Drawing in the Desert: Field Sketching in Joshua Tree National Park

Practice your observational drawing skills, capturing wilderness and wildlife in sketches! This field sketching workshop covers rendering the flora, fauna, geological wonders, and vistas of Joshua Tree National Park.

• This class is held at Black Rock, with the classroom portion taking place in the Black Rock Nature Center education room.

• Anyone may attend! No drawing experience is required.

• This beginner-friendly activity is suitable for ages 12 and older.

• No park pass is required.

• Participants must bring their own art supplies, including paper and drawing utensils.

• No meals or equipment are provided.

Activity level: The indoor portion of this class is ADA accessible. It requires very little travel with ADA accommodations, such as accessible parking, available. 

The outdoor portion is leisurely and can be modified to accommodate participants. It requires less than 2 miles of walking with shade, seating, consistent terrain, and little to no elevation gain. Please email desertinstitute@joshuatree.org if you need specific accommodations.

Required items for participants: 

• Sketchbook

• Loose paper

• Preferred drawing utensils (e.g., pencils, colored pencils, pens, ink and brush, watercolors, pastels)

• Optional folding stool or seat as needed for comfort

Photo credit: NPS/Hannah Schwalbe