Location:      Rocky Mountain Nature Association Field Seminar & Conference Center

                        1895 Fall River Road, Estes Park, Colorado

Time:   Saturday        9AM- 4PM

            Sunday            9AM- 4PM                 

Course Description: Course content will cover Pen and Ink Techniques combined with Watercolor in order to capture your surroundings in a watercolor sketchbook. Discussions regarding materials, composition, drawing techniques, and using wet media outdoors will be covered while focusing on the act of field sketching in the park at a variety of locations. Students will be able to observe demonstrations in the field along with friendly critiques to improve their skills at capturing the essence of a scene. This contemplative approach to experiencing one of our nation’s National Parks is a perfect way to slow down and really absorb the experience. This is a lifetime skill that can be used in a personal and unique way for each individual to capture his or her memories.

Course Level:  II

Short-distance walks throughout the day on primarily level terrain (possible sites include Moraine and Horseshoe Park along with sites along Trail Ridge Road)

Brief Instructor Biography (additional information available at www.rmna.org):

Suzie Garner, Department Head of Art and Professor of Art arrived at Mesa State College in 1994 and developed a baccalaureate degree in Graphic Design. Professor Garner is now one of many who teach within the program and serves as Department Head for the Art Department.

As a practicing studio artist, she is an oil painter and avid sketchbook artist. She developed a sketchbook course for the college in 2006.  In addition to teaching drawing, sketchbook and graphic design courses she has given field sketching workshops/talks for the Colorado National Monument, Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park in Utah and for the Yellowstone Association Institute in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Her personal artwork has been exhibited nationally and internationally in Arizona, Georgia, Florida, Kansas, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Texas, Wyoming, all over Colorado and in the United Kingdom. Recently, she has led students on trips abroad to both Italy and France.

Suzie Garner holds three degrees:
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas

Master of Arts, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas
Master of Fine Arts, West Texas A&M University, Canyon, Texas

Instructor’s Website:   www.sketchingspirit.com

Expectations:  Professional conduct will be expected from participants at all times.  Individual ideas will be respected.  Except during course breaks, cellular phones, pagers, and personal entertainment devices are strictly prohibited in the classroom and during field sessions.

Car-pooling:  Rocky Mountain Field Seminars courses utilize car-pooling to limit vehicles traveling into the Park.  Car-pooling makes it easier to keep the group together, reduces transit time, and allows courses greater access because fewer parking spaces are required at destinations.  In addition, it provides an opportunity for participants to discuss course material in small groups during transit.  Typically, a few participants from each course volunteer the use of their vehicles for car-pooling to course locations.

Tentative Course Schedule: (list times and activities)

   Saturday 9Am- 4PM, Opening Instructions, Moraine Park for field sketching. (Locations depend on weather)

   Sunday 9Am- 4PM, Alberta Falls, Many Parks Curve Pullout, Hidden Valley Beaver Ponds, Visitor Center (outside under awning if weather is not cooperating) or Moraine Park Museum (inside looking out window if weather not cooperating)

What to Bring:

§         Sack lunch, snacks, energy bars, and Water

.

Supply List

Watercolor Sketchbook, (Watercolor Moleskine or Canson Montval Watercolor Field Book)

Faber Castell Pitt Artist Pen (Superfine Size or other brand waterproof pen)

Pencil (with or without eraser)

Cotman Watercolor Compact Set by Winsor & Newton

Black Gold Travel Watercolor Brush, Size 6 (Available at Daniel Smith, www.danielsmith.com

Small Nalgene Bottle – (doesn't leak, available at REI)

Tissues or Paper Towels

Backpack or other small bag to carry supplies

Remember to Bring the 10 Essentials:

Rocky Mountain National Park recommends that hikers always carry the 10 essentials in their daypacks.

     Raingear                                     Map and compass                       Flashlight or headlamp

     Sunglasses and sunscreen            Candles                                      Matches or other fire starter

     Pocketknife                                 First-aid kit                                 Extra layers of clothing

     Sack lunch, snacks, and water                                                     

Note:  Rocky Mountain Field Seminars recommends that participants for all courses dress in layers and wear comfortable, sturdy hiking boots/shoes.  Participants should be prepared for sudden changes in temperature and weather conditions.

Teacher Recertification Credit: 

Most seminars are eligible for teacher recertification credit through the Centennial Board of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES).  The fee is $25.00 per seminar (.5 unit) or $25.00 per series of threaded seminars (1.0 - 3.0 units).   A list of threaded seminars can be found online at www.rmna.org.  Participants must enroll in all seminars of a threaded series in order to qualify for the $25.00 multi-unit fee. Please be prepared to pay for this credit with a check, made payable to BOCES, on the first day of a seminar or on the final day of a threaded series of seminars.