Part of my role as Artist in Residence in the National Parks often involves a public program. What I like to offer is a charcoal sketching class in the incredible landscapes of these special places. Participants have included park visitors, residents of the area and park staff. I stress working almost sculpturally, pushing the charcoal around on the paper until the movement and structure of the land masses is felt, before putting down permanent marks. I provide complimentary drawing kits (pads, charcoal, eraser, etc) for each participant. They enjoy spending time really concentrating on the landscape and take home a souvenir of their trip, as well as drawing materials to continue their explorations.
