Drawing on the Edge with Alan Peterson
In such a dominating landscape, recording one’s impressions can be a pursuit that is both daunting and rewarding. With the right instruction, you'll find strategies to effectively render even the seemingly incomprehensible majesty of the canyon. We’ll cover techniques that will improve your ability to really see and understand what you’re looking at. This translates into one of the greatest benefits of drawing your surroundings – you get to know them in a much more intimate way than when you simply drive or even walk through them.
- Dates: August 2–5, 2025
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trip Length: 4 Days
- Cost: $800
- Group size: 10
Trip Highlights
- Expect to experience the canyon muse: sweeping views, ancient rocks, telltale fossils, curious critters, and diverse plants
- Combine practical skills of observation with a variety of imaginative drawing techniques
- Receive one-on-one instruction
- Visit Shoshone Point and marvel at its world-famous view
- Experience stunning sunsets and sunrises from the world-famous South Rim
- Attend a lecture detailing famous artists of the past such as Thomas Moran and William Henry Holmes
What's included
Price for the class includes:
Our expert instructor
Transportation to photo locations during class
Daily critique/review of your work
What's not included
You are responsible for:
All of your food, drawin equipment, and hiking gear (including camping equipment if you chose to camp)
Transportation to and from the canyon
Lodging in the park before, during, or after your trip - please check out lodging here or book at Mather Campground here
Gratuity for your instructor
Itinerary
Meet your Grand Canyon expert
Alan Petersen
MAAlan Petersen has been drawing and painting Grand Canyon since 1976. He worked on the Canyon’s South Rim for several years before moving to Flagstaff to study at Northern Arizona University in 1980. Alan’s connections to the Canyon run deep – literally; he worked as a river guide on the Colorado River in Grand Canyon for eight years. More recently, in his role as the Curator of Fine Arts at the Museum of Northern Arizona, Alan has curated exhibitions of work by such notable artists as Gunnar Widforss, Joella Jean Mahoney, Mary-Russell Ferrell Colton, Merrill Mahaffey, Bruce Aiken, and Ed Mell.
Currently, Alan is working on a book on Gunnar Widforss’ life and art, and a catalogue raisonné of Widforss’ paintings. He is also working on a comprehensive monograph on painter Merrill Mahaffey. In addition, Alan teaches art history, painting, and courses pertaining to the Colorado Plateau region at Coconino Community College in Flagstaff. His own paintings have their source in the light, space and landforms of the Colorado Plateau, and explore the formal relationships between color and pictorial space.
Equipment
- Comfortable clothes, temperatures may vary from the 60’s to the 80’s. Large shade hat, or warm hat, depending on conditions. Light jacket.
- Daypack or tote bag, to carry drawing supplies, food, water, and extra clothes.
- Water, at least 2 quarts
- Food
- Sun block and chapstick.
- Lightweight portable camp chair, or pad, for comfort at drawing locations
Drawing Supplies
- Sketchbook or pad with white drawing paper - 11" x 14", minimum, to 18" x 24"
Drawing board in a suitable size to support your paper - Large spring clips to keep your paper from blowing, at least 2
- 2b, 4b, and 6b, graphite drawing pencils, two of each
- Small box or bag for supplies, primarily to protect your pencils
- Pencil sharpener – ones that catch the shavings in a little container are nice
- Sandpaper pad
- Small X-acto knife or pen knife with a sharp blade
Cancellation Policy
Please notify our office as soon as possible should you need to cancel your registration. If you cancel or leave a trip early for any reason:
- 60+ Days prior to trip start date: full refund minus a 10% administrative fee.
- 59-45 Days prior to the trip start date: 50% refund will be issued.
- Less than 45 days prior to trip start date: no refund.
Reserved spots are transferable to different trips, if there is availability. This transfer can occur up to 45 days prior to the trip's start date.
Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute reserves the right to cancel all or a portion of a trip due the following circumstances; failure to meet the participant minimum and loss of scheduled staff due to injury or illness. In this event, participants will receive a full refund. In addition, Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute may cancel a trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather events, natural disasters, park closures, and health emergencies, and there is no alternative trip is available to you. If GCCFI cancels the trip due to unforeseen circumstances 15 days or more prior to departure, the customer will receive a full refund. If the trip is a multiday program and GCCFI cancels 14 days or less the customer will receive trip credit.
Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute is not responsible for: flight tickets, visa fees if applicable, gear, medical expenses, clothing, and any expenses occurred while preparing for this trip.
We highly recommend the purchase of trip insurance to help offset any cost incurred if cancellation occurs.
Payment Policy
To secure your booking, a 10% deposit of the total tour cost is required at the time of booking. This deposit confirms your reservation and guarantees your spot on the tour. An additional 50% payment of the balance is due 90 days before departure.
The remaining 40% of the balance is due 45 days before departure. Please ensure the final payment is made by this deadline to avoid any delays or complications with your tour.
If you have any questions or need assistance regarding the payment process, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Timely payments ensure we can provide the best possible experience, and we look forward to welcoming you on your tour.
Testimonials
The Zelkovic Family
“Our day with the Field Institute exceeded all our expectations and we came away with a great respect for the canyon and for the work of the Conservancy. It was such a wonderful experience from beginning to end and hope we can return in the not so distant future to participate in one of your multi-day programs.”
The Jankowskis
“Our family’s experience was nothing short of amazing! Slim (our guide) provided a perspective we would have never been able to get on our own and we learned so much. Her passion for the canyon and what she does came through too, which made our time something we’ll never forget!”
Amy Waits
“The guides were awesome – so educational and patient!!! Encouraging & helpful in every way. Such an amazing first visit to the canyon – Life changing to have experienced the GC up close & personal… Thank you so much!”
Joe Sweeney
“I've brought many school groups to the Field Institute and the quality of instruction provides them with an understanding of Indigenous cultures, diverse ecology, and geologic history. Students leave with a stronger sense of self-confidence, an intimate connection to nature, and memories that will last a lifetime.”
Andy M.
“Top to bottom, the Field Institute exceeded all of my expectations .... they ensured we packed wisely for our trip and saved me from lugging around 5 lbs. of junk I didn't need. Overall, it's packed with value that I don't think commercial outfitters would provide and delivered a deeply rich experience.”