Field Sketching

Instructor: Ray Bonnell

Drawing has long been used in art and the natural sciences as a tool for studying and documenting the physical world. For the artist as well as the scientist, taking a sketchbook into the field and drawing on location can be a valuable means for studying their surroundings. The goal of field sketching for the artist, whether it be of cityscapes or nature, is not to produce a “plein air” work of art, composed and completed outdoors. Field sketching is not necessarily about producing art, although sketches may be artistic and may serve as the basis for later art works. Rather, through keen observation coupled with accurately recording those observations, the goal is learning about the natural world while at the same time producing a record of your time in the field that you can refer to later. The pages of sketch books used in the field may be filled as much with written notes about a subject as with drawings. In this workshop, through instructional exercises and actual field sketching, you will learn the basics of drawing from nature, and will hone your observational and artistic skills. A pair of binoculars and a magnifying glass will be as valuable as a sketchbook and pencils. Classes will include numerous field trip to locations such as the Georgeson Botanical Gardens, Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge, UAF West Ridge trail system, and the UAF Large Animal Research Station (LARS).

Materials list for Field Sketching

Required materials
 Hardback sketchbook—hardback so it can be easily held in the field, and can provide protection
for paper. Can be either spiral-bound or hardbound. Paper should be smooth-to-medium grained,
medium weight (heavier if you will be adding watercolor), and preferably acid-free. No smaller
than 5.5” x 8.5”—no larger than 9” x 12”. I prefer a 7” x 10” sketchbook.
 Pencils—either standard art pencils or mechanical pencils. HB and 2B hardness pencils will

suffice. You can add pencils with softer graphite, but the drawings will smear more. Pentel Twist-
Erase pencils work very well. If you are using standard pencils bring two of each. I primarily use

mechanical pencils for quick sketches.
 Sharpeners—If you are using standard pencils you will need a sharpener, either a small twist
sharpener, a sand-paper block, or a small knife. Advantage of mechanical pencils is there is no
need for a sharpener.
 Erasers—Regular pink erasers will suffice, but I also recommend bringing kneaded-rubber erasers.
Artgum erasers will also work, but they are very crumbly. If using mechanical pencils, bring extra
erasers.
 Carrying bag—shoulder bag or backpack (preferably weatherproof) large enough to carry your
drawing supplies, plus any extras.

Optional supplies
 Art supplies.

If you want to use color in your sketches, you can add colored pencils or watercolors to
your kit. (Note – I am partially colorblind and only do black-and-white art. Don’t expect any
recommendations on color choices.) I do not recommend charcoal for field sketches.
 Small pair of binoculars (highly recommended) for observing birds and animals
 Hand lens or magnifying glass
 Small ruler
 Small pencil case
 Folding stool or foam kneeling pad
 Rain gear and umbrella (Yes, we will be going on field trips even if it is a bit damp outside.)
 Plastic bags for collecting specimens for later study