Workshops in some of the world's most inspirational settings are at the heart of who we are. More than a hobby, travel and sketching are a perfect pairing, like great food and fine wine. When you're sketching, you're no longer a tourist, you're a traveler. The world is your studio, and your sketchbook is your passport. Our workshop guests learn to use sketching as a tool for discovery--to see and to experience places more personally.
Our goal is not for you to draw like anyone else. Our goal is to equip you with eye-opening lessons, techniques, shortcuts and inspiration from my own decades of experience that can help you develop your own style, provide sketching breakthroughs and shave years off your learning curve. Our workshop guests often say we've "given them permission" to be themselves and to enjoy the process. You'll depart with a newfound sense of freedom and confidence that's the foundation for a lifetime of enjoyment and continued growth.
Our currently scheduled workshops are listed below:
Our goal is not for you to draw like anyone else. Our goal is to equip you with eye-opening lessons, techniques, shortcuts and inspiration from my own decades of experience that can help you develop your own style, provide sketching breakthroughs and shave years off your learning curve. Our workshop guests often say we've "given them permission" to be themselves and to enjoy the process. You'll depart with a newfound sense of freedom and confidence that's the foundation for a lifetime of enjoyment and continued growth.
Our currently scheduled workshops are listed below:
Drawing and Discovery in Morocco April 18-27, 2022
Morocco! The name evokes images of astounding visual richness, cultural and geographic diversity and high adventure. Pack your sketchbook and join us to experience the lively squares and street markets of Marrakech, the majestic casbahs, and the snow-capped mountains of the High Atlas. Experience a camel caravan across desert dunescapes, lush oases, and the stunning seaside town of Essaouira.
As you travel and learn with Jim, your sketchbook will become a doorway to discovery, unlocking insights into the cities, landscapes and culture. You'll learn a less rigid, more accessible approach to on-location sketching, using pen and ink, watercolor and mixed media to capture your experiences and impressions. The eye-opening lessons, techniques and shortcuts will help you develop your own style, provide sketching breakthroughs and shave years off your learning curve. You'll depart Morocco with a stunning travel sketchbook, new knowledge and skills, and memories to last a lifetime. Of course, all this will be part of a signature travel experience designed my master chef and travel expert Karolina Lenart, who will immerse you in the flavors, sights and culture of Morocco. This is an experience not to be missed. For details, email Karolina Lenart: followyoursensesintuscany@gmail.com
Drawing and Discovery in Tuscany Lucca, Italy May 8-18, 2022
SOLD OUT
We're thrilled to be returning to Lucca and partnering with Follow Your Senses in Tuscany's Chef Karolina Lenart. This is an experience not to be missed! details and register here.
MISA Urban Sketching Summer Retreat, July 11-15, 2022
All four instructors--Shari Blaukopf, Paul Heaston, Uma Kelkar and myself--are returning for our second Urban Sketching Summer Retreat at the Madeline Island School of the Arts. You'll sketch and paint from early morning to late afternoon in this stunning island setting in Lake Superior and the historic port town of Bayfield. Each day will have demos, critiques and open discussions in the evening over gourmet wine dinners. Each instructor's workshops are all new for this retreat. This is a rare opportunity to learn from 4 masters of urban sketching in a spectacular setting. See details and save your spot here.
Drawing and Discovery in Tuscany Lucca, Italy Oct. 8-18, 2022
We rejoin Follow Your Senses in Tuscany in Fall 2022 for another full cultural immersion workshop! This trip combines 10 days of sketching instruction and on-location drawing with day trips to extraordinary Tuscan towns and landscapes, gourmet regional foods, wine tastings, optional cooking classes, and even a Puccini concert for a full cultural immersion experience! The workshop is based in a beautiful 400-year-old villa with stunning panoramic views across the Tuscan countryside. Jim will conduct group lessons and personal instruction to take your on-location sketching to the next level, while our sketching field trips offer unforgettable experiences that one participant said, "feel like a dream." See details and register here.
Piazza Anfiteatro, a classic public plaza in stunning Lucca, Italy.
Comments from workshop clients and participants:
- "I expected to learn, I expected to eat well, and I expected to experience new things. What I didn't expect was to rediscover that six-year-old boy who loved to draw without judgement...and to find friendships that will last a lifetime." -Professional photographer and workshop participant, Tuscany 2019.
- "I've attended more workshops than I really care to admit, but this one was different. The memories won't go away. I am basking in a mood of inspiration to draw more and put to use some of the valuable information I learned. I no longer fear using perspective as I did even through years of working as an illustrator. Beyond excellence! I cannot wait to do it again. Anywhere. Anytime." Artist and workshop participant, Tuscany 2019.
- "It was a great weekend and event--the best we have had in largest measure due to your excellent instruction, nurturing guidance and sense of humor!" -Michigan State University
- "I loved this workshop, learned so much from James in such a short time. Well planned with clear expectations. James was excellent at communicating and explaining everything. I learned a lot more than I anticipated. This was a great workshop." -International Urban Sketching Symposium participant
- "This was by far my favorite workshop, mostly due to Jim's expertly set-up class. He explains one concept after the other in a clear and understandable way. There is an easy to follow increase in complexity, which keeps the class challenging and interesting. Jim was also very able in giving feedback and explaining what and how to improve." -International Urban Sketching Symposium participant
- "I would take another workshop with Jim and Patti anytime." -International Urban Sketching Symposium participant
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Invited workshops to date. |
