Each week, we explore our own neighborhoods and travel together to new places. Carrying a shoulder bag or backpack with all of our supplies, we sketch and write in our journals about our experiences. We learn to sketch both urban scenes and natural environments quickly, capturing the essence of the time and the place. Beginning students are encouraged to record their experiences without judging the outcome, while more experienced painters will develop more finished journals. Helen first began to paint in her watercolor journals during a trip to Italy, and has created hundreds of watercolor sketches since then. Sketching from life helps each person to improve their drawing and observation skills, as well as to develop ideas for larger studio paintings. The journals are also a wonderful keepsake of the fun times that we share together. Helen received the Juror’s Choice Award from the Carnegie Center for the Arts for her journal of Beaver Island. Please refer to the class schedule for more information and/or email Helen at helensarthouse@yahoo.com if you want be put on the mailing list for journaling times and locations. Below are examples from Helen's watercolor journals.