Virtual Hike Painting – Reference

Overview

Each month, we have a new location to paint or draw. I’ll post a link to the Google map for that location at the beginning of each month. Choose a Street View in that area to draw or paint.

Create up to 3 works of art* for each location. Email them to me and I’ll publish them on that month’s post. All skill levels are welcome! You can also do a previous month if you wish.

*Any medium is fine, except digitally-created or photographic works. Any style is fine – feel free to work abstractly, use collage, or add dinosaurs to the scene. 🦖

How do I use the map?

How do I get the Street View link?

Rules

How do I send you my artwork?

Are we allowed to paint these? 

Where do these locations come from?

How do I use the map?

Click on the location link provided each month on this blog. The map will show either the specific area to paint in, or there will be further instructions in that month’s post.

Find a scene through Google Street View as the reference for your artwork:

Click on the little pegman to see which streets are mapped. They will turn blue-green.

When you hover over a street, you'll see a thumbnail of that location. You can zoom in and out for more detail. You can then click into the street to get an on-the-ground view. 

How do I get the Street View link to my scene?

While your chosen Street View is on the screen, click the kebab menu, then select “Share or embed image.”

Click the “Copy Link” button to copy it to your clipboard. Save the link in Notepad or something so you can find it again. Paste the link into the email you send me with your painting.

Rules

Only use a Street View, not a user photo or photo from any other source. Indoor views are fine, as long as they are obtained through Street View.

✅ Allowable images have "Google Street View" in the location box.

✅  Older Street Views may look like this:

❌ Unallowable images have a photographer's or a business's name in the location box. We don't have permission to use those.

You can paint as large or as small a section of the view as you wish.

Tip: it’s easiest to take a screen capture for your reference, because you can’t download a Street View image.

How do I send my artwork?

1. Take a photo of your artwork (or scan it) and email a JPG or PNG to: marlavirtualhike@gmail.com
2. Please include your name* and the link to the Google street view. 
3. Put Virtual Hike in the subject line. 
4. Optional information: a link to your own blog or website; the title of the piece; its dimensions and medium.

*If you don't want to use your full or real name, just let me know what you want to be called for the post. 

Are we allowed to paint these?

Yes. Google encourages it. You can also sell them. Please enjoy this video of Bill Guffey discussing the Virtual Paintout.

You don’t have to reproduce any Google information such as logos or navigation icons.

Where do these locations come from?

I started doing Conqueror virtual hikes in 2020. They’re super fun and you get a really cool medal when you complete one. I did a LOT of them, and am still doing them. The painting locations are loosely based on the routes from the virtual hikes.

Shameless plug: if you’re interested in purchasing a hike, use this link and we each get a discount.