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The snow-covered peak of Half Dome in Yosemite, California, is set against a clear blue sky with the moon visible.
California

The Beauty of Yosemite and the Joy of Watercolor

Program No. 2317RJ
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Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Oakhurst
Program Concludes
Oakhurst
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
15 ( 5B, 5L, 5D )
Activity Level
From
1,849
Join us in exploring new ways to be creative. Our delightful instructor teaches you how to render outdoor elements with ease, sharing secrets of color systems, brush-stroke techniques and water use. View nature from an artist's perspective during field trips to Yosemite National Park. Experience painting "in the wild," learning to paint mountains, trees and waterfalls in the field.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Embark on a bus excursion to some of the Yosemite Valley’s most beautiful sites, including Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall and Sentinel Bridge.
  • Delight in an opportunity to paint “en plein air” in the heart of Yosemite.
  • Paint daily and improve your watercolor technique with the help of an art instructor who offers tips on composition, color and more.
General Notes
The Retreat Difference: This unique, often basic and no-frills experience at a Road Scholar Retreat includes opportunities for early morning exercise, interaction with the local community for insight into local life, an authentic farm-to-table or locally sourced meal, and a live performance or event. Basic art supplies are furnished. Participants may bring their own supplies to supplement if they wish.
All Experts
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Sadie Beling was born and raised on the western slope of the majestic Sierra Nevadas, where her love for the mountains began. She enjoys exploring the outdoors through hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing, and off-roading. As the Road Scholar Programs Coordinator at ECCO, Sadie is especially delighted when she can step away from her desk and into the field, serving as a group leader or hike sweep in Yosemite and sharing her passion for the natural world with others.
Sadie Beling was born and raised on the western slope of the majestic Sierra Nevadas, where her love for the mountains began. She enjoys exploring the outdoors through hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing, and off-roading. As the Road Scholar Programs Coordinator at ECCO, Sadie is especially delighted when she can step away from her desk and into the field, serving as a group leader in Yosemite and sharing her passion for the natural world with others.
Casey Cheuvront studied drawing, painting, sculpture, and ceramics at CSUF California. Her work is informed not only by formal study but also by her ongoing plein air habit and lifelong appreciation of the natural world, established through a "feet-on-the trail" connection over many years. Her outdoor education began at a young age when she accompanied her father on long treks, fishing, hiking, bow hunting, archery exhibitions, and professional competitive archery shoots. Cheuvront’s pieces reveal an ongoing fascination with the Western and Southwestern wilderness and wildlife.
Judy Nightingale Person's artwork has been shown in exhibitions at various venues throughout the Bay Area and Santa Cruz since 2009. While studying for a career in psychotherapy, Judy pursued college art classes. She credits the Santa Clara Watercolor Society, the Yosemite Conservancy, Bay Area Creatives, and the local Santa Cruz art scene for pointing her to art instructors who have been instrumental in deepening her skill level in watercolor and mixed media. Judy has volunteered in Yosemite and worked as an adult art instructor.
Activity Level
Easy Going
Walking up to one mile over varied terrain on field trips. Distances between lodging, dining hall and classrooms can exceed 1,000 feet to and from. Elevations of 3,100-6,000 feet.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Books and Resources
View Full List
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

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Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

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Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

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Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

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