A drawing tutorial for you
From my nest to yours, hello there!
Welcome to the very first post of Drawing the Natural World. I’m Val, an artist/naturalist working in the rural South. I’m here to share drawing techniques, sketchbook and nature journaling inspiration, and lots of helpful tips gained in nearly 50 years of working as a studio artist and illustrator.
Our official launch is November 15!
As we move together through the seasons, illustrated printable pages will land in your inbox every Monday. Full-length video tutorials will come to you twice each month, on the 1st and the 15th. (Our first official video tutorial will be Nov. 15.) My monthly roundup newsletter - which will also include reviews of books and art supplies, current studio news, and fun giveaways - will come out on the last day of each month.
Today’s video is from my archives, a gift to you. But going forward, all videos will be new material not seen in any of my online courses.
Sgraffito is one of my favorite colored pencil techniques. It’s a trick borrowed from pottery decoration: using a sharp tool to carve through a color layer to reveal a different color beneath. Watch and enjoy!



Wow, that’s magical. Can’t wait to try drawing it. Thank you!
Te estaré esperando querida Val 🌸