details further below)

Tap a program for its full description and 2025/26 dates.

“The class is more than an art course… what I most appreciate… is that I am more observant of the nature around me, whether it is in my backyard, on my commute to work or out in nature.” ~Amy

What's included?
(the benefits)

  • Four seasons with a 3- to 4-week break in between each;

  • 2hr classes are held bi-weekly, leaving a comfortable amount of time to attend to homework assignments;

  • Each class focuses on specific drawing or observation skills to help create more accurate sketches;

  • Seasonal topics related to natural history to become more aware of the rhythm of nature;

  • Homework assignments are provided as guidance outside of class;

  • Homework review as a group that offers personal feedback, direction, and confidence;

  • Classes are held 2-4pmAKT, 6-8pmET;

  • All classes are recorded so you can reference the material after a missed class or for learning at your own pace

  • Work in small group settings with a supportive, encouraging environment to improve observation and drawing skills.

  • Develop a meaningful connection with the natural world around you through direct observation.

  • Focus on developing your process to explore what your journal means to you.

  • Reap the benefits of all of this PLUS a healthier mind and body

  • NOTE: the monthly group has its own schedule, content, plan, and benefits but shares the last seven listed here.

The no-obligation private Priority List only shows you have a deep interest in the program AND allows you access to early registration. Your contact details are not shared with anyone or any entity and you will not automatically become a subscriber.

Questions?
[email protected]

About the instructor

My field sketching practice informs everything I do as an Artist, Instructor, and Writer.Art and nature have been part of my life in varying ways since childhood. After a few years flipping between art and biology as an undergrad, I found my way to Natural Science Illustration and never looked back.Teaching others to connect with the natural world through direct observation and journaling brings me as much joy as my personal art practice does.With a focus on "process" rather than always completing finished works, I am teaching skills that apply to anything you want to sketch.You know the old adage..."Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime"? That's what I aim to do.Join me for a year of coaching your own practice.

What a current student has said:

"My drawing skills have improved massively, as has my comfort with using watercolors. The biggest change, however, is my attention to the detail of things I never used to notice. Like how many petals there are on a flower, when things around me start to bloom, and the shapes and shades of landscapes, etc. The observation practice of this course has noticeably made its way into how I experience my neighborhood, town, etc. I once said there isn’t much to look at most of the year. That sounds a bit silly to me now. Everything seems worth examining these days.I’m looking forward to a second year of learning with Sandy.” ~Melanie_

All images on this page ©Sandy McDermott with exception of the instructor photo above, ©Morgan Lee Photography, and cannot be used without permission.