‘Painting Bodie’: A Plein Air Workshop with Jess & Becky

Demo & Painting Workshop: Tuesday September 22nd 12pm-5pm

This workshop will share how Artists, Jessica de Jesus and Becky Alarcon, approach plein air painting – how small quick sketches can lead to a finished piece, either in the field or at home. Our goal is to help participants see the fun and build confidence in outdoor painting, despite the elements and distractions that come with painting in public.

This workshop is ideal for artists who are new to plein air painting, though artists of all levels are welcome. The workshop will include short demonstrations, individualized feedback, and opportunities to practice new skills in a supportive setting. 

During the workshop, Becky will demonstrate using water-based oils with palette knife techniques, while Jessica will demonstrate using gouache. Together they bring experience working in transparent watercolor, gouache, acrylic gouache, acrylics, and oils, and are happy to support artists working in a variety of mediums. All mediums are welcome.

Workshop Focus

-Plein air setup and practical tips/tricks

-Picking a location

-Quick notan and value studies to help with composition and design

-Observing how two artists approach the same scene differently

Becky & Jess give short demonstrations followed by painting time, allowing participants to immediately practice the concepts. Throughout the session, they will circulate to provide individual feedback and guidance.

Class Fee: $100 Demo & Workshop

Price also includes State Park entry fee and a Bodie Docent

The tentative plan is to meet at Mono Arts Council for check-in at 12pm, then caravan to location; Location subject to change pending weather conditions. MAC will update workshop attendees with any changes. 

What to Bring

-Sketchbook

-Sharpie and/or pencil

-Personal paint supplies and substrates, including paint water and a separate container for dirty water (if using a water-based medium); you can paint in the medium of your choice, no new supplies required; Workshop Artist Demos will be in gouache & oil

-Tarps if you plan to paint on boardwalks

-Substrate: Canvas and/or watercolor, pastel paper

-Preferred plein air setup (easel, pochade box, chair, trash bag etc.)

-Water, lunch and snacks

-Sunscreen and hat

-Layers for outdoor comfort as weather in Bodie changes quickly

‘Painting Bodie’ is made possible by the dedication & partnership between Bodie Foundation & Mono Arts Council to foster, protect & support our historic places and the arts. Please be aware of the cultural fragility of the landscape, the buildings &  artifacts. Leave No Trace.

About the Artists: 

Jessica de Jesus

Art has always been a big part of my life. Growing up, creativity was encouraged at every turn—I attended an arts high school and started at UCLA as a Fine Art major (though I eventually graduated with a BA in Art History… life happens). For years, painting and printmaking made the occasional appearance in my life, but never with much consistency. Then came 2020, and with it, a major shift. The pandemic disrupted everything, and I realized how much I needed art to be a regular part of my life.

I love exploring the loose, expressive qualities of water-based media like watercolor and gouache. My inspiration comes from nature—the way it can be both breathtakingly beautiful and terrifying at the same time. My art is often sparked by the places I escape to, the adventures I’ve had, and the ones I’m dreaming of someday.

In 2024, I took on some exciting new roles: I joined the board of the California Watercolor Association and became a member of the Benicia Plein Air Gallery in the historic, charming town of Benicia.

I’m based in Walnut Creek, CA, where I live with my family. We’re lucky to have the golden hills of Mt. Diablo in our backyard and the Sierra Nevada just a car ride away—perfect for fueling my love of the outdoors and feeding my creativity.

You can find my latest work (and a bit of my everyday inspiration) on Instagram @sfjess.adventure.art as well as at the Benicia Plein Air Gallery and at Epperson.

Rebecca Alarcon

My love of the mountains started at an early age, full of wonder standing as a teenager atop Mt. Langley or backpacking through John Muir Wilderness with my family, an annual tradition. Visiting these places always feels like returning home.  

My paintings are imbued with both appreciation and nostalgia for these beautiful, fleeting moments. The unrelenting passage of time, both in my own life and in the life of these rapidly changing places has compelled me to paint. These paintings, or love letters, are a way to express my gratitude and in some ways to say good-bye. In painting these places I stay connected and I hope you do as well. Find my work at alarcon.adventure.art on Instagram.