Macro Cathedral: Architecture, Light, & Structure

Macro Cathedral: Architecture, Light, & Structure

Short Class | Available

Intermediate
7/26/2026-8/16/2026
9:30 AM-12:30 PM EDT on Sun
Download iCalendar
$195.00

Macro Cathedral: Architecture, Light, & Structure

Short Class | Available

Discover the grandeur of the National Cathedral through Macro Cathedral, a four-week course dedicated to painting its monumental architecture in the luminous morning hours.

Beginning at 9:30 a.m., students will work directly from observation to understand how sunlight moves across sandstone, revealing changing temperatures, color shifts, and dramatic architectural form.

Weekly demonstrations will focus on palette construction, paint application, and interpreting the geometry of architecture—from soaring verticals to rhythmic stone details. Students will gain tools for simplifying complexity, understanding proportion and structure, and translating one of Washington’s most exquisite buildings into compelling paintings.

Whether taken independently or following Micro Cathedral, this class offers a focused study in light, form, and architectural expression.


  • This 4-week class will take place 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 (Plaza brand: https://www.plazaart.com/plaza-artists-oil-37ml-phthalo-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!