Painting in Arches National Park

As we drove from Capitol Reef to Moab, the temperature continued to rise and the land became drier and more desolate.  We were really headed into a desert land.  Quite a change from the biodiversity and cooler climates of Zion and Bryce Canyon.  












We arrived in Moab in the late afternoon, just in time to grab a quick bite to eat and head into Arches National Park for the sunset light.  I was not at all prepared for the beauty that awaited me and I immediately knew that I didn't have enough canvas or time.   We spent the afternoon exploring and scoping out painting places for the next morning.

The next day we left for the park early so we could catch the light and cooler temperatures of the morning.  I decided to set up at Park Ave, where the Three Gossips, the Courthouse Towers, Queen Nefertiti and Queen Victoria Rock, the Organ and the Tower of Babel are all visible.  My palette changed from the ocre and sienna colors of Capitol Reef to the orange, red and white colors of Arches.

"Redrock Sunrise in Arches" - oil on linen - 8" x 10"

In the middle of the day when the sun had risen to its height, we explored the park while we waited for the shadows to return and the temperatures to lower.  

For my evening painting I decided I wanted to capture Delicate Arch at sunset.  Delicate Arch is one of the most recognizable free-standing features in Arches National Park and its image can be found on a variety of memorabilia.  It is truly magnificent and can only be accessed by hiking along a steep, rugged, 3 mile roundtrip trail that rises 480 feet above the start of the trailhead.  The trail becomes especially steep near the end as it climbs along sloped sandstone slickrock famous in this part of the country.  I definitely had my work cut out for me as I climbed this trail with my 25lb equipment pack.  The view was totally worth the effort in the end though.  

"Sunset at Delicate Arch" - oil on linen - 8" x 10"

The sunset was really phenomenal.  I finished the day completely satisfied. 

Painting in Capitol Reef

On our way through Escalante towards Capitol Reef we decided to make a stop at Devil's Garden, a desert outcropping of eroded, mushroom-shaped, sandstone hoodoos, located not quite 13 miles down Hole-in-the-Rock road.  Here you will find small arches, bridges, windows, columns and other strangely shaped formations.  It is a fun place to explore but be sure to bring a lot of water, as it is a sweltering desert landscape. 

After our stop at Devil's Garden we continued on our drive up scenic highway 12.  If you have never been on this drive, I highly recommend it.  The highway winds through the colorful desert sandstone cliffs below and up over the snow capped mountains above.  

We finally arrived at our campground in Torrey, Utah and were pleasantly surprised with a lovely view of dramatic blood-red desert cliffs .  I was instantly inspired to paint.  For this location, my palette required a lot of ocre & sienna.

"Red Cliff Sunset" - oil on linen - 8" x 10"

The next morning before heading to our next destination, we stopped at the Hickman Natural Bridge trail in Capitol Reef National Monument.  I set up my easel on the riverbank, where I battled mosquitos for the view.  I love painting next to rivers; the sound of the flowing water relaxes me and I am able to connect with the landscape through all of my senses.  

"Riverside Sunrise in Capitol Reef" - oil on linen - 8" x 10"

Here is the natural bridge the trail leads you to.  Sitting in the shade behind the arch is a nice reward after a hot hike in.  

Our time in Capitol Reef was too short - only meant to be a resting stop on our drive from Bryce Canyon to Moab.  However, I found myself really impressed by the beauty and geological history of this area.  I definitely plan to return very soon to continue my exploration of this fascinating area.

Painting in Bryce Canyon National Park

After Zion we went to Bryce Canyon National Park, where I was amazed by the diversity and colors of the landscapes.  My first adventure in the park was down the Sunset Point trail and through Wall Street.  That is one of the coolest trails I've ever been on.  

I set up my easel just outside of Wall Street and prepared my palette with azo yellow deep, sienna with yellow ocre,  and alizarin crimson, so I could properly catch the red aura in the landscape.

Oil on linen, 10" x 8"

We next decided to head up to the higher elevations in the park to see the view from above.  

It was really windy and cold and the the sun kept hiding behind the clouds.

I eventually settled on a point a little farther down the mountain at Aqua Canyon.  It had a nice view of red cliffs speckled in snow.  This spot was difficult with the cold wind whipping past me down the canyon.

To wrap up the day I decided to go on an afternoon hike with my wife.  We took the Sunrise Point trail through Queen's Garden.  It was a strenuous trail and a storm kept threatening, but the views were unbelievable.  It was a great trail to end the day with.





Our day was complete with the sunset at our campground, which was located in Cannonville,  sandwiched between Bryce Canyon and Escalante Grand Staircase.  This is the view facing Northeast towards Escalante.

Painting in Zion National Park

I recently returned from an amazing trip through Southern Utah where I visited Zion, Bryce Canyon, Escalante, Capitol Reef, and Arches.  These places have a certain magic about them like I've never seen before, each affording their own breathtaking views.  I was reminded yet again of how beautiful the United States is.

First stop on the trip was Zion National Park.  Because there were so many beautiful spots to choose from, I had a hard time deciding.  I eventually settled on a riverside spot near the Court of Patriarchs for my morning painting.

I had a visitor join me...curious to know how the painting turned out.

First painting of the day complete.

Next stop in Zion was the Temple of Sinawava.  Once again I couldn't quickly decide where to stop with so much inspiration in all directions.

I decided on a canyon view at the entrance of Riverside Trail.  I loved this spot.  There was the soothing sound of the river nearby and an abundance of birds chirping and singing.  The plants also seemed to sing their own song of beauty.    What a privilege to see nature in top form.

Afternoon painting complete.