This week I set up an exhibition of my Nature Sketching Sketchbooks in East Melbourne Library (near the MCG train/tram stop). The exhibition is on for the month of October and is in conjunction with the launch of my Spring/Summer watercolour pencil sketching class, some of which are nature sketching.
The display cabinets in the library 
three cabinets of sketchbooks
on the spot sketches, The Pacific Black Ducks were sketched on the way to work. The little duckling had died and I found him in the gardens on the way home and drew him. 
very very quick sketches of King Parrots and a Cockatoo. They never stay still for long , but often return to the same spot.
I was very fortunate that the display cabinets were available for the month of October and I quickly put together this display. Linda, from the Library & I spent two hours installing it on Tuesday. I am very pleased with the result and how the sketchbooks and objects look. If you are in Melbourne, please drop by and have a look.
quick sketches following a magpie aound
There are some quick sketches done on location and slower observational drawings of objects done at home with the object in front of me. I walk through Fitzroy and Treasure Gardens and sketch the trees and ducks regularly, so I could display a few of those. All are sketched with watercolour pencils in Moleskine Watercolour Sketchbooks. I love to teach about the joys of sketching with watercolour pencil and have some sketchwalks through the gardens to share hint and tips and how to use the watercolour pencils.
Setting up the exhibition
It takes more time to prepare the set up of an exhibition that it does to put it in the display cases on the day. I spent a day on the weekend going through all of my 87 sketchbooks and choosing pages that I might be able to use. I draw daily and have lots of different subjects (food, travel, buildings). Some nature themes started to emerge – the slower observational drawings and quicker on location sketches. Once the sketchbooks were chosen I spread them out over my lounge room floor to group and balance stronger images.
Choosing the sketchbooks 
arranging the sketchbooks by theme 
all packed up and ready to take to the library 
setting up in the library
I have used these display cabinets before and am aware of their limitations and how my sketchbooks can/need to be displayed . There are some sketchbooks that need to be displayed at eye level and they will be different to those on display on the bottom shelf.
I always receive lovely comments from visitors to the Library and am thankful that the library supports local residents by offering these spaces to use.
The displays in the cabinets are set up so well. I love the sketches shown and I do hope there will be many visitors who come to admire them and then join your classes. Well done
Absolutely gorgeous, Alissa!!!! You have a real talent for painting birds…
Beautiful work. Congratulations.