Much of natureB次元官网网址檚 beauty is in the details, and the Robert Bateman Foundation is encouraging Canadians to discover the patterns, textures and colours of their natural world through art.

The foundationB次元官网网址檚 Sketch Across Canada program asks nature-lovers of all ages to go outside with a sketchbook in hand and capture the nature and wildlife around them. No art skills are required B次元官网网址� just enthusiasm and appreciation.

B次元官网网址淲e want to encourage people to build connections with the natural world by overseeing it and learning about it,B次元官网网址� said Lauren Ball, spokesperson for the Bateman Foundation. B次元官网网址淲e feel B次元官网网址� art is a fun and beneficial and lasting way to do that.B次元官网网址�

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Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the foundation held programs for youth across Canada, where naturalist-led classes helped participants connect with nature through art. Sketch Across Canada continues that momentum, even though the pandemic cancelled in-person programming.

To participate, people can post pictures of their nature sketch on social media with the hashtag #mynaturesketch.

Happy 90th Birthday, Robert Bateman! This drawing is by my daughter, who is 15 years old. WeB次元官网网址檙e lucky enough to live very close to the incredible Bateman Foundation Gallery of Nature!

B次元官网网址� Adrienne Dyer (@DyerAdrienne)

Ball said drawing outside is also a great way to decompress from the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 incredibly beneficial for peopleB次元官网网址檚 mental health, itB次元官网网址檚 quite a mindful activity,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 calming, focusing on something and the act of sketching.B次元官网网址�

The virtual call out also celebrates the 90th birthday of renowned artist and naturalist Robert Bateman. The goal is to get 33,000 Canadians (the number of days one has lived when they turn 90) to go outside and become B次元官网网址渂right-eyed three year olds again.B次元官网网址�

B次元官网网址淭his is really about shifting priorities, managing stress, anxiety and depression with the gifts that have always been there.B次元官网网址�

The Bateman Foundation is a non-profit organization promoting artwork as a lens for education and awareness of nature and wildlife. The foundation operates a variety of programs and community collaborations. The Robert Bateman Foundation Gallery of Nature is located in VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 Inner Harbour.

Kyra

B次元官网网址� Sherry Lee Dunn (@SherryLeeDunn)

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