Unexpected Joys on the Trail

Fluorescent Color at Guardsman Pass, original watercolor, 10 x 14. --SOLD.

This year the fall was short, but spectacular! I know I've already mentioned what a mindful and blissful experience plein air painting is, immersing yourself in nature and beauty and wonder and active expression. So many are finding a rich creative and social experience as we paint outdoors.

While I'm constantly scoping out great painting locations — shade, accessibility, parking, restrooms, water, etc. — I rarely paint this close to a heavily-trafficked trail. But this spot was too good to pass up!

We found the perfect place to set up our easels, just a few steps off the trail, with an amazing view of the colorful mountains in the distance. Sometimes the clouds would lift and the sunlit color would cause all three of us to gasp over the resulting beauty.

Lots of hikers stopped to admire our work. Sometimes it's fun to get continual feedback and encouragement as you work!

​At one point an entire wedding party traipsed back up the trail, and the bride herself asked if I sell my work (yes!)—and if this painting I was working on was for sale. (also yes!) It turned out that it was her birthday that very day, and her destination wedding the next day. When she heard how much the painting cost, she looked a bit crestfallen. But then her family and friends said, "Let's all pitch in!"

We exchanged contact info (the painting wasn't quite finished yet) and then the bride got the most amazing and memorable keepsake from her wedding weekend!

​This is only the third or fourth time I have sold a painting right on the trail. It was exciting for them and for me! If you want your own trailside keepsake, most of my other plein air demos are on sale right here, where you can buy them at the stellar rate of 40% off!

​(If you're interested in joining me for future Plein Air Friday adventures (we'll start again next spring) you can sign up for the group email right here.)

Our little plein air group; the wedding party that stopped by to watch; close-up on my easel.