A weekend of Mountain Biking & Painting Outdoors

Sketching Nature: A Weekend of Art and Adventure

Author

Ark
June 12, 2025

Every Saturday morning, I look forward to hitting the trails for a bike ride, either solo or with friends. This weekend, I decided to mix things up by bringing along my sketchbook, aiming to combine my love for cycling with a desire to pause and soak in the natural beauty around me. With lush greenery and wildflowers in full bloom before the summer’s inevitable fade to brown, it felt like the perfect time to slow down, observe, and create.

Saturday: Seals and Sunshine

The day started with a group ride, the weather promising a perfect backdrop for my plans. After climbing to the top of Wilder, my friends and I parted ways, and I pedaled toward the coast, eager to find a specific spot I’d scouted before. Along the way, I couldn’t resist stopping to admire some goats grazing nearby—a charming detour.

Eventually, I reached my destination: a secluded beach framed by towering rock walls, dotted with seals lounging on the sand. Their playful scooting, fin-flapping, and sunbathing antics were endlessly entertaining. I found a comfortable spot on the bluffs and set up to sketch. The slight breeze and warm sun made it an idyllic setting, though a passing helicopter briefly startled the seals, sending most of them scurrying into the water. A few larger ones stayed put, unfazed, which made me wonder if they were just used to the noise or too relaxed to care.

Using gouache, my current favorite medium for outdoor painting, I began capturing the scene. I love how gouache layers, offering forgiveness that watercolors don’t, while still allowing for a watercolor-like effect when diluted. I sketched for a while, occasionally distracted by the seals’ comical movements, but eventually, my body started to ache from sitting in one position. I decided to pack up, letting the painting dry before heading home to finish it after a refreshing shower and an iced coffee.

Sunday: A Bridge in the Redwoods

Sunday brought a different vibe. Rain had fallen all morning, but by afternoon, the skies cleared, offering a window of opportunity. The trails were quiet, the dirt just tacky enough to be perfect for riding. I set out alone, with no fixed destination, letting inspiration guide me. Meandering through the forest on the UCSC campus, I stumbled upon a striking bridge nestled among towering redwoods—a scene I’d always found captivating.

I settled on a concrete spot by the bridge, appreciating its picturesque setting in the dense forest. The air was chilly and the sky overcast, so I was grateful for the layers I’d brought. I started painting again, using gouache, but the cold began to seep into my fingers and face. Knowing the descent home would be even colder, I decided to lay down the base of the painting and finish it later indoors. Before leaving, I added a short climb to my route to warm up, mindful of the forecast predicting more rain.

Reflections and Future Plans

Back home, I put the finishing touches on both paintings, pleased with how they captured the weekend’s moments. My sketchbook is starting to fill up, each page a record of time spent connecting with nature through art. I’m already looking forward to completing this sketchbook—maybe a year from now—and sharing a full tour of its pages.

This weekend reminded me how much I value balancing adventure with quiet observation. Cycling gets me out into the world, but sketching forces me to slow down and truly see it. Whether it’s seals basking on a beach or a bridge framed by redwoods, these moments of pause are what make the journey unforgettable.

Thanks for joining me on this little adventure. Until the next one!

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