Some habits are easier to start than others. Making time to work in a sketchbook on a regular basis can help you generate new ideas, strengthen your drawing and painting skills, improve your artwork, document your observations and experiences, and create a space to experiment, explore, and play.
In this class, you’ll learn strategies for building a lasting sketchbook habit using creative prompts while experimenting with new techniques and mediums. Examples will be shared in class.
See What to Know for a list of required supplies.
All experience levels are welcome.
This program meets in person at the Arboretum.
Instructor: Kimberly Mullarkey, artist
Age: 18 and older
Course number: A130
Instructor
Kimberly Mullarkey, artist
Kimberly Mullarkey has a bachelor’s degree in fine art from the University of California–Santa Cruz and a master of fine arts degree from Northern Illinois University. She lived in France for six months, where she studied early Northern Renaissance painting. She teaches botanical art at The Morton Arboretum and the Chicago Botanic Garden. She also teaches drawing and design at the College of DuPage. Her work is included in the Best of Colored Pencil series. She has spoken at many local art leagues about creativity, botanical art, and her own work. To fulfill her wanderlust, she leads trips.
What to Know
This program meets indoors.
All experience levels are welcome.
See Education Program Policies for information about cancellations, refunds, and scholarships.
Required Supplies
Please bring a sketchbook to the first class. We’ll discuss additional materials during class, and you can decide what you’d like to add as you develop your sketchbook practice.
When choosing a sketchbook, consider the following:
- A sketchbook that lays flat (rather than spiral-bound) so you can work across both pages
- A medium-sized sketchbook that is comfortable to carry and easy to work in very small sketchbooks can feel limiting, while very large ones can be cumbersome)
- A mixed media or watercolor sketchbook is a good choice if you’d like the option of using wet media later in the course
You may also wish to bring optional materials to explore throughout the class including colored pencils, pens, watercolor, collage materials, and other favorite drawing or painting supplies.
Program Schedule
This program meets the following six times.
Tuesday, October 6, 2026, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 13, 2026, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 27, 2026, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Tuesday, November 3, 2026, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Tuesday, November 10, 2026, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Thornhill Education Center (parking lot P-21), West Side
