Join Jenny Neal of Upstate Dispatch for guided painting classes for beginners in the Catskills. These classes are a combination of three aspects: wild wandering, plant identification, and an art class. We will wander in the wild and paint what we see.
The intention is to provide a meditative experience, surrounded by nature, birdsong and rushing water. It’s a chance to pay attention to something completely different, that provides a distraction from daily life, allowing participants to fully focus on something we’re not accustomed to doing.
The first 2026 classes start in May at the East Branch Nature Preserve, and at Lazy Crazy Acres Farm in the Dry Brook Valley.
Students will learn perspective, vanishing points, paint mixing, watercolor, pencil sketching and color theory. We will paint leaves, flowers, bark, trees, outbuildings or other monuments. Along the way, we will identify flora and fungi.
I find that it’s in the focusing, the meditative act of concentrating on something completely different, that helps people relax.
Wild Walk & Watercolor at Lazy Crazy Acres Farm
Lazy Crazy Acres Farm is a 100-year-old family farm owned by the Fairbairn Family in the Dry Brook Valley of the Catskill Mountains, with a working farm nestled in the valley, and rolling hills above that afford panoramic views of the Catskill Mountains. This farm is also home to Tree Juice Maple Syrup. There is much to see here and class is a day-long class. Bring a bag lunch. Relax by the fire at the end of the day to discuss the day’s work. All materials included. Participants must be fit enough to hike steep hills for certain class dates. Other classes are available for the flat land of the valley.
Date: May 30th, 2026
Time: 9am – 4pm
Address: Tree Juice Maple Syrup HQ, 59 Rider Hollow Road, Arkville, NY 12406.
Cost: $250 per person.
Click HERE to pay and reserve your spot. Please add your contact details when checking out so you can be contacted for further details. All materials are included. Students will take their paintings home only. Bring a bag lunch.
Wild Walk & Watercolor at the East Branch Nature Preserve
Outdoor guided painting classes in the Catskills for beginners. Wander, observe and paint in the natural world at The East Branch Nature Preserve. This is a half-day of gentle hiking and painting on an accessible trail to the sound of the East Branch of the Delaware River running alongside. Students will see beavers, bunnies, art installations, mountains, railroad tracks and the rushing river. All proceeds for this class will be donated to the Catskills Water Discovery Center.
Date: May 22nd, 2026
Time: 9am-1pm Materials Included.
Address: 669 County Highway 38, Arkville, NY.
Price: Minimum donation is $50.
The group will meet at 8.45am outside the Catskill Water Discovery Center in Arkville, NY. Find the exact address, image, and map of this location HERE.
Click HERE to pay and reserve your spot. Please add your contact details when checking out so you can be contacted for further details. All materials are included. Bring a bag lunch.
