Welcome to Vermont Hike and Draw! 
WHY Hike and Draw?
1) We Create Outside!
* Connect to nature *inspiration and awe* Landscape is powerful environment for connecting to nature * notice new things in nature – animal tracks and ice crystals
2) Powerful Creative Experiences For Beginners
* motor skill engagement* dynamic brain functioning * right brain – big picture thinking
3) Self care
* A wonderful break from your day to reset and regroup * Give yourself a break from caring for others. * Fresh air in winter is immune boosting * Vitamin D is plentiful outdoors * Be in a supportive community * Natural light during seasonal changes
Student Success and Discoveries
“I thought last night’s discussion of color was the best one I have ever had.”
KH – Semi-private class
Your “Drawing Spring Flowers” class has been very meaningful. Your suggestions, comments, and feedback have been valuable, and the projects you have assigned between classes have been creative, thought-provoking, and fun. It has been a joy this spring to observe – in new and unexpected ways – and to depict the natural world with pencil and paper. The discoveries and re-discoveries resulting from your class have been important gifts; I have been inspired to do much more than I would have imagined possible. Thank you, Kate. – Drawing Spring Flowers Participant
About your teacher:
Kate Ruddle is an exhibiting artist at The Front Gallery in Montpelier, Vermont. She has been teaching adults for over sixteen years. She has taught drawing for adult community education since 2002, and sculpture to graduate and undergraduate art students for over ten years. She values process over product and believes that drawing starts with learning to see. Students have called her classes “more than a drawing class”.
Contact Teacher for Questions
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Friday, 11-12 pm – 2/16/24 – 2/23/24
REGISTER NOW
Come out in nature and draw! Drawing is a gateway to open your vision, get present and be in nature. In this 2 part series we will step out in nature together and hike along the river trail. We will observe water, bridges, trees, and forest.
When snowy we will strap on snowshoes. This class uses drawing as an observation tool and emphasizes process over product – so no drawing experience necc! Slow down, experience, and really SEE Vermont!
Ages 16+ / Hike Level: Easy – Flat trail / Materials Provided / No experience necc!
$60 online registration / $80 drop-in
Location: North Branch Trails via Poolside Drive
1 Poolside Drive, Montpelier, VT
REGISTER NOW
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Vermont Hike and Draw – Woods Walk
Friday, 12 – 1 pm – March 1 – 22
REGISTER NOW
Come out in nature and draw! Drawing is a gateway to open your vision, get present and be in nature. In this 4 part series we will observe the beginning of spring budding of trees in the forest.
If snowy we will strap on snowshoes. This class uses drawing as an observation tool and emphasizes process over product – so no drawing experience necc! Slow down, experience, and really SEE Vermont!
Ages 16+ / Hike Level: Easy to moderate – flat trail with optional short inclines.
Materials Provided / No experience necc!
Bring your lunch!
$120 online registration / $180 drop-in
Location: North Branch Trails via Poolside Drive
1 Poolside Drive, Montpelier, VT
REGISTER NOW
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Vermont Hike and Draw – Greenhouse
Thursdays, 5-6pm – 1/25/24 – 2/29/2024
Are you yearning for some green? Come out of the cold and jump into color!
Spend a delightful hour each week drawing and painting in a warm greenhouse.
Vermont Hike and Draw is partnering with Agway to bring you this unique class.
Rejuvenate and get tropical in Vermont! We will explore drawing, watercolor, and plants!
Registration Full
No experience needed
Ages 16+ / Hike Level: N/A – All Accessible
Some materials provided.
$180 – Discount for early registration
Registration Full
$240 After Jan 20th
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UPCOMING CLASSES!
Vermont Hike and Draw – Nature
Spend 1 hour walking and drawing in Nature. Experience the beauty of Vermont Nature! No experience needed. Participants will create a custom postcard to send home! Materials included.
We hike in all weather – bring water, warm clothes, rain gear as needed.
Ages 16 and over.
Outdoor COVID Safe learning.
Hike level: To be determined
Discount for early registration
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Vermont Hike and Draw – Waterfalls
Experience the inspiration and awe of Water falls! Spend 1 hour walking and drawing – Experience the beauty of Vermont Nature. No experience needed. Participants will create a custom postcard to send home. Materials included.
We hike in all weather – bring water, warm clothes, rain gear as needed.
Ages 16 and over.
Outdoor only – COVID Safe learning.
Hike level: To be determined
Discount for early registration
Upcoming!
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Cancellation Policy:
Classes may be refunded up to two weeks ahead of class start date. Once class begins – classes are non-refundable. Transfer to another upcoming class may be subject to a 10% transfer fee.
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Frequently asked Questions
I don’t know how to draw.
Not important – In this class drawing is used as a way to connect with nature.
This class is for all levels.
My drawings embarrass me.
Again this is about connecting to nature. You don’t have to share your drawings with anyone. These classes are a doorway to connecting to yourself through nature. Drawing is only a tool in the process.
Do I need to bring art supplies?
To be determined by class.
Some classes have a material list, for others materials are provided.
Can I bring my child?
No – Ages 16+ only.
This is a time for adults to reconnect to themselves and nature, re-set, or have a break.
If you need day care – see recommended resources below. These are recommendations only.
Adults who bring children will be refunded.
But my child is mature and well behaved for his/her age, can he or she come?
Again, No. This is a class for adults to rejuvenate and consider their personal connection to nature.
You may wish to share what you learn in class with your child later, but this class is for adults to care for themselves for just one hour. Adults are challenged in busy lives to connect and unplug without being tethered to work, a phone, or someone else’s needs – this is a moment to reconnect.