How to Make and Use Charcoal to Draw Point Reyes Trees

How to Make and Use Charcoal to Draw Point Reyes Trees

November 5, 2022
Experience the ancient medium of charcoal to capture the essence of trees in your sketches and explore new directions in your art endeavors.

In these times of fire landscapes and burned forests, we forget that charcoal is the oldest recorded art material. Slowly burned wood is an amazing and expressive medium. It captures the beauty and gestalt of the very same trees from which it was made.

Ane Carla makes her charcoal from a variety of California native plants. Each stick has a unique signature, and becomes a profound way to record the variety and delight of the trees of Point Reyes.

In this class, we will play with handmade charcoals by placing our strokes onto a variety of surfaces. Participants will learn how to make their own charcoal baker and sketch conifers and broadleaved trees by using three different charcoal techniques. Ane Carla’s goal is to embrace the wonder of the forest while exploring new directions for your art endeavors.

Participants can take home all of the supplies provided to continue their art explorations. A materials fee is included with your registration. No additional payment is required.

Ane Carla Rovetta is a multi-talented presenter. She holds the Renaissance belief that art and science are kindred disciplines, each supporting and enhancing the other. She has illustrated seven books, and illustrates natural history stories in front of live audiences throughout the West. She also creates her own art supplies using local soils, stones, seeds, and roots. Ane Carla was named Environmental Educator of the Year in 2015 by the Terwilliger Foundation and has received numerous grants to make non-toxic art installations with children. She lives in Sonoma County where her pastel chalks are rolled in a “funky little outbuilding that used to be a chicken coop.” Ane Carla’s playful spirit makes each of her gatherings a joyful learning adventure.

Details:

-We will be meeting at the Red Barn Classroom in the Bear Valley area of Point Reyes

– Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to check in

– Refunds available for all classes 7 days in advance of the start date, after 7 days and before 2 days, participants can credit their class for a future date. All requests before 48 hours in advance will be declined. For COVID cancellation policy, see below.

– Please follow the parking instructions for the facility used that day

– Please provide an email you check regularly for updates and reminders about your class

– Registration is required online prior to the event in order to maintain class sizes

– Sales end 48 hours before the start date.

– Waitlists are available when the class sells out

What to Bring:

All necessary art materials are provided and included in the cost of registration

Day Pack

Lunch Bag

Warm Variable Weather Clothing

Hiking Shoes

Water Bottle

Notebook and Pen/Field Journal

Eventbrite Confirmation Email

Binoculars (Optional)

Camera (Optional)

About the PRNSA Field Institute:

The PRNSA Field Institute offers hands-on environmental education classes throughout the year that foster enjoyment of Point Reyes National Seashore. Our classes are led by expert instructors, who take you out of your everyday life and into the natural world. We host a variety of classes about the arts and sciences and have something for everyone. You can reach the Field Institute at (415) 663-1200 x304 or by email at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.

Interested in becoming a member of PRNSA? Click Here!

Interested in becoming a PRNSA Field Institute facilitator? Want to take classes for FREE while helping out a great cause? Give us a call!

Are you an outdoor educator or artist who would like to teach a PRNSA Field Institute class? Shoot us an Email!

For any questions, please email us at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.

COVID-19 Field Institute Guidelines

In accordance with Marin County and CDC guidelines for public health, we will require all participants to respect the following COVID-19 procedures:

• Perform a health self-check before coming to class using the CDC Symptoms of Coronavirus as a guide

• Do not attend class if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, suspect you have been exposed to the virus, or are suffering from any other flu-like or respiratory illness.

• Participants exhibiting signs of respiratory illness may be asked to leave class

During class all participants will be required to do the following

• Masks are optional outdoors for fully vaccinated individuals, but we recommend continuing to maintain a 4’-6’ distance from other participants or wearing a mask if gathered closely together

• Unvaccinated individuals are required to wear a face covering at all times

• Masks are optional indoors for vaccinated participants but strongly recommended

• Bring your own food and water

• We reserve the right to modify requirements as recommended by NPS regulations or local county health orders at the time of class

NOTE: Refund policy exceptions will be made for participants cancelling last minute due to COVID-19 infection or symptoms. Please contact us in this case.

Thank you for your continuing cooperation in following these guidelines to help keep everyone safe.