sketching outside

We spent a beautiful fall day outside drawing the leaves, barren trees, dried up flowers and such. The art club groaned when I suggested sketching from life -- they much prefer to use their imaginations. I tried to keep it interesting by having them switch positions every few minutes so they only had time to go for the quick, gestural sketch. I have the sinking feeling that we won't be making art outside for awhile. We have to take plein-air when we can get it.