Immersed in the inspiring landscape of Yosemite Valley, you will spend three days sketching and exploring the rich history of the park’s iconic landscape with graphite drawings. Your instructor, artist and art historian Alan Petersen, will help you practice observation and basic drawing techniques to help you capture the landscape before you with pencil as your main tool!
Over the course of three days, you’ll sharpen your artistic skills as you practice creating dynamic compositions, capturing shifting light and shade, and building layers of value and texture to capture the scene before you. This retreat will focus on beginning sketches with loose and quick pencil drawings and refining them through mindful observation that will contribute to greater accuracy. You’ll end the weekend with a fresh perspective on Yosemite, fresh artwork to take home, and a new suite of tips and techniques to draw on as you continue exploring the world of plein air sketching.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
- Program dates: October 10 – October 12, 2025
- Program location: Yosemite Valley
- What’s included:
- Three days of progressive learning and outdoor painting with artist Alan Petersen.
- 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 October 9 after 12 pm and must depart on October 13 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 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:
