Intelleto

Field Trip: Baylands Nature Journaling Experience [onsite field trip]
2026-06-14 13:30 - 16:00, 2026-03-15 13:30 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Palo Alto Baylands Nature Center, 2775 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto, CA, United States
Nature Journal the wonders of the San Francisco Baylands! The field trip experience opens with a mini-workshop on a seasonal topic, followed by unstructured, open journaling time. Kate will be on hand to answer questions, to provide tips, and to share feedback if desired. We wrap with a sharing circle to learn from each other and to celebrate the discoveries of the day.
While some previous Nature Journaling experience is helpful, it’s not required. This is a great way to start or to continue your Nature Journal practice.
Field trip fee: $20
Note: This session meets at the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto. Directions to the location will be sent to all registered participants.
Register on The Foster Museum website

Supply List
Please bring all materials, any tools and materials that you like to use for sketching or field journaling: sketchbook, pencils, pens, observation and measuring tools, like magnifying loupe, binoculars, ruler.

Celebrating Place in Your Nature Journal [onsite workshop]
2026-06-14 10:00 - 12:30, 2026-03-15 10:00 - 12:30 | The Foster Museum, 940 Commercial Street, Palo Alto, CA, 94303, United States
Opening at The Foster Museum, the class will find inspiration in Tony Foster’s watercolor wilderness Journeys, identifying elements that communicate a place’s power. We’ll explore four different approaches to bring the richness of place into your journaling practice: Spaces (metadata & maps); Senses (sounds, smells, & other senses as appropriate); Scenes (lists & landscapes); and Souvenirs (elements & moments.)
The session takes place both indoors and outside. We wrap with a closing circle for sharing and discussion of next steps for your practice. No prior experience necessary.
Workshop fee: $45
Register on The Foster Museum website

Supply List
You’re encouraged to bring any additional tools and materials that you like to use for sketching or field journaling: sketchbook, pencils, pens, measuring tools.
Participants please bring: a pencil (mechanical, #2 or HB pencil); a black pen with waterproof or water-resistant ink; a grey pencil or grey marker; a sketchbook suitable for working outdoors and with paper that can take some water media; watercolors and brush or colored pencils.
A full take-home kit of nature journaling supplies (including color media) will be available for purchase onsite for $25 (cash or Venmo). Kit includes: small softbound sketchbook, hardbound sketchbook, mechanical pencil, black brush pen, grey marker, box of colored pencils, small watercolor set, waterbrush, magnifying loupe, compact mirror, clear ruler, carry satchel/apron.

Color in Your Nature Journal [onsite workshop]
2026-05-17 13:00 - 15:30, 2026-03-08 13:00 - 15:30 | The Foster Museum, 940 Commercial Street, Palo Alto, CA, 94303, United States
Starting at The Foster Museum, the class will explore effective ways to use color in a nature observation practice. After a brief hands-on intro to color theory and color mixing, you’ll use watercolors and/or colored pencils to use color in a variety of ways: basic color, matched color and swatches, symbolic color for diagrams and maps, and compositional color for layout and page organization.
Some basic watercolor and pencil techniques will be addressed, but the focus of this session is specific to using color in a field and nature journaling setting. We wrap with a closing circle for sharing and discussion of next steps for your practice. Prior nature journaling or drawing/painting experience helpful, but not required.
Workshop fee: $45
Register on The Foster Museum website

Supply List
You’re encouraged to bring any additional tools and materials that you like to use for sketching or field journaling: sketchbook, pencils, pens, measuring tools.
These materials will be provided: set of colored pencils, sampler set of watercolors, waterbrush.
Participants please bring: a pencil (mechanical, #2 or HB pencil); a black pen with waterproof or water-resistant ink; a grey pencil or grey marker; a sketchbook suitable for working outdoors and with paper that can take some water media without bleeding through (some buckling is okay. 😉
If you wish, you can get a kit of nature journaling supplies, available for purchase onsite for $20 (cash or Venmo). Kit includes: small softbound sketchbook, hardbound sketchbook, mechanical pencil, black brush pen, grey marker, magnifying loupe, compact mirror, clear ruler, and carry satchel/apron.

Intro to Nature Journaling [onsite workshop]
2026-05-17 10:00 - 12:30, 2026-03-08 10:00 - 12:30 | The Foster Museum, 940 Commercial Street, Palo Alto, CA, 94303, United States
Meet at The Foster Museum for a close look at Tony Foster’s majestic plein-air artworks. Kate will introduce basic nature journaling methods with guided activities that use words, pictures, and numbers to ask questions, track data, and explore form through contour drawing, diagrammatic sketching, and value sketches. Then we’ll head outside, where you’ll apply these skills in a field setting. We wrap with a closing circle for sharing and discussion of next steps for your practice. No prior experience necessary.
Workshop fee: $45
Register on The Foster Museum website

Supply List
You’re encouraged to bring any additional tools and materials that you like to use for sketching or field journaling: sketchbook, pencils, pens, measuring tools.
These materials will be provided: simple sketchbook, mechanical pencil, grey marker, and Zebra waterproof black ink brush pen. Additional specialized tools will be provided for your use during the session..
A full take-home kit of the specialized tools and a hardbound journal will be available for purchase onsite for $15 (cash or Venmo).

Summer Nature Journaling Series @ The Foster Museum [onsite workshops]
2026-05-17 - 2026-06-14 | The Foster Museum, 940 Commercial Street, Palo Alto, CA, 94303, United States
Celebrate the beauty and wonder of nature through journaling, a magical blend of art and science that deepens our connection with nature. In this seasonal workshop series led by Kate Rutter, you’ll learn simple and fun ways to observe deeply, to sketch and draw from nature, to note and quantify natural phenomena, and to creatively express your nature experiences in the pages of a journal.
Learn more & register
Each seasonal series has four sessions (three workshops and a field trip) spread over two days. Take all four sessions for a holistic introduction to Nature Journaling (and get a discounted price,) or pick and choose the sessions that best fit your interests.
Day 1:
– Intro to Nature Journaling (10:00am-12:30pm) $45
– Color in Your Nature Journal (1:00-3:30pm) $45
Day 2:
– Celebrating Place in Your Nature Journal (10:00am-12:30pm) $45
– Field Trip: Baylands Nature Journaling Experience (1:30-4:00pm) $20
* Full Series (all four sessions) advanced purchase only: $140

Albany Bulb Nature Journal Club: May [in-person meetup]
2026-05-16 13:00 - 16:00 | Albany Bulb, 1 Buchanan St, Albany, CA, 94706, United States
Come nature journal at the urban wilds of Albany Bulb! This bayside park has a wide variety of flora and fauna…native plants, birds in the estuary, trees, a small beach, views of the bay over to SF and Marin. Bring your own journaling supplies and spend the afternoon discovering the fascinating ecology of the Bulb while expanding, practicing, and sharing your nature journal skills!
• Free; $5-$20 suggested donation to Love the Bulb.
Sign up on Eventbrite.

Plant Observation and Illustration ~ A Book Talk with John Muir Laws & Kate Rutter
2026-05-14 10:00 - 11:30 | Online via Zoom, CA, United States
More info and link to attend
Join John Muir Laws in conversation with nature journaler and educator Kate Rutter to discuss her book Bay Area Botanical, published in December 2025. We’ll talk about how the book came to be, the joys and throes of self-publishing, and anything else the group wants to hear about. Watch out, you just might leave the session inspired to make your own little hyper-local book!
:: About the book ::
Bay Area Botanical is a full-color illustrated guide that introduces 26 plants native to the Bay Area of California. This little book is knapsack-friendly, all-age-accessible, and a lighthearted reference companion for wanders, rambles, and hikes.
All ages and experience levels are welcome. No registration is necessary.

Object Studies: Capture One Subject Nine Ways
2026-04-25 10:00 - 12:30 | Online via Zoom, CA, United States
What happens when you look at a single object in many different ways?
In this workshop, explore a single object from nine fresh perspectives using a range of drawing techniques, styles, and materials.
Enrich your daily sketch practice and strengthen your appreciation of meaningful objects through shadow, texture, contour studies, and more. Kate encourages participants to bring a selection of small items, from family heirlooms to found natural artifacts!
This lively workshop introduces foundational art skills using simple sketching tools and watercolor. You’ll leave the workshop with a collage of studies that deepens your connection to your chosen object and a renewed confidence in your ability to observe, interpret, and create.
Hope to see you there!
Workshop fee: Live session $60 / Recorded session $50
Register on the Art Toolkit website

Sketch & Scribe ~ a practical workshop with Kate Rutter & Krissy Kludt
2026-04-19 10:00 - 11:30 | Point Molate, Point Molate Beach Park, Richmond, CA, 94801, United States
Come outside and play!
Register on Eventbrite
Join this interactive session to refresh, to renew, and to revel in nature as you explore how word and image can deepen our connection with the natural world.
In this guided workshop, we’ll use poetry and sketches to open our senses and to engage with the outdoors in personal and imaginative ways. You’ll use simple prompts for poetic writing, practice markmaking and drawing to see more deeply, and explore how combining word and image can amplify your connection to the nuance and beauty of this wild Earth. There will be opportunities to share your work (if desired), to ask questions, and to have quiet time in nature.
You’ll leave with a collection of generative writings and drawings, as well as a more refined piece: a personal Calling Card to nature that records and celebrates your experience.
Each participant receives two books as part of the registration fee.

I Could Walk Forever and Know So Little: Krissy’s debut poetry collection published by Green Writers Press in March of 2026.
Bay Area Botanical, a full-color illustrated guide that introduces 26 plants native to the Bay Area of California, published in December 2025.
The authors will be available to sign their books, if desired.

No experience necessary; all are welcome!
Good to know

The event takes place outside in the light and air of Point Molate, a nature reserve tucked into the North side of the San Francisco Bay, with wonderful views of the Bay and the Richmond Bridge.
This small-group experience has only 17 spots available.
Please bring a water bottle and a chair, blanket, or pad to sit on, and dress appropriately for the weather (bring an umbrella in case it’s rainy.)
We recommend sun protection, bug spray, and closed-toe shoes, no flip-flops.
Restrooms (accessible Porta potties) are available on site, but no potable water.
You may wish to bring a snack or lunch and enjoy exploring the area after the session.

Please bring:

Writing materials (pen or pencil; paper, journal, or sketchbook)
A chair, blanket, or pad to sit on
Walking shoes
Weather-appropriate clothing
An umbrella if it’s rainy!
Water and snacks as needed
Feel free to bring your fave materials for writing/drawing/sketching outdoors.
Your enthusiasm and energy

See you there!

Intro to Sketchnoting @ San Francisco Stationery Fest 2026 [onsite workshop]
2026-03-29 11:00 - 13:30 | The Westin San Francisco Airport Hotel, 1 Old Bayshore Hwy, Millbrae, CA, 94030, United States
Give your notes a creative makeover with Sketchnoting!
Register on Eventbrite
Visual note-taking (aka: sketchnoting) is a fabulously fun technique used to transform simple notes into rich visual summaries. It’s a great way to capture ideas, to remember them, and to share them with others. Whether used as a personal tool to develop your creativity, or as a way to share information with others, sketchnotes are a powerful way to create memorable, engaging info summaries while you also develop and express your own unique visual style.
In this hands-on workshop you’ll get to know the benefits of making visual notes, create a visual vocabulary of objects (things) and concepts (ideas), practice simple lettering techniques, and learn to structure information into common layout patterns. Then you’ll bring it all together as you practice creating sketchnotes in real time. You’ll further hone your skills with collaborative feedback and critique.
If you’re new to sketchnoting, this is a fun and fast way to get started. If you’re a seasoned sketcher or visual note-taker, you’ll advance your practice in a whole new way!

30 seats available
$65 for workshop. Tuition does not include entry to the SF Stationery Fest (required to attend)
There is also a session of this workshop on Saturday, March 28, 12pm-2:30pm.

These materials will be provided:
– Regular letter-sized paper
– A reference guide/handout
– Pre-printed practice templates for activities
– An assortment of colored pencils for use during the session
– A box where you can store your inner critic during the session
Please bring:
– Your favorite writing pens
– Your favorite notebook/paper/journal/sketchbook
– A grey marker, pen with ink or grey pencil
– Any color media that you like to use (such as colored ink, markers or pencils)
– Your enthusiasm and energy
See you there!

Intro to Sketchnoting @ San Francisco Stationery Fest 2026 [onsite workshop]
2026-03-28 12:00 - 14:30 | The Westin San Francisco Airport Hotel, 1 Old Bayshore Hwy, Millbrae, CA, 94030, United States
Give your notes a creative makeover with Sketchnoting!
Register on Eventbrite
Visual note-taking (aka: sketchnoting) is a fabulously fun technique used to transform simple notes into rich visual summaries. It’s a great way to capture ideas, to remember them, and to share them with others. Whether used as a personal tool to develop your creativity, or as a way to share information with others, sketchnotes are a powerful way to create memorable, engaging info summaries while you also develop and express your own unique visual style.
In this hands-on workshop you’ll get to know the benefits of making visual notes, create a visual vocabulary of objects (things) and concepts (ideas), practice simple lettering techniques, and learn to structure information into common layout patterns. Then you’ll bring it all together as you practice creating sketchnotes in real time. You’ll further hone your skills with collaborative feedback and critique.
If you’re new to sketchnoting, this is a fun and fast way to get started. If you’re a seasoned sketcher or visual note-taker, you’ll advance your practice in a whole new way!

30 seats available
$65 for workshop. Tuition does not include entry to the SF Stationery Fest (required to attend)
There is also a session of this workshop on Sunday, March 29, 11am-1:30pm.

These materials will be provided:
– Regular letter-sized paper
– A reference guide/handout
– Pre-printed practice templates for activities
– An assortment of colored pencils for use during the session
– A box where you can store your inner critic during the session
Please bring:
– Your favorite writing pens
– Your favorite notebook/paper/journal/sketchbook
– A grey marker, pen with ink or grey pencil
– Any color media that you like to use (such as colored ink, markers or pencils)
– Your enthusiasm and energy
See you there!

Albany Bulb Nature Journal Club, 2026 Spring/Summer Sessions
2026-03-07 13:00 - 15:00 | Albany Bulb, 1 Buchanan St, Albany, CA, 94706, United States
This unique 5-session program by Love the Bulb brings together nature enthusiasts who want to explore the diverse wildlife of the Bulb through the art of nature journaling.
Whether this is your first time with a nature journal or you’re continuing your practice from previous sessions, you’ll find something new to notice, question, and celebrate at the Bulb.
• Starts Sat Mar 07
• Sessions are Saturdays in Mar-Apr-May-Jun-Jul, 1-3pm
• 4 online prep sessions (Wed evenings in Apr-May-Jun) covering drawing, journaling, & painting techniques
• $50 includes all materials (scholarships available)
• Albany Bulb, Albany CA
• Hosts: Love the Bulb & Kate Rutter
-> Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/albany-bulb-nature-journal-club-tickets-1980733301625

Spring Nature Journaling Series @ The Foster Museum [onsite workshops]
2026-03-08 - 2026-03-15 | The Foster Museum, 940 Commercial Street, Palo Alto, CA, 94303, United States

Albany Bulb Nature Journal Club ~ February [in-person meetup]
2026-02-07 13:00 - 16:00 | Albany Bulb, 1 Buchanan St, Albany, CA, 94706, United States
Come nature journal at the urban wilds of Albany Bulb! This bayside park has a wide variety of flora and fauna…native plants, birds in the estuary, trees, a small beach, views of the bay over to SF and Marin. Bring your own journaling supplies and spend the afternoon discovering the fascinating ecology of the Bulb while expanding, practicing, and sharing your nature journal skills!
• Free; $5-$20 suggested donation to Love the Bulb.
Sign-up or just show up!

World Sketchnote Week 2026 [online conference]
2026-01-12 - 2026-01-16
A celebration of sketchnoting, visual learning, and creativity. With events for educators, creators, professionals, and doodlers of all levels, this event brings together people around the world to share, learn, and sketch.
Kate will be on a panel on Friday, Jan 16 from 1-2pm (Pacific Time). Come hear Mike Rohde, Alina Gutierrez, Kate & Zsolt Viczián discuss the Future of Visual Thinking!
World Sketchnote Week is free, with upgraded tickets available. Register here.

King Tide Nature Journaling [in-person meet-up]
2026-01-02 09:00 - 11:00 | Palo Alto Baylands Nature Center, 2775 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto, CA, United States
Whether you are curious about nature journaling or if you have regular practice, start off your year with a sense of calm, intention and renewal in 2026!
It’s fitting to visit the Palo Alto Baylands, an area that is always in transition with the incoming and outgoing tides. Here’s a chance to experience – and record – January renewal with your sketchbook. The King Tide is a special event. As ocean nutrients rush in with the tide’s highest point at 10:20 a.m., this means the sun and moon come into alignment as well.
The Baylands are considered one of the best birdwatching spots on the coast, and it is also a major migratory stop for birds in the Pacific. If we’re very lucky, we could spot a manta ray, and that could be a nice surprise!
Come away more connected to this place, and to each other. All it will take is a sketchbook or journal, a writing tool, and your curiosity!
