Workshop: Watercolors in the Bog

Looking to begin painting outside but are unsure where to start? This workshop is for you! This event, presented by Lauren Hefty of GreyFoxArtworks, is part of Friends of Sax-Zim Bog’s series of art-based workshops in the Bog. The arts and the Sax-Zim Bog have a strong relationship: from photographers capturing the beautiful sights and creatures of the region, to the artists inspired to profile this amazing place in their favored medium. We will begin by spending a little time talking about safe handling practices of paint and supplies in the wild, along with responsible observation practices. We will then head for the Taiga Board Walk to apply those practices to real life study. The outdoor portion of this class is student-lead and is designed for beginner and intermediate students looking to further their skills in plein air painting. The instructor will accommodate each student’s skill level, and assist them in painting their chosen subjects.

Students are asked to bring the following materials:

Mason jar or old water bottle with watertight lid (for rinsing paintbrushes)

Watercolor paper pad of choice

Watercolor travel set of choice

Brushes of choice

Small travel stool, chair or bucket for sitting (if desired or needed)

*There are a limited number of art supplies available to rent from the instructor. Rented supplies must be arranged in advance no less than 24 hours before the beginning of class.*

Lauren Hefty is an illustrator and painter who specializes in natural landscapes, surrealism, and birds. The simple beauty of the outdoors is what inspires her to create. From the cold silence of a winter landscape to the warm, vibrant colors of a spring warbler, Lauren’s work is meant to showcase the diversity of nature in a way that moves the viewer to a sense of nostalgia. She currently creates in her home town of Star Prairie, WI. Lauren is a member of the St. Paul Artist Collective, a board member for Frederic Arts and an Arts Educator for the White Bear Center for the Arts, Glädje Gallery, and Frederic Arts. Lauren’s artwork is currently on display at Glädje Gallery in Lindstrom, MN and at One10 Gallery in Frederic, WI.

***REGISTRATION REQUIRED***

Registration: $85 for Friends of Sax-Zim Bog members and MN Master Naturalists; $100 for non-FOSZB members (includes membership).

To register, go to: https://saxzim.org/events/

Registrants will meet on Saturday, May 23rd from 10:00am-2:00pm, at the Meadowlands Community Center located at 7758 Western Ave, Meadowlands, MN 55765.