North Cascades Fall Getaway Workshop Announcement

Watercolor a single leaf or an entire hillside of autumn colors!

I am pleased to announce an art adventure opportunity for those who love the outdoors, the Pacific NW, and sketching and painting in watercolor. On Oct 7-9, I will lead a watercolor class on Fall Color, Trees & Mountain Atmosphere at the North Cascades Institute's Environmental Learning Center on Diablo Lake. It's 2 nights, three days of overnight "learning and lodging."

 We have an indoor classroom as well as the beautiful outdoor studio of the great North Cascades.

Institute naturalists will share the natural history of the many species of conifers in the North Cascades as you learn to record your impressions in watercolor and ink. Experiment with lush autumn colors and unconventional tools like twigs and corsage pins!
See more details here, listed in Learning Center Programs under Autumn Flora and Conifers.

No matter what the weather, the North Cascades provide inspiring views in any season. Here are a few of my quick sketches from a summer hike. Artwork by Michele Cooper

Celebrating 30 Years of Connecting People, Nature & Community!

Named a "Top Three Spots in the North Cascades" by The Seattle Times and "Top Ten Great Getaways" by ParentMap Magazine, the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center is a hub of discovery for all ages in one of the wildest, most biologically diverse landscapes in North America. Operated by North Cascades Institute in partnership with the National Park Service and the City of Seattle, this award-winning residential campus is nestled on the shores of Diablo Lake in North Cascades National Park Service Complex.

A clear view of the mountains

A few peaks viewed down the road from my PNW studio

It was a beautifully clear day with a view of the Cascade Mountain peaks near where I live. I sat in the car and sketched this today.
They don't call this the Evergreen State for nothing! What other temperate zone landscape has emerald foothills and green grass in the yard at the end of January?

Mountain Mist

"Mountain Mist" by Michele Cooper
4"x6" Original Watercolor

This "sketchy" style of painting can be a quick way of composing the colors, values and shapes for a larger painting. The small size allows for control of wet, or damp brushwork to create atmosphere, distance and form.