Learning to See (with Ruskin)

This gentle, monthly workshop series, at 2pm (UK time) on the first Saturday of every month, from September 2025 to May 2026, invites you to slow down and look closely—at leaf and lichen, cloud and stone, light and shadow. Guided by the spirit of John Ruskin and his belief that learning to draw is above all a way of learning to see, Learning to See offers a welcoming space for anyone, regardless of skill level, to deepen their connection to the natural world through careful observation and creative practice.

Inspired loosely by Ruskin’s The Elements of Drawing, the series will blend drawing with a wide range of creative responses, which might include walking, watercolour and colour mixing, photography, mapping, and reading.

Sessions will run on the first Saturday of each month, with artist, writer and Companion Kateri Ewing opening the series in September and October, setting the tone for an experience rooted in reverence, presence, and accessibility. We are delighted that Robert Newell, Julian Perry and Doris Rohr are confirmed as guest hosts later in the series.

Together, we’ll explore how attentive seeing can rekindle our sense of wonder—and how wonder can lead us toward care.

Join us for 90 minutes of shared observation, practice, discussion, and community each month, and discover how small, mindful acts of attention can become a daily rhythm of creative noticing.

All are welcome.

PLEASE NOTE: THE ZOOM LINK FOR EACH SESSION WILL BE EMAILED OUT TO ALL REGISTERED ATTENDEES IN THE WEEK OF EACH SESSION.

We suggest that attendees have the following materials to hand (some sessions may suggest other specific materials):

1. Ordinary A4 plain printer-paper or similar (5 sheets perhaps) or a drawing notebook if you have one. A matt finish and an off-white tone to the paper are recommended, but not essential..

2. Black 0.5 mm roller ball or felt tip pen (ref. eu.winsornewton.com/collections/fineliners/products/fineliner-black)

3. A4 tracing paper (2 sheets perhaps)

4. A sharp pencil (or two!)

5. An eraser

Sessions will usually run for 90 minutes. Each will be recorded and later placed on the Guild's website as a free resource.