Explore your creativity and the inspiring beauty of Yosemite Valley through watercolor sketching! Over the course of three days, Rachel Fisher will guide you through the process of creating and maintaining a travel sketchbook, offering ideas for how to choose what to sketch, simple drawing techniques, and more. This retreat will help you build the skills to make detailed pen drawings with minimal watercolor washes on top. You’ll spend each day exploring Yosemite Valley and drawing and painting along the way, producing multiple sketches rather than one large painting. You’ll return home with a collection of paintings to preserve your memories — and the confidence to sketch your next adventure. This class is for anyone who wants to explore sketching and painting outdoors — some drawing and painting experience is helpful for this art retreat, but all levels are welcome. If you’re not sure if this workshop is the right fit for you, get in touch, we’re happy to help!
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
- Program dates: May 16–May 18
- Program location: Yosemite Valley
- What’s included:
- Three days of progressive learning and outdoor painting with artist Rachel Fisher.
- Four nights of tent camping — shared amongst participants in Yosemite Valley — or upgrade to a hotel room at Yosemite Valley Lodge for an additional fee.
- There is no discount if you choose not to stay at the group campsite.
- Camping details:
- Two campsites at Upper Pines Campground in Yosemite Valley.
- Participants arrive on May 15 after 12 pm and must depart on May 19 by 11 am.
- The two campsites are shared among all retreat participants. A picnic table, bear locker, and firepit are provided at each site. Please be prepared to tent camp.
- Camping is for retreat participants only. We are unable to accommodate friends and family of participants in our group campsite; lodging arrangements for friends and family are the responsibility of participants.
- Due to the shared nature of our group sites, we are unable to accommodate RVs or campers. If you desire a private campsite, have an RV/camper, or want to sleep in your car, you must arrange for your own reservation.
- Lodging details: Upgrade to Yosemite Valley Lodge for an additional fee. Lodging dates match camping dates. Lodging blocks expire 30 days prior to the program. Information on upgrading accommodations will be included in your confirmation email upon registering.
- Experience level: All levels welcome, must be physically fit to walk to painting locations with art supplies and essentials. Please be prepared to walk 1–3 miles/day, as not all locations will be accessible by car.
What’s not included:
- Art supplies, camping gear, snacks, or meals.
- Transportation.
Helpful trip planning resources:
