Field Sketching & Journaling Workshop
with Kristin Link
A creative immersion
Dates:
august 16 & 17, 2025
(optional all-day field session on aug 18)
All skill levels welcome, beginner to advanced.
2-Day Workshop: Introduction to techniques
Join Illustrator Kristin Link in exploring the environment surrounding McCarthy in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park while learning and practicing beginner to advanced field sketching techniques including observational drawing, watercolor painting, and working with mixed media.
Optional Third Day Field Session
All-day excursion field sketching hike on the Root Glacier (conditions permitting). We will take our skills on the trail in an inspiring landscape. For students enrolled in the workshop or with some field sketching experience.
Please reach out to Sabrina at sabrina@wrangells.org with any questions.
MORE INFO:
This workshop combines science and art in a unique approach to learning about the natural world. Participants will explore the environment surrounding McCarthy, Alaska within Wrangell-St. Elias National Park while practicing different field sketching techniques including observational drawing, watercolor painting, and working with mixed media.
Join artist and science illustrator, Kristin Link, for a two-day introduction to nature journaling and field sketching!
Kristin says: “My nature journal is probably my favorite tool for learning about my surroundings and keeping up my art practice, and I’m excited to share that with you.”
This workshop is appropriate for all levels of experience. We will focus on basic drawing and watercolor sketching techniques with applied tools for field sketching. Kristin will share examples of her work, demonstrate techniques, and discuss approaches she uses as a science illustrator.
Kristin will share her own nature journaling practice and some of her favorite tools and techniques for creating accurate journal entries from the natural world. As a visual artist, the instruction focus will be on sketching and visual art, though we will also talk about including words and numbers in your journal pages.
The workshop will include time for students to practice outside in the field. As a group, students will also get to learn from each other and share work. Participants are welcome to extend the workshop by one day to include a glacier hike where learned techniques will be applied.
Why keep a nature journal:
to slow down and be present
create a record of observations and questions about the natural world.
Keep a regular and painting drawing practice and develop visual vocabulary.
It can be a tool for beginning artists to create a practice and develop their own style.
Focus on the intersection of art, place, and nature!
In this workshop, Kristin will share her own nature journaling practice and some of her favorite tools and techniques for creating accurate journal entries from the natural world. As a visual artist, the instruction focus will be on sketching and visual art, though we will also talk about including words and numbers in your journal pages.
Workshop participants will:
Learn multiple approaches to keeping a nature journal so that they can experiment and decide what works best for them.
Gain confidence in drawing from observation.
Learn techniques for working with watercolor and with mixed media, drawing with pen or pencil, and watercolor or colored pencil.
Learn an approach for capturing a variety of subjects in your journal such as plants, landscapes, animals, bones, and rocks.
Create multiple journal pages to record our time together.
Register
Important Notes
**Early Bird price for the 2-day workshop is $350; After May 15, $400.
**Separate registration required for the optional field session and all-day hike.
**The workshop is limited to 12 participants.
**Need-based scholarships available for local residents.
**All meals provided by the Wrangell Mountains Center.
**Accommodations not included.
Cancellations/Refunds: Registrants may cancel for a full refund up to 90 days prior to the date of the workshop; Up to 60 days prior to workshop a 50% refund will be issued; No refund will be issued within 60 days of the workshop.
2-day workshop: A Creative Immersion
This two-day workshop is an introduction to nature journaling and field sketching, and combines science and art in a unique approach to learning about the natural world. Participants will explore the environment surrounding McCarthy, Alaska in the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park while experimenting with different field sketching techniques.
This workshop is limited to the first 12 registrants.
Artists of all levels, including absolute beginners, are welcome to attend. Instruction focus will begin with basic techniques for observational drawing and watercolor sketching.
**Please note that a supply list and welcome email will be sent to participants in May
Optional All-day field session and hike
All-day excursion field sketching hike on the Root Glacier (weather permitting). We will take our skills on the trail in an inspiring landscape. Expect to spend all day outdoors sketching and walking. We will cover working in different weather conditions, approaches to sketching landscapes, and an introduction to glaciology and sketching some of the glacial features we observe. For students enrolled in the workshop or with some field sketching experience.
New York Times
Slowing Down to Take Things In
“I use Ms. Link’s suggestion of measuring far-off things with my pencil and then translating the length of those lines to paper to work. I draw slowly, looking from subject back to my paper again and again......”
“A practice that’s equal parts art and science, field sketching is used by researchers and artists to record their observations of nature, from waterways to winged creatures, mosses to mountaintops. Field sketching pairs illustrations with notes about weather, location, animal behavior and even the journal keeper’s mood that day, offering more context than a stand-alone photo. It’s also a powerful tool for travel, one that forces you to slow down, to take things in, to simply look. ”
Kristin Link
Kristin Link
Photo by Anders Link
I've been working as an artist and illustrator in Alaska since receiving a graduate certificate in Science Illustration from CSUMB in 2010. I work to create images that explain and tell stories about the natural world. I hope my art inspired others to look closer at their own surroundings, and that this action will instill knowledge and conservation.
My work can be found on interpretive signs, in books about national parks, and in museums. I've exhibited illustrations and field sketches at the Alaska State Museum and received grants from the Rasmuson Foundation and the Alaska State Council on the Arts. I live in a cabin outside McCarthy, Alaska on the edge of the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve.
Learn more about Kristin at www.kristinillustration.com and on follow on Instagram @linkkristin
““Kristin was well prepared with all of her presentations and she orchestrated the variety of activities perfectly! She was informative and gentle in her delivery. She differentiated her instructions to meet our range of readiness with seamless finesse.””
Photo by Nathaniel Wilder
Meals and Accommodations
All meals will be provided and shared communally. Hot water will be available for coffee and tea. Every effort will be made to accommodate dietary needs and restrictions with advance notice. Primitive camping is available at no cost to workshop participants. The private site is located just a short walk away from the Wrangell Mountains Center campus. Those who camp are welcome to store gear and food, borrow bear barrels, and use our rustic shower and other facilities at the Hardware Store. WMC staff will direct you to the campsite and orient you there upon your arrival.
Other lodging options within McCarthy include the full service McCarthy Lodge and Lancaster's Backpacker Hotel, located just down the street. The Kennicott River Lodge and Hostel is another great option outside of town; it's a short bicycle ride or twenty minute walk each way. If you bring a vehicle with you, Currant Ridge Cabins is located on the McCarthy Road about three miles from the road's end; it's about a half mile walk between the parking area there and the Old Hardware Store. Free shuttles run between the river and McCarthy on a rotation with limited hours. If you bring a camper in or would otherwise like to camp out with your vehicle, there are two commercial campgrounds near the end of the McCarthy Road that will accommodate you without advance reservations.
Hotels and other lodging are limited. We strongly recommend booking your reservations well in advance.
Painting Monkshood up close
Art by Cobi Seslar
Art Images by Kristin Link
““This workshop met and exceeded my expectations. The level of knowledge and competency of the instructor was exceptional.””
Sketching in the outdoor classroom, looking towards Mount Blackburn on McCarthy Creek