Explorer Series: Drawing Off The Land – Willow Charcoals
Explorer Series: Drawing Off The Land – Willow Charcoals
Explorer Series: Drawing Off The Land – Willow Charcoals
Connect with the region in a different way: learn to make willow charcoal drawing sticks and sketch the surrounding landscape with them as we explore local trails.
Local artist Crystalynn Tarr from Rendered Earth Studio creates her own paint and drawing sticks by foraging for them. On this adventure she'll share with us how she makes charcoal sticks from willows and her passion for the local plants and wildlife that inspire her art.
The tour includes all the art supplies required and lunch.
Highlights
- Discover the region from a different perspective.
- Slow down to enjoy the smaller things that make our environment special.
- Learn different ways to capture the region.
Perfect for: Anybody looking for a fun day playing outside. No prior hiking or drawing experience is required.
Tour Overview
- Activity: Hiking + Drawing
- Difficulty: Easy
- Hiking Distance: 5 km
- Elevation Gain: ~50m
- Duration: ~4 hours
The Adventure
Rendered Earth Studio
Your guide for this adventure is Crystalynn Tarr, the local artist behind Rendered Earth Studio.
She renders locally foraged soil and rocks into paints used to depict the local plant and wildlife. Her studio is in the Nordegg Community Church, one of the last historic buildings left in town.
The Walk
The adventure starts with a walk on a nearby trail where we'll find the willow needed for our charcoals.
We'll be making stops along the way to learn about the willows we use, the local environment and try our hand at capturing what we see.
The Fire
Back at the canteen we'll prepare the willow sticks and fire them up to make our own charcoal sticks to take home.
Lunch
What better way to spend the time it takes for the willow to turn to charcoal sticks then to enjoy some smokies on the fire.
Drawing with Charcoal
Time to use some of the sketches from the trail and the inspiration from surrounding mountains to draw with our willow charcoal sticks.
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The Details
When and where does the tour start?
You'll meet your guide at the Nordegg Canteen at 9 am. Get Directions >
Return time varies based on the group and conditions but you can expect to be back around 1 pm.
The itinerary may change without notice due to the weather and other factors. Our goal is to always provide the best possible experience.
What do I need to bring?
Be prepared for the mountain weather and conditions that can change quickly
Required Items
- Proper footwear (shoes or boots)
- Appropriate clothing for the weather
- A windbreaker, shell and/or rain jacket
- A warm sweater (conditions can change quickly)
- A water bottle
- Sunhat
- Tuque and gloves (spring and fall hikes)
- A small backpack
What's Included?
- We provide all the art supplies and hiking poles at no charge for this tour. You are welcome to bring your own if you wish.
- A professional guide.
- Snacks for the hike and lunch at the Nordegg Canteen.
- Guides carry emergency equipment, including first aid kits and cell phone or satellite communicators on all tours.
What's Not Included
- Appropriate clothes and footwear for the weather conditions.
- Water bottles, cameras, and a backpack.
What kind of lunch and snacks are included?
Lunch is smokies on the fire, gourmet condiments and a salad or chips. Beverages and dessert are included.
Please make sure to mention any dietary requirements when you book your adventure and we will try to accommodate whenever possible.
What kind of transportation is provided?
Transportation is not provided for this tour. Contact us if you would like to arrange transportation for your group.
What's the group size?
Explorer Series are public tours with up to 12 guests per guide.
This day trip is open to all ability levels, whether you are a beginner or an expert. You must be comfortable walking 5+ km in a variety of conditions. This tour is recommended for those 13 and older.
Private tours are a great option when you have 4+ guests, have younger kids looking to join the adventure or if you're looking for a specific date.
What are the terms and conditions?
Advance Booking
This tour requires bookings to be made at least 2 days prior to departure. Please contact us at (403) 986-6190 for a last-minute booking.
Cancellation Policy
All bookings are non-refundable but we will offer you a credit for a future adventure if you cancel a minimum of 72 hours prior to departure.
Terms & Conditions
Waivers are required for all participants. You can review the waiver here.
Please review our complete terms & conditions prior to booking.
The itinerary may change without notice due to the weather and other factors. Our goal is to always provide the best possible experience.
A Few More Things To Know
We get to play outside on our tours and that means you’ll want to come prepared for the weather. Make sure to dress in layers and come prepared for the unpredictable weather we often get in Alberta. We rarely cancel tours due to weather, as long as we can have a safe adventure. You’ll be amazed at how warm we get snowshoeing at -20C or how much fun hiking in the rain can be!
Need help with your booking or have a few more questions? Stop by the Nordegg Canteen or give us a call at 403 986-6190.
