the Art of Adventure
Are you seeking calm in a busy mind?
A spark of creativity in your day?
What if your next adventure could also be a journey inward?
Space to breathe, move, and simply be?
the Art of Adventure invites you into nature to bring wildlife and landscapes to life on paper.
Each step and brushstroke becomes a moment of presence, connection, and creative expression—helping you reconnect with nature, yourself, and a sense of calm.
Through hiking and other nature interactions, you’ll be inspired to notice and paint your way to calm, clarity, and creative release.
Hike. Explore. Paint. Discover—and protect—the beauty around you.
Step off the beaten path and into your creativity with Art of Adventure: Painting in the Wild. This immersive experience combines the thrill of exploring scenic landscapes with the joy of painting inspired by the natural world around you. Each step invites discovery, and each brushstroke captures the textures, colors, and energy of the environment.
Depending on the location, your adventure may expand beyond the trail—offering opportunities to connect with wildlife through experiences like whale watching, sea kayaking, or visiting a local aquarium or zoo. Each setting is intentionally chosen to deepen your sense of wonder and inspire your creative process in a unique way.
Rooted in both creativity and awareness, this experience also invites a deeper understanding of our impact on the world around us. Through guided reflection and observation, you’ll explore themes of conservation, connection, and responsibility—learning how small shifts in awareness can lead to meaningful change for the environments we move through and the life they hold.
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or simply curious, this program encourages mindful observation, playful experimentation, and creative expression in the open air. Connect with nature, yourself, and fellow adventurers as you explore landscapes through movement and art, allowing each environment—land or sea—to guide your inspiration.
By the end of the journey, you’ll leave with not only original artwork, but a renewed sense of presence, awe, and a deeper connection to both your creativity and the world around you.
The Process
Each session will begin with a warm grounding welcome and light experiential activity to spark curiosity, connection and creativity. As the journey unfolds, you’ll move through the experience with intention, engaging in guided observation while learning about the local ecosystem, wildlife, and conservation efforts tied to the specific location.
You’ll be invited to slow down, arrive fully, and connect with the natural environment.
Settle in for guided, step-by-step watercolor painting balanced with intuitive expression led by Ashley James, owner of Works from the heART and experienced watercolor artist. The journey closes with gentle reflection to translate what you noticed, created and felt.
Leave with a renewed sense of presence & understanding of your relationship to the natural world.
The Details
Guided outdoor art experience combining hiking, exploration, wildlife excursions, and painting
No prior art experience needed—open to all skill levels
Small group setting to encourage connection and personalized guidance
All basic art materials provided (portable + trail-friendly)
Scenic, location-based experiences tailored to each booking
Cost Details
$39 base cost | $59 with supplies kit
If this is your first time attending an Art of Adventure session, please add the “Supplies Kit” Add-On when booking
Add-on costs are required for whale watching and sea kayaking excursions.
When booking an excursion, be sure to choose the correct add-on for your experience.
Upcoming Dates
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Hike: Garfield Ledges | 3.2 Miles
Saturday, May 23rd | 10 am
Activity Level: ModerateGarfield Ledges is a moderate forest hike leading to scenic rocky viewpoints in the North Cascades. At the top, we’ll pause to watercolor—capturing the landscape through light, color, and expression—before heading back down.
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Whale Watching: Seattle
Saturday, May 30th | 11:30 am (Full Day)
Activity Level: EasyJoin us for a scenic journey through the Salish Sea, often toward the San Juan Islands, with opportunities to spot orcas, humpbacks, and other marine wildlife. We’ll slow down on the water to observe, take in the coastal views, and paint the rhythm of the sea—an unforgettable experience of presence and connection with nature.
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Mindfulness Walk: Meadowbrook
Saturday, June 6th | 10 am
Activity Level: EasyWe’ll move slowly through the landscape, pausing to notice light, texture, and sound, then settle in for a relaxed watercolor session inspired by the surrounding meadow and sky.
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Hike: Little Si | 4.7 Miles
Saturday, June 20th | 10 am
Activity Level: ModerateA steady climb through forest to a rocky summit overlooking the Snoqualmie Valley. At the top, we’ll pause to take in the sweeping views and spend time watercolor painting, using the landscape as inspiration for light, color, and movement before heading back down.
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Hike: Poo Poo Point | 7.2 Miles
Saturday, July 11th | 10 am
Activity Level: HardA popular hike with a steady uphill climb through forest leading to wide-open meadows and panoramic views of the Issaquah Alps and Mount Rainier. We’ll slow down to rest, take in the expansive scenery, and spend time watercolor painting—capturing the beauty of this majestic mountain.
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Paddleboarding: Rattlesnake Lake
Saturday, July 18th | 10 am
Activity Level: EasyWe’ll glide across still waters, taking time to pause, float, and observe shifting light and reflections, then step ashore for a relaxed watercolor painting session inspired by the lake’s tones, textures, and surrounding landscape.
*Bring your own paddle board or kayak
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Sea Kayaking w/ Outdoor Adventure Center: Lopez Island
Saturday, August 8th | 10:45 am (Full Day)
Activity Level: ModerateSet out on a peaceful journey through calm coastal waters, sheltered bays, and scenic shoreline views. We’ll paddle at an easy pace, taking time to pause, observe wildlife, and soak in the quiet rhythm of the sea—an immersive coastal adventure grounded in presence and connection to nature with art to follow. NOTE: All gear will be provided.
We recommend staying overnight August 7th on Lopez Island or in Anacortes and taking the morning ferry.
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Hike: Snow Lake | 7.2 Miles
Saturday, August 22nd | 10 am
Activity Level: HardEmbark on a steady climb to one of the most iconic alpine lakes in Washington. We’ll move through dense forest and mountain terrain at a mindful pace, arriving at the brilliant blue lake to rest, reflect, and spend time watercolor painting the surrounding peaks, water, and shifting light before heading back down.
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Hike: Rattlesnake Ledge | 4.0 Miles
Saturday, September 5th | 10am
Activity Level: Moderate
The Rattlesnake Ledge Trail is a must-see for anyone looking to experience the magic of the Pacific Northwest. Located near North Bend, this path takes you through a beautiful forest that looks like it belongs in a movie. You’ll be surrounded by giant Douglas fir trees and soft, green moss that covers almost everything.
