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YOSEMITE TWIN VALLEYS WATERFALL WORKSHOPS
(May15-18, 2009)
Join us for the unique opportunity to explore, compare, and contrast the magnificence of two Yosemite Valleys including Hetch Hetchy, the hidden treasure of Yosemite National Park. Over time, the Yosemite Valley has developed into a Mecca for painters and landscape photographers worldwide. However, it is the lesser known and least visited Hetch Hetchy Valley, dammed in 1923, that also awards its visitors with fresh artistic opportunities. Roaring waterfalls, granite cliffs, lupine, wildlife and beautiful California Black Oaks are all present above the waterline, and along the valley’s still unspoiled edges, and provide ample opportunities for interpretive expression.
The week's events will commence with an introductory hike in Yosemite Valley led by two renowned naturalists, David Lukas and the group's leader, James McGrew. A week of discovery will follow with instructional photography tours guided by acclaimed photographers Walter Flint, Phil Schermeister, Christine White Loberg, Robb Hirsch, and Joshua Cripps. James will be leading a 2 Day Plein Air Painting workshop, and David will guide naturalist excursions including birding tours that transect both regions. Joining us this year with new programs are Marcy Wheeler, Steven Thaw, and Mike Warner. Complimentary evening slide show programs will be available throughout the week at the Yosemite View Lodge.
Proceeds from these workshops will benefit The Mariposa County and Central Sierra Arts Councils.
NATURALIST HIKES
DATES AND PRICES
Naturalist Led Hikes in Yosemite Valley and Hetch Hetchy
Discover scenic beauty while receiving a natural history education from expert guides with a wealth of knowledge of Yosemite National Park. James McGrew and David Lukas will each lead groups on tours that reveal the Natural History of Yosemite including its geology, flora, fauna, and the original inhabitants of the park. Specialty Birding Tours led by David Lukas will also highlight the week's events. Steven Thaw and Mike Warner will introduce a new series of naturalist hikes titled Yosemite Spirits at Play.
YOSEMITE VALLEY NATURALIST HIKES
with James McGrew and David Lukas
Date Available- May 15, 2009 (9am; 9:30am)
Price- $40 per hike ( included in price of 2-day plein air sessions)
This 5 hour introductory walk through Yosemite Valley will be our first event and will be led by both James McGrew and David Lukas. Each will expertly guide you through the valley to discover its vast beauty while discussing the natural history of this remarkable place. Participants will have ample opportunities to absorb the area's budding spring wildflowers while uncovering the incredible vistas that have inspired visitors since 1855. We will stroll along trails that will explore the booming waterfalls and iconic peaks of the Valley of Ahwahnee. Tour will last five hours.
YOSEMITE INSPIRATION POINT
NATURALIST WALK
"Your Spirit Meets Yosemite"
with Steve Thaw and Mike Warner
Date- May 15, 2009 (10:30am)
Price- $40
Enjoy a lively walk and discussion about our relationships with Yosemite. We will use a Yosemite themed anthology to read short passages to inspire our thoughts. The walk follows a route to premier vistas of Yosemite Valley. On the return, we continue conferring what colors our inner canvas and how deep self-discovery takes place during the special time we create art. At our destination, or when the spirit moves us, we will open up our backpack of art materials. We pause with the view and give expressions via photography, sketches, art, poetry, and journaling. Express your deep spiritual connection with nature in a joyful place you will always remember. Tour will last six hours.
Art Kits are suggested for this tour and will be available for sale by Mike and Steve. Detailed materials list and info provided to registrants.
YOSEMITE VALLEY
SPECIALTY BIRDING TOUR
with David Lukas
Date: May 16, 2009
Price- $75 per person
Find some of Yosemite 's many birds with a naturalist on this tour throughout the productive areas surrounding Yosemite Valley. We will travel in our own cars and make stops that focus on target birds or habitats with long stops at each site. (Note: This tour may be modified to search for certain target species or to take advantage of shifting bird populations.) Tours will last approximately five hours.
YOSEMITE SIERRA POINT
NATURALIST WALK
"Spiritual Search: Treasures of
the Five Fountains"
with Steve Thaw and Mike Warner
Date: May 16, 2009 (9am)
Price- $50 per person
We will scramble 900 feet up a use trail to discover a "secret point" to behold a panorama of the magnificent Five Fountains. Attain the summit of your awareness and vision in this perfect spot for a nurturing experience. Chalk pastels and conte crayon techniques will be demonstrated to create lovely bright images that take just minutes. Splash those bright colors to record the five waterfalls. You will also learn how to assemble a small and lightweight art kit and prepare art boards to take on walks. Tour will last approximately 5 hours.
Art Kits are suggested for this tour and will be available for sale by Mike and Steve. Detailed materials list and info provided to registrants.
HETCH HETCHY VALLEY NATURAL HISTORY and BIRDING TOUR
with David Lukas
Date: May 17, 2009
Price- $75 per person
Explore the natural features of Yosemite's twin Valley where you will discover many species of plants, wildflowers, birds, and other living creatures with a naturalist on this tour through the Hetch Hetchy Valley. We will travel on foot in search of target birds and habitats while learning the natural history of the "Tuolumne Yosemite". Tours will last approximately six hours.
YOSEMITE MIRROR LAKE
NATURALIST WALK
"Their Spirits Remain. Will Yours?"
with Steve Thaw and Mike Warner
Date: May 17, 2009 (9am)
Price- $50 per person
Tap into your imagination and playfulness while having fun with your camera and art supplies. Capture the moods and unique atmospherics in the lights and shadows of Tenaya Canyon and Tissiack where you can listen to the legends of the Ahwahneechee. We will seek tree-top views of Yosemite Valley to further excite your senses. Witness as John Muir did, while we walk, sketch, and photograph with extraordinary vantage points of the face of Tissiack. Tour will last 6 hours.
Art Kits are suggested for this tour and will be available for sale by Mike and Steve. Detailed materials list and info provided to registrants.
YOSEMITE MERCED RIVER
NATURALIST WALK
"Interaction of Our Spirits"
with Steve Thaw and Mike Warner
Date: May 18, 2009 (9am)
Price- $50 per person
Following the singing Merced, the myriad of Yosemite Spirits will introduce themselves, and help us recognize our emotional connection with wildness through our cameras and sketchbooks. During this gentle saunter, we plan to study the Yosemite environs through art making exercises and group sharing. With easy to use tools, we will look for ways to enable ourselves to connect with the spirit of Yosemite. This art walk is focused on subjective responses, encouraging your spirit to speak.
Art Kits are suggested for this tour and will be available for sale by Mike and Steve. Detailed materials list and info provided to registrants.
A portion of the proceeds from these scheduled events will benefit:
The Central Sierra Arts Council.
Area Lodging for Event Participants
Accommodations can be found inside and outside of the park throughout the 140 & 120 Corridors to the Yosemite Valley & Hetch Hetchy Park Entrances.
HWY 140
Yosemite View Lodge is located closest in proximity to Yosemite Valley, provides ideal accommodations, and will be the center of our event hosting evening programs for the week. Dining and other amenities are also offered. Rooms will be held at a discount for our events' participants. The room rate will be $132 for a traditional room with 2 queen beds, a kitchenette, and a private balcony. To make a reservation, call (800) 321-5261 or (209) 379-2681 and mention "Y explore Yosemite Adventures".
Yosemite Resorts- Operates the Yosemite View Lodge and also has other choices for lodging very close to Yosemite on HWY 140.
INSIDE YOSEMITE
Yosemite Vacation Homes- Private homes only 7 miles away from Yosemite Valley, and located INSIDE of Yosemite. Breathtaking views of Half Dome and El Capitan from the homes.
HWY 120
Sunset Inn Yosemite Cabins- are located 2 miles from the Hwy 120 Yosemite Entrance
Lillaskog is located 10 miles from the entrance of Yosemite on Hwy 120. They are offering a 10% discount to all event participants and boast a view of the Hetch Hetchy Dome from their cabin.
Blackberry Inn Bed and Breakfast Conveniently located on Highway 120 just 12 miles west of Yosemite's Big Oak Flat Entrance.
Hotel Charlotte- located in nearby Groveland and are offering a discount to our participants
The Groveland Hotel- located in Groveland
Big Creek Meadow Ranch 240 acre Working Guest Ranch at Smith Station in Groveland, CA.
All Seasons Groveland Inn located in Groveland
Camping Reservation Links:
Yosemite Campgrounds- Campgrounds within Yosemite National Park
Stanislaus National Forest; Groveland, US Forest Service -A list of campgrounds in the area outside of Yosemite
Dimond O Campground- Nearby Campground to Hetch Hetchy Gate
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PAINTING & PHOTO WORKSHOP
DATES AND PRICES
Paint Yosemite Valley and
Hetch Hetchy en Plein Air
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.
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.
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 on May 15, and two full days of painting workshop in the field.
You will 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.
IMPRESSIVE AND EXPRESSIVE
SISTER VALLEYS ACRYLIC
PAINTING WORKSHOP
with Marcy Wheeler
Dates Available- May 16-17, 2009
Price- $250 for 2-day session; $125 for 1-day
The twin valleys of Yosemite and Hetch Hetchy are always alluring, but in May the waterfalls dance and sway as in an ancient vernal ritual. Using acrylic paints, we will quickly interpret our “impressions” of this unique natural environment, “expressing” the power and ephemeral essence of these two beautiful valleys. Marcy Wheeler will also demonstrate the new Golden OPEN acrylic paints, which answer many of the difficulties of painting “plein air” in acrylic. 2-day session includes full day nature walk to Inspiration Point on May 15.
Registrants will receive a suggested materials list.
Photography in Yosemite Valley and Hetch Hetchy
Spectacular views unfold as we walk through wildflowers to dramatic waterfalls while exploring aspects of composition, perspective, depth of field, motion, color, lighting, and natural history of your subject. We will discuss the techniques of wide angle photography, macro, and telephoto to isolate and simplify a subject. All the best landscape and nature photographers produce consistently great images because they not only know the technical and aesthetic aspects of their medium, but they also know their subject. Likewise, participants will discover the elements of both Hetch Hetchy and Yosemite Valleys that make them special from their geology, to the flora and fauna, and history. You'll apply your newfound technical knowledge coupled with your personal emotion/vision to create meaningful interpretations of both valleys. Tours last approximately 4 hours and may require up to 5 miles easy walking.
Minimum Requirements: Any camera which offers manual control over the shutter speed and aperture. Digital cameras preferred because they offer instant feedback. An SLR with a pair of lenses (i.e. wide angle zoom and a long telephoto) would be ideal. We frequently encounter wildlife in these areas so a long lens is handy to have on hand. A tripod is strongly recommended. Bring lunch, water, sunscreen, rain gear, and sturdy walking shoes. Feel free to ask any questions about the content or requirements.
YOSEMITE WATER, FLOWERS, CLIFFS, and DOMES of HETCH HETCHY
MORNING LIGHT PHOTO WORKSHOPS
with Christine White Loberg
Dates: May 16, 17, 2009
Price: $175 per person
Join us for a one day photography field session that explores the diverse landscape of Hetch Hetchy Valley. Photograph Hetch Hetchy's waterfalls, wildflowers, cliffs, and domes with a naturalist whose passion is equaled by her artistic expression.
1. Learn how to photograph waterfalls
2. Learn basics of macro photography
3. Learn how to use back lights, side lights, direct lights, and indirect lights.
4. Have more fun.
RAINBOWS AND REFLECTIONS YOSEMITE VALLEY WATERFALLS PHOTOGRAHY SESSION
with Walter Flint
Dates: May , 15, 16, 17, 18, 2009
Time: 3pm
Price: $175 per person
May is the perfect month to explore the waterfalls of Yosemite Valley. Copious amount of water, combined with the usually fantastic weather, create a stunning visual palette to photograph upon. We will concentrate of creating beautiful and lasting images of The Valleys iconic waterfalls, including Yosemite Falls, Ribbon Fall and Bridalveil Fall. You will be taken to prime and unusual locations to photograph these subjects. We will look to photograph our subjects as stand alone entities and also endeavor to combine other interesting visual elements in the scene to create photographs that are both interesting and artistic. Learn about what combinations of shutter speed and aperture work best for the subject at any given time. Also learn about filtration and other unusual creative decisions that you can make to help make your images be more unique and creative.
THE ART OF DIGITAL NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY IN HETCH HETCHY
with Joshua Cripps
Dates: May 16, 18,2009; 2:30-7:00 pm
Price- $175 per person
This program will provide an introduction to the art of digital nature photography and will focus on the photographer's active role in the creation of beautiful nature images. It will emphasize taking the camera off of 'Auto' mode and using the more controllable manual modes. Topics covered will include aperture, shutter speed, ISO, exposure, white balance, composition, and the artist's role in photography.
HETCH HETCHY FALLS AND FLOWERS
with Robb Hirsch
Dates: May 18,2009; 7:25 am - 12:25 pm
Price- $175 per person
With several striking waterfalls and colorful wildflower displays, Hetch Hetchy offers a multitude of potential subjects to photograph in a far less crowded setting than Yosemite Valley. Emphasis for this workshop will be placed on creating strong compositions, teaching techniques for shooting waterfalls and wildflowers, the art of pre-visualizing images to be more productive, and reading light to best utilize the current conditions. Learn how to become more creative with photography by manually choosing apertures and shutter speeds and shooting a scene in a variety of ways to isolate the subject or put it in the context of the surrounding environment. Come away with fine images of this intriguing landscape and more importantly the knowledge to better capture quality images of the natural world wherever you may be.
YOSEMITE VALLEY INTRODUCTORY PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
with Evan Russel
Date: May 18, 2009
Price- $175 per person
The Yosemite Valley beginning photography workshop with Evan Russel will focus on basic composition and will stress the importance of taking our cameras off of automatic to get the most out of our photographs. Photographic techniques such as shutter speed, aperture, metering and depth of field will also be discussed. The focus of this session will be on the booming waterfalls of Yosemite Valley. While this workshop is designed for those looking to outwit their camera, and take the first step towards making refined photographs, it is also intended to encourage the simple thrill of artistic interpretation of the world around us.
YOSEMITE VALLEY WATERFALLS MASTERS PHOTO WORKSHOP
with Phil Schermeister
Date: May 15, 2009
Price- $250 per person
Explore and discover the many diverse waterfalls of Yosemite Valley. Learn basic and advanced techniques of shooting waterfalls in this most spectacular setting during peak waterfall season. We will photograph the thundering falls that make Yosemite famous this time of year. Yosemite Falls at 2425' is the Valley's most recognizable. We will also visit others such as Bridalveil, Cascade, and other waterfalls that make Yosemite Valley unique.
*Classes are subject to a 2 person minimum.
YOSEMITE EXPLORER MASTERS
ABSTRACTS & COLOR IN NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
with Phil Schermeister
Date: May 18, 2009
Price- $250 per person
Working with Yosemite's spectacular geography and distinctive setting, we will explore a variety of photographic techniques as we work with light, color, form, and motion to create our own works of photographic art. National Geographic photographer Phil Schermeister will help you create visually unique images of many of Yosemite's outstanding features and teach you how to work with water, wildflowers, and other natural features of the park. Artificial light sources will also be discussed and utilized. Seminars will take place in Yosemite Valley and other areas of the park. Participants should bring basic camera equipment, a photographic flash, tripod, and your imagination.
*Classes are subject to a 2 person minimum.
All Workshops for this event require a certain amount of hiking to be determined by the artists.
The Hetch Hetchy Valley
by John Muir
(Sierra Club Bulletin, Vol. VI, No. 4, January, 1908)
"After my first visit, in the autumn of 1871, I have always called it the Tuolumne Yosemite, for it is a wonderfully exact counterpart of the great Yosemite, not only in its crystal river and sublime rocks and waterfalls, but in the gardens, groves, and meadows of its flower park-like floor. The floor of Yosemite is about 4,000 feet above the sea, the Hetch -Hetchy floor about 3,700; the walls of both are of gray granite, rise abruptly out of the flowery grass and groves are sculptured in the same style, and in both every rock is a glacial monument. Standing boldly out from the south wall is a strikingly picturesque rock called "Kolana" by the Indians, the outermost of a group 2300 feet high, corresponding with the Cathedral Rocks of Yosemite both in relative position and form. On the opposite side of the Valley, facing Kolana, there is a counterpart of the El Capitan of Yosemite rising sheer and plain to a height of 1800 feet, and over its massive brow flows a stream which makes the most graceful fall I have ever seen."
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