Moab: 5-Day Plein Air Watercolor Workshop with Carol Newsom

If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing the fiery reds and sweeping vistas of Utah’s iconic desert terrain with your watercolor brushes, then the 5-day Plein Air Watercolor Workshop in Moab led by Carol Newsom might just be your perfect fit. This experience offers a chance to learn, grow, and paint amidst some of the most dramatic landscapes in the United States — all under the guidance of a seasoned artist.

We’re drawn to how this workshop combines professional instruction with time spent in the field, ensuring you’ll not only improve your skills but also deepen your appreciation of Moab’s natural beauty. The opportunity to paint on-location in such a breathtaking setting is truly appealing. However, prospective participants should note that the workshop runs only four hours a day, which might feel limited to those wanting full-day immersion or more intensive instruction.

This experience is ideal for beginners eager to learn, as well as more experienced watercolorists looking for fresh inspiration and expert feedback. If you love vibrant landscapes, outdoor art, and friendly group settings, this workshop is likely to hit the mark.

Key Points

• Stunning Landscapes: Paint iconic desert vistas, towering mesas, and winding canyons.
• Expert Guidance: Daily demos and personalized feedback from Carol Newsom.
• Community & Connection: Casual group critiques and mingling over local cuisine.
• Preparation & Practicality: Learn how to pack and plan for outdoor painting through a pre-workshop video.
• Flexible Booking: Reserve now and pay later with full cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Limited Spots: The workshop fills quickly — early booking is advised.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at What the Workshop Offers

The Moab plein air watercolor workshop is a carefully curated experience that balances instruction, practical outdoor skills, and genuine artistic inspiration. Over five days, you’ll explore some of Utah’s most famous wilderness spots, guided by Carol Newsom, whose reputation as an artist and teacher guarantees quality feedback and encouragement.

The workshop’s core focus is on painting outdoors—what’s often called “plein air” art—meaning you’ll be actively capturing the scenery on location. This is where Moab shines, with its glowing red rock formations, winding canyons, and soaring mesas offering endless subject matter that pretty much screams “color and contrast.”

Each day begins with a demonstration from Carol, who patiently shares her techniques and tips for capturing the desert’s vivid hues and dramatic lighting. These demos are tailored to the day’s specific scenery, helping you understand how to translate what you see onto paper effectively.

The Landscape of Moab: A Canvas for Artists

Moab is a magnet for outdoor lovers and artists alike. Its dramatic vistas are jaw-dropping, and the colors—especially in spring—are vibrant and inviting. From the glowing arches of Arches National Park to the quiet majesty of the Colorado River, the scenery offers endless inspiration.

The painting sessions typically take place during optimal lighting hours, allowing you to work in the gentle light of morning or late afternoon, when the landscape’s colors are at their most dramatic. You’ll not only learn the technical aspects of watercolor but also how to capture the mood and essence of these awe-inspiring sites.

The Daily Routine and Group Dynamics

A typical day involves arriving at a scenic spot, setting up your equipment, and beginning to paint with the benefit of Carol’s guidance. The demonstrations serve as mini-classes, where she shares her approach, often emphasizing color, composition, and light. Some reviews mention that Carol’s personalized feedback really helps artists refine their techniques, whether they’re working on sky gradients or rock textures.

Evenings are a relaxed chance to regroup, with casual group critiques providing friendly, constructive conversations about everyone’s work. These sessions foster a supportive environment and help you see your progress from different perspectives.

Learning Practical Skills for Outdoor Painting

One of the workshop’s standout features is the focus on preparing for outdoor painting. Before the workshop, participants receive a helpful video on how to pack and plan, addressing critical questions like what supplies to bring and how to manage weather conditions.

Given that Moab’s sun can be intense, the advice to bring hat, sunscreen, water, and insect repellent is practical and necessary. The group size is limited, allowing for more personalized attention from Carol, which many reviews praise as a valuable aspect of the experience.

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What to Expect from the Itinerary

While the exact schedule may vary, here’s a typical outline based on the available information:

• Morning: Meet at a designated location—exact meeting points are announced later—and head out to a scenic spot for the day’s painting. Expect to be outdoors for about four hours, with plenty of breaks.
• Midday: The instructor offers a demonstration relevant to the landscape you’re working on, sharing techniques and answering questions.
• Afternoon: Continue painting, with Carol offering personalized feedback. You’ll work at your own pace, with opportunities to explore different subjects or refine your work.
• Evening: Casual critique sessions and socializing over local food, creating an atmosphere where you can learn from others’ work and share ideas.

Each location is chosen for its visual appeal and accessibility, ensuring you get enough time to really engage with the scenery. Some reviews mention that the scenery in Moab is so striking that even a quick sketch can turn into a memorable keepsake.

The Practical Side: What’s Included and How to Prepare

The workshop is designed to be accessible to a wide range of artists. You’re encouraged to bring your usual watercolor supplies, but the workshop also emphasizes learning how to pack efficiently for outdoor painting. The pre-workshop video is a thoughtful addition, especially for newcomers unsure about gear or weather contingencies.

Participants should come prepared with comfortable outdoor clothing suited to variable weather, including heat-resistant gear, insect repellent, and a daypack to carry supplies. Because the sessions are outdoors, expect to encounter sun, wind, and possibly insects—so protective measures are advised.

Limitations: The workshop might not be suitable for children under 18, and the focus on four hours daily could be a constraint if you’re looking for a full-day or multi-day intensive experience. However, for those seeking quality over quantity, this setup allows for focused, inspired painting sessions.

The Value of the Experience

Pricing isn’t explicitly listed here, but considering the expert guidance, small group size, and scenic locations, the experience seems to offer solid value for art enthusiasts. The fact that you can reserve and pay later provides flexibility for travel planning.

Participants often mention the stunning scenery as the highlight—something that just can’t be captured in photos but becomes a part of your creative memory. The combination of instruction, scenery, and community makes this workshop a rare chance to grow as an artist while soaking in Utah’s natural splendor.

Who Will Love This?

This workshop is best suited for artists who love outdoor painting, whether you’re just starting or have years of watercolor experience. The emphasis on learning to paint en plein air means you’ll gain practical skills applicable elsewhere. If you enjoy learning in a relaxed, friendly environment with fellow creatives, this experience will likely leave you inspired.

Those looking for a week-long escape into nature, paired with professional guidance, will find this a rewarding journey. Meanwhile, travelers who want to combine their artistic pursuits with a taste of Utah’s breathtaking landscapes will appreciate the opportunity this workshop offers.

Final Thoughts

The Moab Plein Air Watercolor Workshop offers a chance to paint some of America’s most iconic desert scenery with the support of a seasoned instructor in a friendly, focused setting. You’ll love the stunning vistas that serve as your canvas, the personalized feedback from Carol, and the camaraderie of fellow artists sharing the journey.

While it’s not a full-day intensive, the quality of instruction and scenery makes it a worthwhile investment for anyone eager to improve their watercolor skills amid Utah’s wild beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned painter or an eager beginner, this experience promises to leave you with new skills, fresh inspiration, and perhaps a few artwork souvenirs of Moab’s striking landscape.

FAQ

How long are the painting sessions each day?
Each day includes approximately four hours of outdoor painting, typically during optimal lighting conditions for landscape capturing.

What should I bring?
Participants should bring hat, camera, sunscreen, water, biodegradable sunscreen, comfortable clothes, insect repellent, outdoor clothing, a daypack, and a charged smartphone. Packing light and practical is encouraged.

Is this workshop suitable for beginners?
Yes, the workshop welcomes artists of all levels, including beginners eager to learn the basics of plein air watercolor painting, especially with the guidance provided.

Can I reserve my spot and pay later?
Absolutely. You can reserve now and pay later, with full cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.

Where do the sessions take place?
Exact meeting points in Moab will be determined later, but the locations will be scenic and conducive to outdoor painting.

Are children allowed?
No, the workshop is not suitable for children under 18.

What is the group size?
While the exact group size isn’t specified, the limited spots suggest an intimate setting allowing for personalized attention.

What makes Moab a good place for watercolor painting?
Moab’s dramatic red rock formations, vibrant landscapes, and striking natural light make it an ideal outdoor studio for watercolor artists seeking bold colors and dynamic compositions.

In essence, this workshop offers a well-balanced mix of instruction, scenery, and social connection. For anyone ready to take their watercolor skills to new heights while celebrating one of the most photogenic landscapes in the United States, it’s a journey worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby