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.