Drawn to Nature

Celebrate the Centenary of Balls Head Reserve by joining acclaimed artist, illustrator and educator Patrick Shirvington for a guided nature journalling experience in one of Sydney Harbour's most distinctive bushland reserves.

Patrick's Drawn to Nature workshops encourage participants to slow down, observe closely and deepen their connection with the natural environment through drawing and creative enquiry. Guided by Patrick, participants will explore the reserve through a series of observational drawing and nature journalling activities designed to help them notice the shapes, textures, patterns and relationships that often go unseen in the landscape. Patrick's workshops focus on connecting people with nature through observation, creativity and curiosity.

The workshop will meet at the Caretaker's Cottage at the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability. From there, participants will walk together to Banksia Heights, the seating area at the junction of Balls Head Loop Road, where Patrick will guide a series of drawing and journalling activities inspired by the surrounding bushland and harbour landscape.

Suitable for beginners and experienced artists alike, this workshop is not about creating a perfect drawing. Instead, it offers an opportunity to slow down, sharpen your observation skills and record your experience of place through sketching and journalling.

There will be two sessions; 10:00 am to 11:30 am and 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm.

All materials will be provided, and no drawing experience is required.

What to bring

• Sturdy enclosed footwear suitable for bush tracks

• Sun protection, including a hat and sunscreen

• Clothing appropriate for the weather conditions

• A bottle of drinking water

Suitable for

All ages, children must be supervised by an adult.

Accessibility

The location of this activity is not accessible to wheelchairs; there is a small set of stairs leading from Balls Head ring road to a flat open space with some seating and shade.

Join us for this special Centenary event and discover how nature journalling can help you observe more closely, engage more deeply with the natural world and create a personal record of your experience in Balls Head Reserve.