Event Overview

Come explore the Dr. Seusian world of the Joshua Tree with Diane Best, artist and instructor. Capture it on paper with brush and black acrylic paint, thinned down to mimic Sumi ink. Sticking to just black paint is a way to simplify the complexity of the tree structure without having to also worry about the trees’ subtle colors. While this is not a Chinese brush painting class, some of her technique has been inspired by that. Diane will give demonstrations throughout the day, and will give each student personal instruction. The goal will be to create at least one finished painting on handmade paper from Nepal that I will provide. Each student should also bring their own paper to experiment with before we go to the handmade paper.

We will be going to the Lost Horse Campground area of the Joshua Tree National Park – a beautiful campground reserved for the Desert Institute class. While there are many Joshua trees in that area (and shaded picnic tables to work on), Diane Best will also be providing photos of other interesting Joshua trees to work from and she will try to find trees with simpler structures that are easier to reproduce.

All experience levels are welcome. There are so many different ways to approach drawing these trees – from very realistic to stylized and/or graphic. Diane Best will help you find your personal style and technique. There is no wrong way!

Bring lunch and beverages and a camp chair for comfort.

Register today!