Nature & Science Painting Challenge: A 12-Day Creative Adventure in Your Sketchbook
What happens when you mix art, science, curiosity, and a sketchbook?
You get something magical.
This summer, I hosted the Nature & Science Painting Challenge - a 12-day artistic journey that invited people from all over the World to slow down, observe closely, and fill their sketchbooks with the quiet wonders of nature.
And what a beautiful journey it was. ✨
Over the course of 12 days, lots of artists joined me to paint moss, bees, seed pods, mushrooms, feathers, grass fields - and even water droplets dancing on flower petals. Each prompt offered a moment to notice, to study, and to capture the unseen poetry of the Natural World.
What Was the Challenge?
This wasn’t just a typical painting prompt list.
Each day was built around a specific subject - a micro theme - that blended scientific observation with artistic expression.
From dissecting flowers and studying leaf vein systems to exploring root structures and magnifying the shimmer of a ladybug’s shell - we went deep into the small, delicate corners of Nature.
I shared:
✅ Daily reference images & line drawings
✅ Artistic tips & techniques
✅ Fun video intros and sketchbook walkthroughs
✅ Reflections, facts & insights to inspire you
✅ And the result of the challenge from my sketchbook
How Artists Responded
What surprised and moved me the most was how deeply this challenge resonated with people.
I received hundreds of messages from artists saying things like:
“This helped me slow down and fall in love with painting again.”
“I never knew how meditative it could feel to study a single moss patch.”
“For the first time, I feel like an artist and an explorer.”
From beginners to seasoned watercolorists, the challenge created a safe and playful space to reconnect with creativity and see nature with fresh eyes.
The good news? It’s never too late to begin.
I’ve compiled the entire 12-day journey into a beautiful, free eBook. It includes:
✅Painting prompts & assignments
✅Step-by-step guidance
✅My full sketchbook pages
✅Scientific facts and natural history inspiration
✅Encouragement to enjoy the process
Whether you want to do the whole challenge or just dip in and out at your own pace - this is a creative resource you can return to again and again.
Get the Free eBook Now
Ready to pick up your brush and sketchbook?
Sign up below and I’ll send you the full Nature & Science Painting Challenge eBook - straight to your inbox. No pressure, no deadlines - just inspiration, nature, and a gentle creative path.
Thank you for being here. I truly hope this brings new energy and quiet joy to your art practice.
Here you can find my previous painting challenges:
Subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@KristineArt
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinerapohina/
Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/KristineArt