Join professional artist Steve Curl to welcome the fresh blooms and greenery of Yosemite Valley, while spending a long weekend capturing the park’s seasonal scenery in watercolor! Over the course of three days, you’ll sharpen your artistic skills as you practice creating a balanced composition, capturing shifting lights and shadows, and using layers of color to build a scene. You’ll end the weekend with a fresh perspective on Yosemite, original artwork to take home, and a new suite of tips and techniques to draw on as you continue exploring the world of watercolor.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
- Program dates: July 7–July 9
- Program location: Yosemite Valley
- What’s included:
- Three days of progressive learning and outdoor painting with artist Steve Curl.
- Optional free day (July 10) 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 July 6 and must depart by 12 pm on July 11.
- 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: Open to intermediate to advanced artists. Participants must also 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:
