Mentoring & Coaching Programs
Watercolor Mixing for Neutrals Sept 15 2025 ©Sandy McDermott
Watercolor Mixing for Neutrals
FREE, virtual demo workshop (first in a series)
Tuesday September 16, 2025 2-3pmAKT
The natural world is full of neutral colors: grays, browns, blues, greens. In fact, all colors can be toned down to neutralize their intensity
But how?
If you don't know this process yet, join me for 60 minutes of loose instruction with a flair for fun and mindfulness!
Skething on top of Rendezvous Ridge Alaska
Hike and Paint on the Butte!
Palmer, AK
Saturday September 20, 2025 10:00 AM 2:00 PM (AKT)
Discover the joy of combining outdoor adventure with artistic expression on this group hike and painting session at the Butte.
At the summit, I’ll discuss how views of the Matanuska Valley, Knik Glacier, and surrounding peaks can inspire your creativity.
In collaboration with Revel Treks and Tours Palmer, AK
This event is bring your own paint supplies. Instruction is provided.
Journal pages from a 6-day backpacking trip through Shenandoah Nat’l Park ©Sandy McDermott
Field Sketching; A Year of Mindfulness, Year 1
A year of mentorship and coaching (Online)
Thursdays 2-4pmAKT beginning November 6, 2025
Field sketching offers an opportunity to connect with the natural environment in which you live. Through first-hand observations and the drawing process, you become familiar with the other living creatures that share their space with you; who rely on it, same way you do.Mindfulness comes in when tapping into a sense of curiosity and wonder as you witness the marvels of the natural world. You become present in the moment, which has positive impacts on mind and body.
FYI: It’s your last chance to experience this unique learning environment. The 2025/26 year will be the 5th and final group. To make this final year a little extra special, there’s a discount if you register before Sept 30, 2025!
Moose sketches in Alaska ©Sandy McDermott
Field Sketching; A Year of Mindfulness, Year 2
A year of mentorship and coaching (Online)
Wednesdays 2-4pmAKT beginning November 5, 2025
Building on the Year 1 program, this mentorship is for you if:
You have some experience with, and a basic understanding of, field sketching and are ready to deepen your practice
You want to continue developing a sustainable practice of Field Sketching or Nature Journaling that fits your interests, schedule, and skill
You want to learn more about specific art skills useful in field sketching while being exposed to a few new mediums to use in the field.
Join me for a year to improve and expand your Field Sketching skills and practice!
FYI: It’s your last chance to experience this unique learning environment. The 2025/26 year will be the final group. To make this final year a little extra special, there’s a discount if you register before Sept 30, 2025!
Willow Ptarmigan sketches in Alaska ©Sandy McDermott
Nature Junky Artists
A year of mentorship and coaching (Meets monthly online)
Mondays 2-4pmAKT beginning November 3, 2025 (new session!)
Tuesdays 2-4pmAKT beginning November 4, 2025
This is a group of individuals that seeks to sustain and nurture a Field Sketching/Nature Journaling practice in a less-formal setting.
In this non-lesson-based program, I provide a prompt that everybody works with. We come back together in the next class to share our work with the group to receive and offer feedback.
A kind, reciprocal community that's growing!
Any new programs/workshops will land on this page. Contact me directly with any questions.
“One of Sandy’s endearing qualities is her open acknowledgement (even as an accomplished artist) that art is a process, that it takes work, and that each individual has his or her own objective, approach and pace. She presents these lessons with obvious affection for the topic(s) while always maintaining an openness and sensitivity to her students’ expectations and abilities. Students invariably feel comfortable asking questions, sharing ideas, and seeking guidance.”
~Marty
A big thing I appreciate is how Sandy’s teaching style with lots of gentle encouragement has helped me relax, be willing to try new-to-me techniques and become more confident in my drawing skills. The fact that I used watercolors with me ON our walk this morning (versus at home or outside without Asha) is a testimonial to your teaching and my growth. Thank you so very much.
~ Marilyn