For years, artists have used paint brushes and cameras to capture Yosemite’s remarkable landscape, but those aren’t the only tools suited for celebrating Sierra scenery. In this class, you’ll get to interact with the park’s natural beauty using a less common, but perfectly apt, medium: charcoal. With help from instructor Jeff Hemming, learn to use charcoal on paper to sketch and blend your impressions of Yosemite Valley’s striking granite walls and waterfalls, adding shape, texture and depth to help your drawing leap from the page. At the end of this outdoor class, you’ll be well-acquainted with charcoal techniques and ready to get creative wherever you take your sketch pad next.
- Experience level: Little to no experience required, ages 12+. All participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Registration fee: $20 per day per visitor. Advanced registration encouraged. Walk-up registration available as space allows.
- Location: Yosemite Valley Visitor Center (shuttle stops #5 and #9). All workshops will be held outside, weather permitting.
- Time: 9 am to 1 pm, Monday through Friday. Please arrive between 8:30 and 8:45 am. Please build in extra time if taking the shuttle or walking from the parking lot.
- Materials: Supplies for this class are not included in the registration fee. When you register, let us know whether you would like to purchase a charcoal supply kit upon arrival or bring your own charcoal supplies. All purchases benefit the park! These essentials are available free of charge: stool, hardboard, water cup and paper towels.
- Lodging arrangements are the responsibility of participants.
View the supplies list.
COVID-19: We have implemented special safety measures to keep art class participants and instructors safe during the ongoing pandemic. Please review our COVID-19 procedures for details.
