Plein Air Painting Workshop with Oils Fall 2022

Painting the landscape from life is thrilling and can be challenging as well. The world is filled with an infinite variety of color and value, and an overwhelming amount of detail. Patterns of shadow and light are changing constantly. This workshop will help you to simplify and organize what you see, and go on to create satisfying, dynamic paintings with strong, logical dark and light patterns. Topics will include composition, focal point, perspective, value (dark and light), underpainting, painting ala prima (layering wet paint without making mud), color theory, mixing paint, and more. The Saturday session will start with a demo painting as Jessica explains her step-by-step method. Students will be given individual feedback and guidance. Some previous painting experience is advised.

This class will be conducted at the reserved Lost Horse Campground with the option to “car camp” with the instructor on Saturday night. Class registration includes camp site reservations (optional). For more information on camping with this class or a list of local accommodations, please contact us at 760-819-4714.

Download the course outline:  

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 .

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.

Until further notice, all indoor Desert Institute classes will require proof of vax or a negative test within 72 hours. Thank you for your understanding.

JESSICA SCHIFFMAN has been a working artist for over twenty-five years. Her oil and acrylic paintings, including desert landscapes, forest scenes, figurative works and more, are widely collected. In addition, she has illustrated sixteen children’s books and created several murals. Jessica has taught art for fifteen years at venues including the Idyllwild Arts Academy and Summer Program, the Desert Art Center in Palm Springs, and the Create Center in Palm Desert. . Jessica has a BFA in painting from the San Francisco Art Institute.

Host or Publisher Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park