Virtual Summer Art Camp
Crystal Cove has a rich tradition of plein air painting that continues today. Every year, artists trek down to paint our scenic cottages, iconic ocean-side bluffs, and relaxing sandy beaches. Usually we offer summer art classes– “The Great Plein Air Experience”– that take place in person. But, since that’s not possible this year, we’ve decided to offer a thorough 8-week program that you can follow from the comfort of your own home.
Each session takes artists through the basics of creating their very own plain air inspired drawing or painting step by step, engaging students in art concepts like tools and techniques, shapes, composition, value, color, and observation. Virtual Summer Art Camp is catered to everyone, so whether you have a full set of paints or just a ballpoint pen, you’ll be able to dive in and create your very own Crystal Cove piece of art!
Conservancy Education Coordinator Kaitlin Magliano jumped on the opportunity when the first session was posted.
“I’m so excited to get started with the virtual art class! Session 1 was a great intro to the different tools I have at home and I had a lot of fun exploring different ways to use them.”
You can see Kaitlin’s masterpiece, created on the trail in the middle of a hike here on your right! And if you’re interested in taking the class yourself, click here!
Virtual Summer Art Camp
Crystal Cove has a rich tradition of plein air painting that continues today. Every year, artists trek down to paint our scenic cottages, iconic ocean-side bluffs, and relaxing sandy beaches. And now, you can learn to paint from home!
Our nine session Virtual Summer Art Camp program is designed for all ages (even adults!). We’ve tried to design it so that even the most beginner artist can participate — even if the only tool that you have at home is a ballpoint pen or a marker. Art camp participants will be introduced to the basics of using drawing and painting tools, and will then explore art concepts like shape, value, and composition, ultimately putting them all together to complete your very own Crystal Cove-inspired drawing or painting.
To participate, all you need to do is find your favorite artistic tool and click on the turquoise links below to get started!
Note: This program is free for everyone. If you’d like to become a Crystal Cove Conservancy member or donate to support our work, you can do so here!
Session 1: Tools & Techniques
During this first session, you’ll be introduced to a variety of drawing tools and artistic techniques, which you’ll use throughout the course as you create your drawing or painting. You’ll also choose a photo from our Reference Image Catalogue to use as your focus image, which you’ll work with throughout the course.
- Session 1 Introduction Slideshow
- Session 1 Instruction Slideshow
- Reference Image Catalogue (PDF version)
Session 2: Shapes
Learn about a variety of shapes used in art, and break down your reference image into basic shapes to begin building a construction drawing.
Session 3: Observation
Learn how to properly observe negative space in your reference image to strengthen your construction drawing.
Session 4: Line & Contour
Learn what role lines and contours play in art, and use contour drawing techniques to finalize your construction drawing.
Session 5: Light
Learn how light and shadow are applied to art, and begin the first step in observing light to break down your construction drawing and prepare it for rendering.
Session 6: Value
Learn how light and shadow translate into value in drawing and painting, and begin mapping values on your construction drawing to create your first draft drawing or painting.
Session 7: Color (Optional)
In this optional session for those who want the challenge of using color in your final artwork, learn to match color to value and put together your own color palette.
Session 8: Composition
Learn about the rules of composition and how they can make your drawing or painting more appealing, and create thumbnails to plan your final draft drawing or painting.
Session 9: Putting It All Together
Combine all of the concepts you’ve learned so far to create your final drawing or painting!