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.