Mentoring & Coaching Programs
Brush/Pigment/Water/Paper
A 4-week watercolor workshop (Online)
April 4, 11, 18 & 25 2026 Saturdays 1:30-3:30pmEDT
What do these tools have in common? They hold the key to better understanding the medium of watercolors!
It is said that watercolor is the most difficult medium to master, but what if mastering it isn’t your goal?
What if you just want to enjoy working with it in a simple way?
Learn how four variables – brushes, pigments, water, and paper – interact with each other, and how changing one of those variables changes the outcome of your work.
Join me at the drawing table for this helpful, informative, and fun workshop.
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!
Sketching in Thompson Pass, AK June 2024 ©Sandy McDermott
Willow Ptarmigan sketches in Alaska ©Sandy McDermott
“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
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.
This program is currently on hold. If you are interested and want to know if/when it will return, leave your name here.
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, 2025Building 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!
This program is currently on hold. If you are interested and want to know if/when it will return, leave your name here.
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
Any new programs/workshops will land on this page. Contact me directly with any questions.