Workshops and Presentations

I offer workshops, presentations, and educational exhibits for audiences of all ages to cultivate observation, scientific inquiry, and environmental awareness. View my upcoming events on my calendar or contact me to book a program. My fee is hourly or daily for extended programs and schools.

Presentations

My presentations range from 20-50 minutes and may include audio and props.

Expeditionary Art

Discover the tradition of explorer and naturalist artists and the historical cross-over between art and science. Featured artists include Edward Wilson, Conrad Martens, and Emily Carr.

High Latitudes: Science and Art in the Arctic

This multi-media presentation features paintings, photographs, and audio recordings from NE Greenland. Learn about walrus, arctic terns, polar bear, and field projects in the far north.

The Antarctic Peninsula

Explore the wildlife and habitat of the Antarctic Peninsula through paintings and photographs.

Workshops

Sessions vary from 1 hour to multiple days and often include an indoor and outdoor component. I incorporate group activities with time for independent painting and one-on-one feedback. Curriculum may be customized for specific interests and supplies (such as my Art Toolkit) may be provided. Private lessons are available.

Tools for Observation

This fun and fast-paced workshop covers basic drawing techniques including, contour, thumbnail, and diagrammatic sketches, as well as measuring and value.

Field Sketching with Ink and Watercolor

Participants learn fundamental sketching and watercolor techniques and have the opprotunity to work with tools such as watersoluble and waterproof pens, waterbrush pens, and split primary palettes.

Watercolor Painting

A variety of workshops provide opportunities for participants of all levels to gain confidence and experience with watercolor. Topics may include painting mountains, expressive skies, glazing and masking, and the properties of paint.

Nature Journaling

This workshop introduces bookbinding techniques and offers prompts and inspiration for nature journaling.

 

Partners in Education

My past and current partners in education include the Seattle Art Museum, Pacific Science Center, North Cascades Institute, Confluence Gallery, Explorers Club, Islandwood, Nature Consortium, Daniel Smith, University Child Development School, Margaret Mead Elementary, and Methow Valley Community School.

Testimonials

When Maria did a field sketching and nature journaling workshop, she brought with her an enthusiasm for art and exploration. Maria's visit provided my students with a new set of tools that allowed students to take their work to another level. I highly recommend Maria as a wonderful resource for art and exploration!
Sarah Varick
Methow Community School
Maria can take a glacier or mountain in view and engage the students in close observation of the colors, shapes, textures in a way that gives artistic confidence to those who view the world scientifically and gives scientific confidence to those who view the world artistically. And the students love her sense of humor!
Erin Pettit
Professor of Glaciology
Maria works well with children and adults – for practical, friendly, effective teaching, we commend her very highly.
Mark Beaufait
Student