February 14, 2019 - Join us for this YWA/ECCO collaborative event. Participants can choose Plein Air or Icon Painting tracks. Watercolor painters will be guided by Rita Adams, acrylic painters by Trowzers Akimbo, as students in both mediums paint the phenomenal vistas of Yosemite National Park. Icon painters will be led by iconographer, Joyce Tanner. Registration packages range from day rates to full accommodations (meals included) at the Episcopal Conference Center Oakhurst (ECCO), in Oakhurst, CA. Bus transportation to Yosemite is included in all packages, and a naturalist will be on the bus to explain some of the Park highlights.

Enjoy the splendor of Yosemite National Park while you learn the art of “en plein air” from some of the Yosemite Western Artists’ (YWA) best art instructors OR take the traditional and very inspiring ICON Painting classes from master iconographer, Joyce Tanner.

Guests will enjoy a four-night, five day stay at ECCO (Episcopal Conference Center of Oakhurst). Meals and transportation to Yosemite National Park are included, as well as art instruction and a Sunday wine and cheese social. A reduced package for day students includes lunch, classes and the bus tours into the park.

For Plein Air painters, the first full day includes classroom style art instruction and outdoor painting on the idyllic ECCO grounds. Day two and three, you will be transported by bus to Yosemite Valley and some of the most beautiful sites in the Sierra Nevada. These may include Sentinel Bridge, Tunnel View, and the Little Church, for example. In a safe setting, with other artists, you can enjoy and create original works from these magnificent surroundings. Be sure to bring your camera.

Icon painters will be meeting for instruction at St. Raphael’s Church at ECCO. In their bright and sunny meeting room you will learn the traditional art of iconography. No previous painting experience is necessary. Day two or three, you will be included in the bus tour to Yosemite with a guided naturalist on board to give you insight into historic Yosemite National Park.

Wednesday evening will present a dinner for all full-time guests (day guests can participate for an additional fee) that includes an art exhibit provided by YWA members with works created by our guests during the retreat. The last day at ECCO concludes with morning checkout and lunch.

A $100 per person non-refundable deposit is required to secure your reservation by April 1, 2019. Go to YosemiteWesternArtists.com and click on the “Interpreting Yosemite Sign-up” link to register or to download the PDF form.