Nature Journaling and Drawing

Join naturalist and artist Mindy Wiebush to explore how to journal and draw what we experience in nature. Mindy is an artist who is currently exhibiting work at River Arts.

Ages: Families — kids 10 and up accompanied by a parent

Materials: If you have one, bring your journal. All other materials will be provided.

Potluck! This event will be followed by a potluck. Please bring a dish to share if you are inspired.

FREE

Image from Mindy’s nature journal.

ABOUT MINDY

Who is Mindy Wiebush?  And why does she paint?

I paint because it pleases me.  I paint because I want to record the world around me and that which touches my feelings.  I paint to explore what the creative life is about.  I paint because it calms and soothes me. Painting is a tool for observation and discovery.  I paint because it’s fun!

My parents encouraged me with classes and art supplies.  Teachers gave me insight and challenged me.  And a myriad of books written by artists provided many exercises and practices that improved my skills. (Don’t buy the books just to look at the pretty pictures- do the exercises!)

One of my passions is nature and being outside.  I earned a degree in forestry from Michigan Technological University in1975.  For about seven years I worked as a field technician on the Gallatin National Forest in Montana.  After that I and my husband, Jim, and our daughters, Molly and Amanda, lived in Elk City for nine years and enjoyed the snow, birdwatching, moose in the yard, hundreds of snow geese in the meadow, and camping in the wilderness together.

When Jim retired from the Forest Service we moved to Clearwater.  We built our house, established an orchard, and continue to grow our own vegetables and fruit.  We own timberland and manage it with the goal of “Growing a Forest”.

Thanks to Central Idaho Art Association for many years of artistic fellowship (gal-ship?),

Salmon River Art Guild for art classes and learning opportunities, and River Arts Kamiah for inviting me to show my work.

And now a Poem:

You Could Say

That I am just hanging around

With my paintings climbing the wall.

‘Could it be true that I am an artist at all?

I spread the the paint and smear it around

Hoping for something to astound.

I just don’t understand this irksome craft.

Never a master, always a student

And none too bright at that.

Couldn’t I doodle and be just as proud?

“Probably so.” says a doubtful crowd.

O deary me! and Boy Howdy!

Maybe it’s time to get rowdy!

Never mind the masterpeice!

We can’t all be Monet.

I just want to play.

November 2024