Ah yes... summer! — Koosje Koene

Jul 20

Jul 20 Ah yes... summer!

Summer is great for so many reasons. One of them is that there are a lot of location adventures to take and join. I am filling so many summer sketchbook pages, it’s crazy how productive I am!
One of the adventures was during the first weekend of July. I went to Den Bosch, the Netherlands, where The Urban Sketchers Netherlands organized a National Sketch Weekend. Over 150 people showed up (despite the rain on day 1), and it looked like artists had invaded and taken over the town. (you can see pics of it on the Instagram posts of Urban Sketchers NL)

This happened while I was fresh out of a trip I had been looking forward so much:

Color And Play In Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv was on my travel destinations wish list for such a long time. In 2020 I was supposed to go there to take a workshop. But you know... Covid. So when I saw that Maru Godas and Marina Grechanik (one of my drawing heroes!) were teaching a 3-day workshop together in Tel Aviv, I didn't need to think very hard.
Apart from the workshop, I had planned few extra days to myself to explore this buzzing city in Israel. I had never been there before and with my sketchbook as my travel companion, I had the best time on this adventure!

You can see my travel sketchbook pages in this sketchbook tour video

In class, Maru and Marina made me and the other workshop participants step way out of our comfort zones! I made colorful (and sticky) messes, and I learned so much. I've been starting to put some of their techniques and approaches to my own daily sketchbook pages.

And of course, once I incorporated the things that fit me well, into my own style, I will be sharing ideas and tips, and a sketchbook tour on Youtube and my Patreon page.

I’ve also shared a Patrons-only exclusive sketchbook tour of my colorful accordion sketchbook pages I filled during the workshop, on Patreon.

Now, Back To Teaching

Halfway June, I opened an interest list for an online workshop on drawing people. So many people showed interest! So it’s happening.
This live online workshop titled "Let's Draw People!" takes place on Zoom on July 29.
(If you'd like to join this class, but the date or time is inconvenient: everyone who signs up will receive the link to the recorded video within 24 hours after class, indefinite).
You can find all info about this workshop right here.
Tickets are going fast, so don't hesitate too long!

Speaking of tickets: a spot opened for my Malta Vacation Workshop in November.
This 5-day workshop in the Mediterranean will be an amazing experience for exploring both in your sketchbook and outside of it. malta has so much to offer: beautiful views, historic sites, culture, good food… and it’ll feel like dipping back into summer while it’s November (which can be a gloomy month!).
Check out the itinerary of the trip and grab that spot here.