Bring your art outdoors and discover the joy of slowing down, observing, and creating in the beautiful landscapes of Yosemite Valley. With artist Rachel Fisher as your guide, you’ll paint and sketch on location, capturing spring meadows, budding trees, flowing waterfalls, and granite walls through expressive pen drawings and delicate watercolor washes. Surrounded by Yosemite’s breathtaking spring scenery, you’ll fill your sketchbook while learning how to choose what to draw, simplify a scene, and bring your sketches to life with line and color. Rachel will share her love of nature and sketching, offering practical techniques, friendly guidance, and encouragement along the way. You’ll leave with new skills and an approachable travel sketchbook practice you can continue wherever your adventures take you. This retreat is open to 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.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
- Program dates: May 26–May 28
- Program location: Yosemite Valley
- What’s included:
- Three days of progressive learning and outdoor painting with artist Rachel Fisher.
- Optional free day (May 29) to explore the park on your own.
- Five nights of tent camping in Yosemite Valley — campsites shared by all participants — or upgrade to lodging for an additional fee.
- There is no discount if you choose not to stay at the group campsite or utilize the additional free day.
- What’s not included: Participants must supply their own art supplies, camping gear, food, and transportation. Trip planning resources and packing lists are linked at the bottom of this page.
- Camping details:
- Two campsites at Upper Pines Campground in Yosemite Valley.
- Participants can arrive after 12 pm on May 25 and must depart by 12 pm on May 30.
- The 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 can only accommodate tent camping. If you want to sleep in your car, RV, or camper, you must book your own campsite reservation.
- Lodging details: Upgrade to Yosemite Valley Lodge or Curry Village 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! Participants 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.
Helpful trip planning resources:
