Wellness Wednesday: Art in Nature

Art instructor Ann Taylor-Schmidt has been using nature drawing as a way of grounding and meditation for many years. In this activity at Cold Stream Dam in Phillipsburg, she will walk you through drawing the texture and details of a tree without fussing about making a perfect tree drawing. Think of it as an artistic exercise or workout with the benefit of soothing your mind.

This will be your chance to learn methods of creating details with texture that actually contour around the tree, showing the shape of the tree at the same time. Ann will demonstrate first by explaining the techniques as she is focusing on and drawing a small portion of a tree close to the pavilion where we start. Next, you will have a chance to walk a portion of the easy path near the lake to find a tree to use as your model, or choose one near the pavilion’s tables or benches. For trail use, bring a camp chair if you wish; some will be provided. We will be using pencils and pens, provided with paper and clipboards.

This type of nature journaling allows you to concentrate on something that is very natural and grounding. Ann finds this very meditative and a way to calm a busy mind and be very present in the current moment.  

The meeting location is at Cold Stream Dam, on the side opposite from the playground.

About Our Instructor:

Ann graduated cum laude with a B.S. in art ed, first teaching elementary art. Then, she worked in the graphic-arts printing industry, continuing to take grad courses, painting and showing. She worked for Penn State marketing communications and public relations, retiring from the University’s StratComm Office of Social Media. Taylor-Schmidt has taught an annual Penn State nature journal drawing workshop for two decades. She has instructed both adult and teen students on her own, and through the Art Alliance. Ann enjoys photography, bonsai and selling her polymer clay art jewelry creations and teaching through her business Ann Taylor-Schmidt Artworks.

Cancellation Policy

If you need to cancel your registration, please email us at info@centredoutdoors.org at least 24 hours before the event. Our programs often have limited capacity, and early cancellations allow us to offer your spot to another participant. Thank you for helping us keep our events accessible to all!

Reschedule Policy

Because of the frequency and nature of our wellness sessions and guided outings, we are unable to reschedule these events. For special-topic programs, we will make every effort to reschedule when possible. If a special-topic event is postponed, participants will be notified with updated details as soon as they are available.

All programs are held rain or shine. In the event of a cancellation for severe weather, registrants will be contacted by email and/or phone, and it will be announced on our website, Facebook, and Instagram.