Micro Cathedral: Gardens, Gazebos, & Intimate Landscapes

Micro Cathedral: Gardens, Gazebos, & Intimate Landscapes

Short Class | Available

Intermediate
6/21/2026-7/12/2026
9:30 AM-12:30 PM EDT on Sun
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$195.00

Micro Cathedral: Gardens, Gazebos, & Intimate Landscapes

Short Class | Available

Step into the quieter world of the National Cathedral grounds in Micro Cathedral, a four-week painting course devoted to the intimate beauty of the Bishop’s Garden.

Meeting at 9:30 a.m. to capture the clarity of early light, this class explores the gazebos, reflecting pools, pathways, and cultivated greens that create one of Washington’s most enchanting hidden environments.

Through weekly demonstrations, students will learn to mix natural greens and nuanced earth tones, while understanding how shifting morning light transforms color and atmosphere. Emphasis will be placed on observation, color relationships in nature, and translating subtle beauty into paint.

Designed for painters seeking to deepen observation and color sensitivity, Micro Cathedral stands alone beautifully—or serves as the perfect companion to Macro Cathedral.




  • This 4-week class will take place in the Bishop’s Garden at the Washington National Cathedral. Please dress accordingly and prepare for all weather, including rainy or cloudy periods.
  • Your instructor has provided a list of materials required to participate fully in this class.
    If you have any questions about specifics or what is needed week-to-week, please reach out to your instructor via the email in your confirmation letter.

    • Specific brushes needed: An assortment of brushes in various sizes and shapes—these should be soft brushes that are ready for use. Please do not use hard bristle brushes.
    • A small assortment of palette knives (at least 2)
    • Multiple surfaces in various sizes. Minimum size is 8” x 10”. For the larger sizes, Trevor recommends 18” x 24” or slightly larger. This will be expanded on in class. All canvases must be toned prior to class. It is best to tone with acrylic paint. Tone in Yellow Ochre.
    • Portable easel for outdoor painting
    • Disposable Paper Palette, no smaller than 12” x 16” (the larger the better, please no small palettes)
    • Paper towels or rags and trash bag
    • Must have a drop cloth to paint
    • Container for oil or acrylic mediums or solvents to take home

    Colors for Palette (you may paint with Oil or Acrylic, but Oil is recommended; Gamblin 1980 is an affordable choice):
    • Cadmium red medium
    • Cadmium red light
    • Alizarin Crimson or Quinacridone Magenta
    • Cadmium yellow or Cadmium yellow light
    • Cadmium orange (optional)
    • Yellow ochre
    • Raw umber
    • Raw Sienna
    • Ivory black
    • Titanium white
    • Cerulean blue, Manganese blue hue, or Pthalo Turquoise (choose one)
    • Cobalt blue
    • Ultramarine blue

    If using oil paint:
    • Small jars with lids (minimum 2 for solvents and mediums)
    • Odorless thinner such as Gamsol, a small jar
    • A small bottle of Gamblin’s Galkyd (4.2 or 8.5 oz.)

    If using acrylic paint:
    • Water cup
    Small spray bottle
    • A small bottle of acrylic medium (2 or 4 oz.), gloss finish (Golden recommended)
    • Golden Acrylic Retarder is also a good medium

    Optional Supplies:
    • Straight edge
    • Viewfinder (for example: https://www.dickblick.com/products/viewcatcher/)

Trevor Young

Learn about your instructor & more on our faculty page!