Few destinations offer a landscape as unique as Joshua Tree National Park. Spend a day painting in beautiful Joshua Tree NP. In this one-day class, you will focus on observations, setting an intention for the day, and learning the process of acrylic landscape painting. Janis Commentz is known for her color-intense palette and loose brush strokes. The morning will begin with basic instruction on the process and introduction to materials. Topics will include laying out your palette, color mixing, how to observe the landscape and translate it into an image, tips to see patterns of lights and darks, and planning a successful composition. Participants will move outdoors to observe, sketch, and learn what to look for in a potential landscape. The afternoon will include a demonstration on starting your painting, blocking out your sketch on canvas and time needed to developing your painting. This class is for beginning to intermediate painters.

Download the course outline: Capturing Joshua Tree Landscape with Acrylics Spring 2020

Hike Level: Easy (Fitness Levels)

If you are a member of JTNPA you will get a $10 discount off every Desert Institute class. If you are not a member you can become one here.

Before registering, please take the time to review our General Class Information and download the Enrollment Attachments, that contain pertinent information about your class and Joshua Tree National Park. Camping reservations must be made through recreation.gov

Please print and fill out the PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT. You can bring the completed form to the class.

Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel, notify us at least seven days prior to the start of the course and we will process your request minus a $25 cancellation fee. No refunds, transfers, or credits will be granted if cancellation occurs within the seven day period. Please note that we cannot make any exceptions to this refund policy for any reason, including but not limited to medical reasons, illness, travel delays, personal situations, emergencies, or weather. This program depends on registration for its funding. While inconvenient, please understand that this policy enables us to sustain our programs even with last minute cancellations.