The Illustrated Journal: Painting and Drawing Your Life

Immerse yourself in the art of illustrated journaling during this two-day workshop in Rocky Mountain National Park’s Kawuneeche Valley. On the first day, we’ll gather near Holzwarth’s Never Summer Ranch to explore techniques for capturing the beauty of nature through painting and drawing. The day will begin with demonstrations, instruction, and group discussion, followed by independent work time with personalized guidance. The second day’s location will depend on weather conditions, ensuring a comfortable and inspiring setting.

Each session runs from 9:00am to 3:00pm, allowing plenty of time for creative practice and one-on-one feedback. Short walks to scenic locations are included, so pack light and portable art supplies. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, this course offers the chance to create meaningful, visual reflections of your experiences in the park’s stunning landscapes.

Who: Participants ages 16 and up.

Program level: Easy – Appropriate for most participants. Expect short walks with ample breaks. Participants will be walking on paved or hardened surfaces with moderate slopes and occasional stairs. Participants may travel in vehicles to elevations above 12,000 feet.

This program is entirely field based.

When: Wednesday, June 25, 2025 from 9:00am to 3:00pm AND Thursday, June 26, 2025 from 9:00am to 3:00pm each day

Where: Meet at the Grand Lake Center (301 Marina Dr, Grand Lake, CO 80447) and travel together to various locations within RMNP in Conservancy vehicles. All required fees and permits for park entry are included in your registration.

What to Bring:

• 10 Essentials for Field Institute Courses.
• Your favorite drawing/painting tools such as watercolor, gouache, or colored pencils, as well as pens or pencils for writing. Whatever you prefer to work with is acceptable.
• Your traveler’s small paintbox with pigments and brushes
• Your favorite journal or sketchbook
• Something comfortable to sit upon in the outdoors

About Your Instructor: Donna Lyons is a practicing watercolor painter with degrees in painting and art education. A retired elementary art and kindergarten teacher, she now teaches painting workshops throughout the West, including “Wildflower and Watercolor Workshop” at Trail River Ranch in the Kawuneeche Valley. Donna is the author of the book My Kawuneeche – An Artist’s Journal in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Refund Policy:

Cancellations made more than 30 days prior to the start of the course are eligible for a full refund. Cancellations made fewer than 30 days in advance are not eligible for a refund.

Our programs proceed rain or shine, and participants should be prepared for inclement weather. However, should we decide to cancel a program due to unsafe weather or emergency conditions, we will notify participants by email and automatically issue full refunds.

Conservancy members get 10% off individual registration when you use the discount code in your membership email! Limit 2 per membership.

Not a member of the Conservancy? Learn more and join here: Conservancy Membership

If you have questions about this course, please contact the Field Institute by email at education@RMConservancy.org or by phone at 970-586-3262.