Travel Pelion, Greece and nature journal with Melinda

This summer travel to the Mediterranean and explore Pelion, Greece on an 8-day adventure through nature jouranaling with Melinda Nakagawa.

May 25- June 1 2024-

We’ll be staying at the Lagou-Raxi Hotel and making day trips to the surrounding areas to explore with our nature journals

****Please visit this website for all the details!****

Program hosted by the Mediterranean Centre for Art, Gardens, Plants and Design, Lafkos, South Pelion Greece

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Description:

Our tutor, Melinda Nakagawa, leads nature journaling workshops with an approach that bridges nature, art, and heart. She welcomes all people regardless of their skill level or background, guiding participants to cultivate a deeper relationship with the natural world by slowing down to nature’s pace – seeing rather than just labeling nature.

Melinda has a background in science and field research (specialising in birds and marine biology) and works as a professional naturalist and educator. She leads the Monterey Bay Nature Journal Club in California, as well as professional development workshops with nature journaling to educators. She has kept nature journals for over 25 years and continues to find new awe-inspiring subjects in nature.

About the programme

Nature journaling is about exploring the natural world and getting closer to nature by sketching and writing about what inspires us. This process helps us focus in on details, so that we can discover the jewels hidden in plain sight. You’ll develop a personal connection to the beautiful flora, fauna, and landscapes of Greece while filling the pages of your journal – a special keepsake, a sensory scrapbook, to hold lasting memories of your time in Greece.

Melinda teaches strategies to simplify drawing and quiet the inner critical voice so that you can truly soak in the natural beauty. Her gentle, inclusive, and encouraging guidance brings even those who draw timidly to active journaling. Anyone can learn to nature journal.

Explore the wonders of nature and travel with Melinda and your nature journal to memorialise your experiences in Greece. From the azure Aegean Sea with white sandy beaches, to the lush evergreen mountain landscape. Take in panoramic views of the sea and islands, walk the network of cobblestone paths, and explore some of the 24 local villages ‘listed’ for their traditional architectural styles going back centuries. You will be in Pelion during the magnificent spring when the mediterranean flora and fauna, many unique to this part of the world, are at their most active.

If you are nervous about your sketching skills, there is no need to worry. With Melinda’s warm and encouraging personality you’ll soon be nature journaling with ease. You’ll begin seeing things you might not have noticed without your pen and brush in hand.

Be open to learning how to sketch and see, and you’ll come away with a nature journal capturing your personal journey on the Pelion peninsula.

Time table and Topics

The following are some of the topics we will cover.

After breakfast there will be a discussion about the day’s programme. There might also be demonstrations of techniques, depending on whether we walk from the hotel or travel further afield. On local days a light lunch will be taken at the hotel and dinner most evenings, perhaps with a slide show or talk from a local English speaker.

During the week we will also offer at least one pic-nic and one taverna lunch. The group will be free to walk the ten minutes into the local village square to enjoy time on their own eating and exploring. (See notes on final page.)

Saturday 25 May: Arrival during the day. Welcome Dinner in evening
Sunday 26 – Friday 31 May
Breakfast followed by the day’s activities which will be finalised the preceding day depending on progress and preferences
Saturday 01June: Departure, usually after breakfast – it is possible to reserve for a few extra days if wished.

Each day we will have some solo time for rest, reflection and social time.

➢ Introduction to nature journaling
➢ Sketching to see: learn simple strategies to make drawing easier
➢ Splash of Colours adding simple watercolour to your sketches
➢ Mini Landscapes for a Sense of Place
➢ Quick Gesture sketches of moving subjects
➢ Awaken the Senses words to describe sensory awareness
➢ Flowers and Fruit
➢ Finding Nature in town
➢ Writing the Story of our day
➢ Curious nature exploration
➢ Moments of awe and wonder
➢ Seeking mindful moments in nature Materials should include: Sketchbook or journal, unlined paper of choice; Pen and ink; Pencils Colour: watercolour and/or coloured pencils; Day bag to carry journaling supplies