• Urban sketcher and watercolor artist based in Tel Aviv since 2014
  
  

• Medical Doctor (MD), specialist in Psychiatry (2008)
  
  

• Recipient of the Urban Sketchers Reportage Grant (2023)
  
  

• Demo presenter at the Urban Sketchers Symposium, Buenos Aires (2024)
  
  

• Selected faculty for the Urban Sketchers Symposium, Toulouse (2026)
  
  

• Featured artist in Pratique des Arts magazine (2022)
  
  

• Published in Stephanie Bower’s book on urban sketching (2022)

• Confidently sketch on location in unfamiliar environments
  
  

• Simplify complex street scenes, markets, and architecture
  
  

• Capture atmosphere, light, and mood using watercolor
  
  

• Combine loose washes with expressive linework
  
  

• Observe and sketch people, gestures, and everyday life respectfully
  
  

• Build a cohesive travel sketchbook that tells a visual story
  
  

• Develop a personal approach rather than copying a single style

Guests are encouraged to bring:

• Watercolor sketchbook (A4 or A5, suitable for watercolor)
  
  

• Watercolor paints (travel set of 12–16 colors; suggested colors include:
  ultramarine blue, cerulean blue, Naples yellow, violet, cadmium red, cadmium ochre, burnt sienna, yellow ochre)
  
  

• Brushes: 2–3 round brushes (one large size 9–12, one medium 6–9, one small optional)
  
  

• Colored pencils (2–4; dark tones such as violet or brown, and light tones such as beige or light blue; water-soluble preferred)
  
  

• Pencil sharpener
  
  

• Water container and cloth or paper towels
  
  

Optional:

• Water-soluble crayons or oil pastels

Irena teaches in a calm, supportive, and intuitive way. She offers clear structure and practical guidance, while leaving space for personal choices and experimentation. Her approach helps participants feel relaxed and confident sketching on location, even when the surroundings are lively or unfamiliar. With a strong sensitivity to people, place, and atmosphere, Irena encourages sketchers to observe deeply, trust their instincts, and gradually develop their own visual voice.

“Thanks to Irena’s clear demonstrations and thoughtful guidance, even participants with little experience felt supported. The retreat was intensive, inspiring, and full of meaningful artistic discovery”.

— Alina P.-Y., Ein Kerem retreat participant, December 2025

“Seeing how Irena combines pencil and watercolor so fluidly changed how I approach sketching. Her way of teaching feels generous and inspiring”.

— Maria S.

“Irena creates a focused yet relaxed learning atmosphere. Her explanations are precise and easy to follow, and even complex subjects feel accessible while leaving space for personal expressio”..

— Retreat participant, Ein Kerem, February  2025

“I often don’t know how to begin, and Irena’s approach made the process clear and approachable. The structure gave me confidence and encouraged me to experiment more”.

— Johanna, online workshop participant

“Watching Irena draw is both fascinating and instructive. Her confident lines and expressive watercolor are supported by a clear structure that helps everything fall into place”.

— Julie C., Patreon member

“Irena’s guidance combines clarity, sensitivity, and encouragement, making the act of drawing feel natural, confident, and joyfu”l.

— Sketching class participant, Tel-Aviv