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Custom Naturalist Workshops in Yosemite National Park are open to Individuals and Groups of all ages and experience levels at all times throughout the year. We guarantee smaller group sizes for a more personalized experience. View our Calendar to plan your next Yosemite Adventure. If a session is not scheduled, we will customize one for you.

Call or email us today:
(800) 886-8009
tours@yexplore.com

James McGrew
Lead Art Instructor
Lead Photography Guide
Lead Naturalist Hiking Guide
Yosemite Naturalist Workshops

James McGrew frequently visited Yosemite since he was just 4 months old and has drawn its features and wildlife as long as he can remember.

Although he works in his Oregon studio most of the year, he makes plein air trips and has worked as a summer seasonal interpretive naturalist park ranger in Yosemite National Park over the past ten years. McGrew's award winning artwork hangs in collections across the U.S. and Europe, and has shown in top competitions, museums and galleries including solo shows. He is a member of the Oil Painters of America and Miniature Art Society of Florida. In addition to degrees in biology, chemistry and geology, his master's thesis (environmental education) focuses on the role of art in Yosemite's preservation.

James paints en plein air and later orchestrates his field studies with photography and strong visual memory to create his refined studio paintings. Such works often tell stories or serve as complex metaphors.

Participants on his programs say his love and enthusiasm for Yosemite is contagious. His inspirational teaching styles reach a broad audience as he interweaves art and science in an entertaining manner that people easily understand.

In all his artwork, James uses ONLY the highest quality materials and time tested techniques coupled with cutting edge technology for true museum quality.

Photo Gallery of
James McGrew

James currently resides in Lake Oswego, Oregon with his family. He owns and operates a Fine Art web site featuring a collection of his prints and paintings.

www.jamesmcgrewimaging.com

www.jamesmcgrewimaging.com/yosemite(Yosemite specific galleries).

jamesmcgrewfineart.com

 

YOSEMITE WORKSHOPS

YOSEMITE INSPIRATION POINT NATURALIST HIKING TOURS
with James McGrew

Date Available- May 15, 2009 (9am)

Price- $50 per hike ( included in price of 2-day plein air sessions)

This 6 hour introductory tour will be our first event and will be led by James McGrew who will expertly guide you on this historic path to Inspiration Point. Participants will have ample opportunities to absorb the area's budding spring wildflowers while uncovering the incredible vistas that have inspired visitors since 1851. The hike will ascend the trail to gain views of the Ahwahnee and its iconic peaks. Discuss the natural history of the land while you appreciate the beauty of two of Yosemite's most elegant landmarks, Bridalveil and Ribbon Falls.

YOSEMITE TWIN VALLEYS PAINTING
WORKSHOP "EN PLEIN AIR"
with James McGrew

Dates Available- May 16-17, 2009

Price- $300 for 2-day session

Compare and contrast these sister valleys' majestic views, thundering waterfalls, granitic features, and fields of wildflowers in this unique plein air painting workshop by an accomplished artist and expert naturalist. Working on location, you'll discover relationships of plein air techniques/materials, composition, color, value, brushwork, aesthetics, and reference photography with implications for studio work. From beginner to professional, you'll view these famous painting subjects with a fresh perspective and deeper understanding as you learn about geology, flora, fauna, atmosphere and light relating to painting. Translate these elements through your brush and create more life-like and interpretive works of art. This 16 hour workshop led by James McGrew will be offered as a 2-day session that will range from 9am-5pm on May 16 and 9am-5pm on May 17. Includes demonstrations in oils, instruction and critique. James will accommodate other painting mediums.  Includes evening programs/meeting, full day nature walk to Inspiration Point, and two full days of painting workshop in the field. 

You'll need your own materials including: Pochade/easel or sketch box, paints, medium, brushes, paper towels, camera etc. Detailed materials list and info provided to registrants.

 

 

 

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