Colorful drawing of trees and plants made with markers on white paper, placed on grass.

WALK TALK DRAW is an invitation to…

〰️ SLOW DOWN 〰️ SEE 〰️ DRAW 〰️ LEARN 〰️ LISTEN 〰️ BE IN THE MOMENT

〰️ SLOW DOWN 〰️ SEE 〰️ DRAW 〰️ LEARN 〰️ LISTEN 〰️ BE IN THE MOMENT

A park with a pond and fountain, surrounded by large trees and green grass. People are sitting on benches and lawn chairs, enjoying the day.

OUR STORY

A woman with short blonde hair and glasses, smiling, sitting on wooden steps in a lush garden with green foliage and flowering plants.

WALK TALK DRAW grew out of a realisation by founder, Lucy, that possibly her favourite part of studying to be a garden designer was the weekly ‘plant ident’ walk around college grounds.

She loved being outdoors. And she loved learning about the plants.

Each week at home she’d draw her own ‘plant ident’ card, with a simple line drawing of the key features of the foliage, and notes about that plant – the size and spread it might grow to, the conditions it liked, and what it might look good planted alongside.

Having qualified and started practicing as a garden designer, she realised that she was drawn time and again to the William Morris Garden in local Lloyd Park. It was becoming her plant library! Somewhere to practise those plant names, but more importantly to see plants growing. To get to see them day after day, month after month, and now, year after year. To get to know this wonderful garden – that she is not responsible for in any way!

A group of people gathered in a lush, green outdoor garden or park area under cloudy skies. Some individuals are reading or observing, with a few taking notes. In the foreground, a woman with gray hair is sitting on a chair, writing in a notebook, with a bicycle nearby. Several other people are standing and engaging in conversation or looking at plants.
A celestial scene with numerous stars scattered across the black night sky, including a bright line of light near the center.

And she noticed how many other people treasure this resource. How many other people are drawn to the space, whether to sit on a bench and soak it in, to exercise, or to meet up with friends. It’s a really valued spot.

She’d also overheard a few conversations between friends, asking each other “What’s that plant?” and so the idea emerged that she would like to lead walks around this planting, sharing her love and joy for it. Critically with a partner, an artist who could help people to draw what they saw too. Someone she could collaborate with.

And so WALK TALK DRAW was born.

A woman with light brown hair wearing a floral shirt is sitting on the ground, drawing on a clipboard with a black clip. She is sketching trees and a bird outdoors on a paved path with shadows of leaves.

With a wonderful roster of professional artists,
WALK TALK DRAW extends an invitation to step beyond the daily grind. To slow down, participate at a leisurely pace, and to start to see. A fun exercise in observation and appreciation.

Group of people gathered on a paved path outdoors, engaged in drawing and observing nature, surrounded by trees and leaves.

Past participants report losing track of time, as they gained the confidence to draw, and learned to identify unique plant characteristics.

After taking part, participants will leave with a mini-sketchbook full of drawings, knowledge of distinctive plant characteristics, and the tools to repeat the experience anytime, anywhere.

WALK TALK DRAW is available to book as an experience for your organisation or workplace.

People walking in a lush garden with various plants and flowers, some looking at notes or taking pictures, under a partly cloudy sky with trees and traditional brick houses in the background.
The image shows a black circular design with green text around the top and bottom edges that reads 'WALK TALK DREAM.' The text is arranged in a semi-circular pattern.

We love to work with different community groups, and can tailor the programme to suit your audience whether a group of older citizens, pre-schoolers, or somewhere in between.

GET IN TOUCH

"Drawing is taking a line for a walk."

PAUL KLEE

Meet the Artists

A woman with blonde hair smiling, wearing a blue dress and a green paint-stained apron, stands next to a wooden chair in front of a brown backdrop.

Emma Bond

Instagram

Website

Emma is a botanical illustrator and printmaker, working across a range of printmaking techniques with drawing always at the heart of my practice. Inspired by the natural world, her work explores pattern, texture, and colour through processes including collagraph and monoprinting.

Emma loves sharing these techniques with others, encouraging experimentation, curiosity, and creativity for all levels of experience.

A man with glasses, a beard, and a blue cap sitting in a cluttered office or studio with artwork and supplies behind him, smiling at the camera.

Barry Sykes

Website

Instagram

Barry Sykes (born 1976, lives and works in Walthamstow, London) is an artist with a varied practice, including drawing, sculpture and performance, used to explore play, pleasure, vulnerability and interaction.

As Barry’s Anywhere Arts School he has recently hosted workshops and events in museums, cafes, parks, hospitals, schools, colleges and saunas.

Full Team

If you’re an artist and would like to partner up to deliver a WALK TALK DRAW session, please get in touch.

GET IN TOUCH
Outline of a person holding a phone to their ear, wearing a cap, jacket, and pants, with a dog sitting nearby.