Drawn Outdoors: Meet Becky Hill
We’re all about community, creativity, and making the most of the moments we have—so it only feels right to kick things off by introducing someone who embodies all of that: Becky, the founder of Drawn Outdoors.
Becky is a multidisciplinary artist whose work is deeply inspired by the natural world. Through Drawn Outdoors, she’s building a creative community that brings people together to sketch, paint, and connect in some of the most scenic spots around—beaches, forests, and beyond.
What do you love to do for fun near, at, or on the beach?
Cold dipping is a big one—I find it the best way to shake off anxious energy and a simple, powerful way to feel alive. I also love running with my dog around Jericho and Spanish Banks.
How do you change when the seasons do?
I'm such a summer person—it's when I feel like the best version of myself. I’m outside as much as possible, hiking and camping almost every weekend. In autumn and winter, I slow down and lean into cozier, more introspective creativity, like sketching indoors or planning future projects. I still try to get outdoors as much as possible, whether it's skiing, snowshoeing, or just a dog walk, but it definitely takes more effort.
Do you have a role model or a source of inspiration for what led you to create Drawn Outdoors?
I think it’s a mix of influences. My love of nature and my appreciation for the way creativity connects people were huge motivators. Both sketching and being outdoors have had such a positive impact on my mental health—they’re my go-to when I’m having a hard time. I wanted to share that experience with others in a way that felt approachable, easy to attend, and full of space for play.
If there was some advice you think might have helped your younger self, what would it be?
Trust the process and don’t rush the timeline. Everything unfolds in its own time, and the experiences that feel like detours often end up being the most valuable.
If there was some advice now that you wish you could ensure your future self keeps in mind, what would it be?
Stay playful. It’s easy to get caught up in logistics or expectations, but at its core, creativity should be joyful.
Drawn Outdoors is such a brilliant name. How did you come up with it? What led you to it?
My friend Sam Welsh, an artist, therapist, and mother, used to run a drawing program called Drawn to Nature at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, where we both worked. Of course, I asked for her permission to keep the tradition going!
Our programs do differ, though, as my sessions are based entirely outside—so it's both an art class and an outdoor experience. Drawn Outdoors has a natural double meaning—both physically drawing outside and the idea of being drawn to the outdoors. I wanted something that reflected the simplicity and joy of what I was creating.
How does the natural environment influence your teaching methods and your students' creativity?
One of the biggest benefits of drawing outside is that it allows you to draw from real life rather than a screen or reference picture. It forces you to slow down and be fully present with your environment.
The outdoors is also an active participant in every class—it’s unpredictable, which encourages us to loosen up and embrace imperfection. Wind might push paint in unexpected directions, rain might mix with watercolors in surprising ways, and the landscape itself is always shifting. It teaches adaptability and encourages people to engage with art in a way that feels organic rather than rigid.
Can you describe a particularly memorable class or moment that reinforced why you chose to teach art outdoors?
One of my favorite moments was during a rainy beach class when we embraced the weather rather than resisting it. It had rained over 50 cm in the two days prior, and I was so tempted to cancel the class. But I knew this could be a really cool experience—an opportunity to lean into our surroundings rather than fight against them.
We experimented with letting raindrops alter our watercolor paintings, and it turned into this beautiful, collaborative experience with nature. We had a full class, and once people realized that imperfection and unpredictability could be part of the creative process, they fully opened up to it. It was a really special moment.
How has your relationship with art and nature evolved since starting Drawn Outdoors?
It’s become even more intertwined. Drawn Outdoors has allowed me to take real steps toward my dream of combining creativity and the outdoors as a way of making a living. My favourite thing right now is that my lesson planning involves going on a walk in the woods or on a hike.
“Stay playful. It’s easy to get caught up in logistics or expectations, but at its core, creativity should be joyful.”
What else do you want to let people know you’re working on?
I’m always working on new illustration projects, both personal and community-driven. Right now, I’m especially excited about applying to more mural festivals—I love the opportunity to work on a large scale and bring people together through art.
For Drawn Outdoors, I’m looking to do more collaborations with other artists and nature-based organizations, as well as expand into different locations. I’d love to incorporate more hiking and camping trips into the sessions, blending creativity with immersive outdoor experiences. It’s another way to deepen the connection between art, nature, and community—something I’m always drawn to.
About Becky
Becky is a multidisciplinary artist whose work is deeply inspired by the beauty and wonder of nature. Her vibrant illustrations, colorful murals, and striking graphics capture moments of connection to the outdoors, inviting others to explore both familiar landscapes and the unknown.
Passionate about using creativity as a force for change, Becky partners with outdoor and environmental brands that share her commitment to protecting and celebrating nature.
She is also the founder of Drawn Outdoors, a nature-based art club that brings people together to create in outdoor settings — from beaches and forests to scenic hiking trails. These relaxed, inclusive sessions are about embracing the joy of art without pressure. Whether participants are experienced artists or simply curious, Drawn Outdoors offers a space to slow down, get messy, and find inspiration in what’s right in front of them.
Through her artwork and classes, Becky continues to encourage others to see the world a little differently. When she’s not creating, you’ll likely find Becky climbing up a mountain or riding down it, always seeking her next dose of inspiration.