The Park at Bothell Landing is a short walk from Cloud 9 Art School so last week, when the teens showed up for our Monday evening art class, we decided to get out and sketch in the wild. The weather was perfect and by the time we got to the park, the sun was lower in the sky, there was a slight breeze, and we could hear kids playing in the distance.

The teens loved walking around, exploring possible subjects for sketching, settling in and getting to it.

Usually a really chatty bunch, I love seeing how quiet everyone gets once they find something they want to draw. The magic of sketching is that it forces us to slow down, look, draw, and relax. We connect with our world in a more meaningful way.

This summer I am offering a series of art camps, including Keeping a Sketchbook for kids and teens. Check out my list of summer camps here.

If you can't make my camps but think your young artists might enjoy sketching, check out my list of favorite sketching supplies for kids and teens.

Discover your world with a sketchbook in hand!