Nature Journalling Workshop

Learn to combine observation, sketching and written notes to capture the beauty of the natural world


Martha Iserman
Martha Iserman
4.8 (9)

5 hours Class size 1 to 10 guests    

  $230 - $235 ($235 per guest when you book for 1 guest, $230/guest for 2+ guests)
Discover the art of nature journaling—a rewarding practice that blends observation, sketching, and personal reflection to capture the beauty and intricacies of the natural world.
In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn techniques for creating engaging sketches, writing vivid descriptions, and recording sensory details that deepen your connection with nature.
Guided by professional science illustrator Martha Iserman, you'll explore how to foster curiosity, sharpen your observation skills, and cultivate creativity and mindfulness.
In the morning session, you will be introduced to the techniques and skills in the classroom and get to know your supplies. After a delicious lunch, you will venture out into the local historic Kyneton Botanical Gardens to put your new skills into practice.
Each student will receive their own kit valued at over $80 to take home. It will include:
  • 4 x Grey-lead Pencils
  • 3 x Copic Markers
  • 1 x A4 25% Cotton Watercolour Spiral Notepad
  • 1 x Blue Col-Erase Pencil
  • 1 x Medium Waterbrush Pen
  • 1 x 12 Travel Set Watercolour
  • 1 x Eraser
  • 1 x Sharpener
All supplied in a tote bag to take to the Botanic Gardens.
Whether you're an artist, writer, or nature enthusiast, this workshop will inspire you to see the world through fresh eyes and create meaningful, personalised journals.
Please note: Please contact The Old Auction House if you have any accessibility requirements. The Walk to the Botanical Gardens is 650m, you are able to drive and park if required, and there are some wheelchair accessible paths at the gardens to explore. Please contact us prior to the workshop to ensure it is easy on the day.

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Upcoming dates for Nature Journalling Workshop

Times are Melbourne time. Dates and prices as of 5 Oct 2026, 7:31am; availability and price are confirmed live when booking on this page.

1 upcoming date between 17 Oct 2026 and 17 Oct 2026.

  • Sat 17 Oct 2026, 10:30am-3:30pm
What you'll get
  • A nature journalling art kit to take home
  • A delicious lunch
  • Artworks completed during the day
  • Skills to continue journalling at home
Read more details   
Knowledge required
Perfect for beginners. No experience in nature journaling or drawing required.
What to bring
  • As this workshop is both inside and outside, you should check the weather for the workshop and pack/wear appropriate clothes. E.g. Jumper/raincoat/hat/sunscreen. You should also ensure you are wearing suitable shoes.
  • You are welcome to bring your own favourite supplies to enhance your journaling.
Location

The Old Auction House - 52-56 Mollison Street, Kyneton VIC

There is an all day parking lot off Simpson St or the Train Station is 950m away

Nature Journalling Workshop location
Verified reviews

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Recent reviews of Nature Journalling Workshop

  • 5/5 from Lynne Cullen, attended Apr 2026: Good class size and excellent teacher. Began a study of nature journalling and practised sketching and watercolours. Atmosphere relaxed and fun and teacher had excellent knowledge and expertise. Liked doing the practising/practical part the most. Would like some feedback on the practical session in the gardens.
  • 5/5 from Mahesha Dombagolla, attended Oct 2025: Martha Iserman was an incredible teacher. She was so warm and enthusiastic. Will definitely be doing more classes here.
  • 4/5 from Amanda Lubberink, attended Oct 2025: Enjoyable class, good intro into nature journaling. Delicious lunch and nice way to spend a few hours.
  • 5/5 from Aneta Bozic Bozic, attended May 2025: Everything was great. Hoping that there will be another class in spring when it's a little warmer. Thanks
  • 5/5 from Kay Gherbaz, attended May 2025: I really enjoyed my day with Martha yesterday. She conveyed a whole new system of journaling and nature observation that I will enjoy taking into my garden and beyond. The neat little summary pamphlet tucks into the back of my journal for easy reference. A few simple to carry art supplies and you are off and nature journaling, opening up a whole new way of observing and capturing the natural world. Martha herself, is a joy. She readily shares her knowledge and enthusiasm with her students. The facilities and staff at The Old Auction House were great, and the lunch was very good. Thank you for a wonderful day.
  • 5/5 from Danielle Wegmann, attended May 2025: What a great class. I learnt a lot and enjoyed Martha’s teaching style. She’s authentic and encouraging. Good starter kit of materials included. Thumbs up for the catering too. It was delicious! The class was excellent value for money.
  • 5/5 from Carolyn Hickey, attended May 2025: The class on Nature Journaling was excellent, very informative and well presented. Martha the teacher was excellent in presentation and showing how the easiest way to draw and sketch birds and animals. Martha also was quick to explain we are all individuals and may not be able to draw perfectly yet but not to give up, keep all your sketches, don’t tear them out of your book as they are importantly good bad or otherwise. This is the second work shop I have done at the old auction house. The venue is excellent, the materials are quality. I liked the way Martha made us feel that we are all on the same level with drawing and sketching.
  • 5/5 from Fay Stuart, attended May 2025: Fabulous class. Martha was full of great information and really good ideas. Her own work was absolutely beautiful.
  • 4/5 from Rose Davies, attended May 2025: A followup of some more ideas on basic drawing could help and possible some handout notes, though i am a handout notes person.
Your teacher
Martha Iserman

Martha Iserman

4.8 (9)

Martha is a watercolour artist and science illustrator from Minneapolis, Minnesota, currently living and working in the Dandenong Ranges. Her work has been shown in galleries in the USA and Australia, and her illustration work has been featured in numerous scientific publications, museums, journals, textbooks and educational websites. 

As well as her scientific illustrations Martha is known for creating worlds within worlds by depicting familiar organisms in unfamiliar ways, using very detailed pieces, colour, composition, and form to break out of traditional representational art tropes.
Martha has undertaken a certificate in Nature Journaling teaching and loves imparting her love of nature to others.




Your host

The Old Auction House
The Old Auction House

4.9 (1,134)
female Women-owned

The Old Auction House is an independently run multi-use arts precinct located in the regional Victorian town of Kyneton, just an hour north of Melbourne. Housed in a historic weatherboard building, which served as the much loved Ferris auction rooms for over 80 years, the precinct opened in April 2017 and is home to a variety of artistic spaces.
The Old Auction House is currently home to a retail shop specialising in quality Australian handmade items, four working artist studios including local glass artists Leadlight By Ettore, a teaching space for visiting artists, and two gallery spaces with rotating exhibitions.
The Old Auction House is open 7 days and the entire space has been renovated to be accessible for those with prams, wheelchairs, and mobility issues.
The Old Auction House has a focus on community engagement in the arts. Each studio runs a variety of classes with different artists and materials throughout the year.
Please have a look through our full list of classes to see the range of crafts and skills you can learn with our tutors or get in touch to book a private group session or party.

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class 0 V48I01Z33L 34c052b7f77f35dccea660a6ce51910d 1 production melbourne Melbourne VIC AU melbourne