Discovering Color in the Desert Landscape: Creating Vibrant Oil Paintings

By beginning each class with short walks focused on close looking, we will search for colors and color relationships in the landscape. After choosing a painting site, we will translate these colors into vibrant palette choices for oil painting in situ. We will discuss color harmony, cool/warm colors, dynamic grays, how to layout your palette and mix complex colors, and how to paint directly using observed colors. Each class will end with a mini-critique and reflection on the day’s learnings.

Skill level: An understanding of oil painting will help, but beginners are always welcome!

This class will be conducted at the reserved Lost Horse campground. Camping with the instructor is offered, but is not required. Please let us know if you wish to camp by calling 760-819-4714.

Download the course outline:  Discovering Color in the Desert Landscape: Creating Vibrant Oil Paintings

Instructor:Elizabeth Sampson

Hike Level: 

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 .

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.

Elizabeth (Lizzie) Sampson is a teaching artist with a plein air oil painting background that informs her extensive studio practice. She is inspired by the ever-changing landscape of our personal and shared environments. She is particularly drawn to desert light and color, and has spent time painting Joshua Tree National Park’s dynamic landscape. In her studio, she works to translate the colors found en plein air, while fabricating hypothetical narratives of unstable environments.

Elizabeth received her Master’s in Art Education from Virginia Commonwealth University and received a BFA in Painting from George Mason University. She has experience teaching adult learners within museum settings, private painting lessons, and group workshops. Her joy for teaching comes from sparking creative exploration within lifelong learners.

To see more of her work, please visit www.elizabethsampson.gallery or follow her on Instagram @e.h.sampson https://www.instagram.com/e.h.sampson/

Host or Publisher Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park