** SOLD OUT but join the waitlist for the spring 2026 session **
Studio Sessions: Drawing 1 - Seeing and Sketching is your easy entry into nature-focused drawing courses. Whether you're picking up a pencil for the very first time or rediscovering the simple pleasure of drawing after years away, this in-person course welcomes you back to the timeless joy of creating with your hands.

In our fast-paced digital world, there's something deeply restorative about the gentle scratch of graphite on paper, the quiet focus of observing natural forms, and the satisfaction of watching a drawing emerge line by line. Here, you can step away from screens, slow down, and reconnect with the meditative art of seeing and sketching.

Over five Tuesday evenings, you'll build practical basics in a supportive, unhurried environment: how to hold your pencil comfortably, draw smooth confident lines, train your eye to notice shapes and details, get proportions right so things look natural, and use shading to make your drawings come alive. We use real nature treasures (leaves, feathers, stones, shells) plus clear reference photos of animals, connecting you directly with the natural world that has inspired artists for centuries. You can also bring your own reference images to work as the techniques will apply to anything.

Each session follows a gentle rhythm: I demonstrate techniques, you practice at your own pace, and you receive personalized feedback to help you grow. No experience necessary, no pressure, just the pure enjoyment of learning to see the world through an artist's eyes.

Available spots: 10
Venue: Workshop, Stittsville (downtown)
Time: Tuesdays 7:00–9:00 pm
Dates: Jan 13, Jan 20, Jan 27, Feb 3, Feb 10
Arrive: 6:45 pm

All basic supplies are included (pencils, quality paper, blending tools, and kneadable erasers) so you can focus entirely on the joy of drawing. An optional sketching kit will be available for purchase in advance, perfect for continuing your artistic journey at home. Kits will be delivered in person for the first class.

Join the waitlist to get early access 24 hours before public registration opens on October 24th, 2025.

Note: If there is enough demand via the waitlist, I will consider another course in the  Kanata/Stittsville before moving east with other locations. So don't be discouraged and add your name today.

This first session launches at Cup of Intention in Stittsville, with additional locations planned based on demand. Take this opportunity to gift yourself the quiet pleasure of drawing—your creative spirit will thank you.

About your instructor, Mike Hendley

Drawing sits at the center of Mike’s practice. He is a self-taught Ottawa artist who came to art at 40, focused on wildlife and nature in graphite, watercolor, oil, and digital. He hosts the Drawing Inspiration podcast with over 100 artist interviews. He has presented at international conferences and teaches online courses that emphasize seeing, accuracy, and simple tools. He sketches on location, builds his own photo references, and turns that field work into clear demos and step-by-step methods. His goal is simple: help you slow down, see shape and light, and leave with skills you can use right away.

Refunds and transfers for this course

• Full refund up to 7 days before the first class.

• Within 7 days, refunds are not offered. If your seat is re-filled from the waitlist, you receive a full credit for a future course.

• You may transfer your seat to another adult up to 24 hours before the first class. Email me the new attendee’s name and email.

• Missed classes are not refunded or prorated. Recaps are posted after each class.

• If I must cancel the course for any reason, you receive a full refund. If a single class needs to be rescheduled due to illness or weather, we add a make-up date.

• No HST charged. Price shown is the total.

• By purchasing, you agree to these terms.
  
  

Code of Conduct for all courses

• Be respectful and inclusive.

• Kind, specific critique only.

• Ask before photos, phones on silent.

• Dry, low odor materials, clean up your space.

• Harassment or disruptive behavior is not allowed and may lead to removal.
  

• Detailed Code of Conduct can be found here