SKETCH AND WALK: READING PLANTS THROUGH SKETCHING WITH JULIE OURCEAU
Image courtesy of Julie Ourceau
September 5, 2026
FREE
2 pm - 4 pm
Join us for 'Sketch and Walk', a hybrid walk-and-workshop art experience on the Lassonde Art Trail.
In this session led by architect and artist, Julie Ourceau, participants will discover how sketching can deepen our understanding of plants and planting design.
Participants will study the structure, habit, and growth patterns of trees, shrubs, grasses, and perennial. Rather than attempting to capture botanical detail, the session will encourage participants to identify and record the essential characteristics of a plant, including its overall form and relationship to its surroundings. The session will focus on observation and drawing exercises, and will explore how plant massing, texture, and seasonal character contribute to the overall composition of the landscape.
Participants will encounter several of the Lassonde Art Trail's artworks. These sculptures and installations will serve as points of inspiration and observation, encouraging participants to consider the relationship between art, landscape, and ecology while expanding their approach to sketching in the field.
This program is at an advanced beginner level. Participants are expected to bring their own materials. A sketchbook and graphite pencils are recommended. As this is an outdoor program, we recommend dressing appropriately for the weather. Please be aware that the trees in the park system are not yet mature, so there is little shade.
Julie Berry Ourceau is a landscape and architectural designer, artist, musician, and educator. Having studied architecture and landscape architecture in Toronto and Paris, Julie is a passionate environmentalist and educator. She combines a keen interest in ecological restoration, and sustainable environmental design, with extensive experience in developing technical drawings, graphic maps, photorealistic renderings, collages, and hand sketching. She often teaches sketching workshops locally, which combines her love of architecture, landscape, teaching, and travel.
