Plein Air (Outdoor) Painting in Zion

I remembered to stop and shoot a photo or two of some of the paintings in progress, but neglected to shoot most of the finished pieces before they were framed and whisked off to the sale.

Storm Above the Beehives painting in progress

A few photos of some of Roland Lee's on-location paintings in progress during the "In the Footsteps of Thomas Moran" Invitational at Zion National Park.

Small falls along Sand Bench Trail

White cliffs in East Zion

Mt. Majestic in the early morning

Sketchbook drawing of jagged peaks

Painting river reflections at Big Bend

Painting and Sketching Outdoors in Zion National Park

For me, nothing is more fun than spending the day painting outdoors. The Thomas Moran plein air event gave me that opportunity for one solid week. I used my Anderson Easel for the most part, but also just sat down and painted without an easel when I felt like it. Either way I brought along a comfortable folding chair which helped me stay comfortable. I completed about 15 paintings during the week, although several were quite small.

Sketching outdoors on a cold Zion morning

A comfortable set-up for painting outdoors. All the comforts of home!

Another gorgeous day painting along the Virgin River. Notice my chair on the far right bank. It doesn't get any better than this. 

Painting the autumn trees on the opposite bank of the river. 

Plein Air Painting at "Footsteps of Thomas Moran" Invitational in Zion National Park

Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Uhlinger from Monterey California returned to Zion this year and purchased my "Quick Draw" painting at the Auction.They also purchased a second painting from the Fixed-price show.

We just concluded a week-long painting event in Zion National Park. I was one of 25 artists invited from throughout America to participate in this plein air invitational. We painted every day as well as presented demonstrations and interacted with the crowds of visitors who came to watch the excitement. I was pleased to produce and sell 10 paintings on-location during the week and also won the "People's Choice Award" with a $200 cash prize. The weather was both wonderful and frightful, starting out with temperatures in the 70's and ending up with a snow storm and temperatures in the 30's. The autumn leaves were perfect with brilliant yellows and reds  to contrast with the dark cliffs. It was all perfectly wonderful. Painting outdoors is great no matter the weather!

Roland Lee wins "people's Choice Award" at Thomas Moran Quick Draw in Zion National Park

My chosen subject before the storm. But things changed in a hurry.

We had to keep laughing just to stay warm. My faithful gallery of watchers cheered me on. Photos by John Mangels.

The painting continues, along with the snowstorm and bitter cold

The Uhlingers purchased my finished Quick Draw painting

25 artists braved a blustery and bitterly cold day to compete in the Thomas Moran "Quick Draw" painting competition at Zion National Park. Waking up to temperatures in the 30's I was wishing I had brought along a pair of gloves in addition to long-johns for this day. As plein air painters we were semi-prepared to paint outdoors in any weather conditions, but some were more prepared than others. The sun ducked in and out of the clouds promising some fantastic views, but as luck would have it, turned into pelting sleet as soon as the competition began. I pulled my hoody over my head to keep the ice pellets from going down my shirt, but my poor fingers had to endure the storm un-covered. Of course as soon as the quick draw was over the sun came out. Each artist had a half hour to frame their painting and submit for the live auction. Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Uhlinger purchase my painting which they had watched me produce. And I was fortunate to receive the "Peoples Choice" award for the event.

Pein Air Painting with the Dixie Watercolor Society

Russell Black, our local master of the Rex Brandt watercolor style, is comfortable outdoors painting on location. 

Lola Krumenacher uses her Sienna paint box to whip up another wonderful painting.

Myron Laub cleans his palette as he prepares to finish his excellent painting.

The old geezer at work with his trusty Anderson Easel (they don't make them anymore) and his all-purpose folding signature plein air chair. Photo by John Mangels.

John Mangels, our fearless critique group leader, and keeper of the website can paint with the best of them.

Mary Manning invents a new easel set-up on the back of her rental car. She has won several national awards lately.

My plein air painting of the red cliffs and Pine Valley Mtn.

Dick Rose served many years as President of our painting group, but now enjoys painting without pressure. He was the best dressed painter with his fancy hat and sweater. Note his sweet painting set-up too.

The Dixie Watercolor Society enjoyed a morning plein air paint out yesterday. Coordinator Myron Laub put together another great trip for about 10 eager painters who painted the Red Cliffs near  Ivins, Utah. The weather was fantastic and the scenery just right. I was able to grab a few photos.