SKETCHING WALK: Area artist Jeffrey Charlesworth will lead a “slow looking” nature walk on the Lawrence Hopewell Trail on Saturday, July 25. For more information and to register, visit lhtrail.org.

Jeffrey Charlesworth, renowned area artist and immediate past president of the N.J. Chapter of the Landscape Architects of America, is returning to the Lawrence Hopewell Trail (LHT) on Saturday, July 25, to lead a second walk featuring “slow looking,” his approach to capturing the art of nature.

“Slow looking is a technique that enables you to truly see the beauty in nature — and to capture it on paper,” said Charlesworth, a teacher of landscape design, planting design, and graphics at Delaware Valley College in Doylestown, Pa. His oil paintings are featured regularly in local galleries, and his landscape design firm has received state and regional awards for landscape architecture, planting, and environmental design.

Charlesworth will demonstrate sketching techniques and talk about developing an eye for careful looking. He expects two to three sketching sessions to occur during the walk.

The walk from 9 a.m. to noon on July 25 will start at the entrance to Carson Road Woods accessible via the Mya Drive neighborhood off Rosedale Road. Attendees are asked to parallel park on Belleview Terrace, at the LHT entrance.

“We plan to explore the open fields and woodlands along the trails,” said Charlesworth. “Our drawing studies will include landscapes, trees, and plant forms. Bring your curiosity! Ideally, we will find a shady place for a group review at 11:30, when we will share our works and our thoughts.”

Participants should bring an artist’s sketchbook — hardback, 8.5×11 inches minimum, with blank, white unlined paper.  Spiral bound is helpful for larger sizes. Drawing tools such as No. 2 graphite pencils or HB, B, 2B hardness. Mechanical pencils are fine. Optional accompaniments include a lightweight camping stool, sun hat, water bottle, bug spray, and a cooler with drinks to fetch at 11:30 a.m. 

Note: This activity is limited to the first 20 participants to sign up to assure a positive experience for all and to meet guidelines for social gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants are expected to follow state and community social distancing best practices and the use of facemasks.

The rain date for the event will be Sunday, July 26, same time and place.

Questions?  Email  info@lhtrail.org. To sign up, go to lhtrail.org. The LHT will maintain a waiting list if the class fills.