Workshops
Note: Cancellations will be refunded up to 30 days prior to the event, minus ticketing fees.
Terry Chacon: Come Paint With Me (Two Day Workshop)
Thu September 17, 2026 @ 8:30 am – Fri September 18, 2026 @ 8:30 amEscalante, UT 84726
Oil painting workshop using a palette knife
Cost: $250
Maximum of 12 / Minimum of 6 – All levels. A supply list will be provided before class.
Note: The class will run from 8:30a till 5:00p each day, with a two hour break for lunch.
Achieving luminous light and color with a palette knife is the focus of a special two‑day plein air workshop, held at the beautiful Slot Canyons Inn just outside Escalante, Utah. Surrounded by sweeping vistas, desert flora, and striking redrock cliffs, this ranch‑style setting offers an inspiring backdrop for painters of all levels.
Terry studied with Susan Sarback and has developed a style reminiscent of Monet, Hawthorne, and Hensche, emphasizing color and light. Throughout the workshop, she will demonstrate how to use a palette knife (or brushes, following the same technique) to create luminous, impressionistic paintings. Participants will learn to simplify complex scenes into strong, intentional compositions by focusing on large shapes and eliminating unnecessary detail — an approach so familiar in the classic Impressionist style. The workshop will also include a critique gathering of all attendees.
Terry started painting in Plein Air early 2000. In early 2005 she and a group of artist from the Riverside Art started the Plein Air Artist of Riverside in Riverside, CA where she held the title of President for four years. She has painted in South Africa, Australia, England, Canada, Mexico and many states throughout the United States of America. Some of her most favorite places to paint include Escalante, Utah which she has painted many times and is looking forward to coming back in 2026 as both workshop instructor and judge.
You can see more of Terry’s work at www.terrydchacon
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Susan De’Armond: Watercolor Unleashed in Plein Air (2 Day Workshop)
Thu September 17, 2026 @ 8:30 am – Fri September 18, 2026 @ 8:30 amEscalante, UT 84726
Note: The class will run from 8:30a till 5:00p each day.
Cost: $250
Maximum of 10 / Minimum of 6 – All levels.
Watercolor is a great medium to capture the light of the desert Southwest. You can meet the challenge of watercolor by planning first.
We will be painting various locations on the beautiful grounds of the Slot Canyons Inn. There are ample views and subjects in the canyon.
Susan will start each day with a demonstration taking you through choosing a subject, composition, simplifying, design elements and techniques to help you achieve your best result. She will include her approach to painting beautiful fresh skies and tips on painting the ever-present rocks!
We will be exploring “pushing” the color.
Set up and paint a subject that speaks to you. You will receive feedback throughout the day.
Painting is her JOY but plein air is her PASSION!
Susan always had a creative nature looking for an outlet wherever it could be found. She was introduced to watercolor for presentations in the Interior Design program at Kendall College of Art and Design.
Susan turned to painting for art’s sake in 2007. Soon after she found her passion in plein air painting! It was as she envisioned it should be. Standing before and immersed in the subject. The light and landscape of the Southwest has been especially inspirational!
She has been recently exploring “pushing” the color in her paintings.
You can see more of her work at www.susandearmond.com
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Nita Harper: Plein Air (Two-Day Workshop)
Thu September 17, 2026 @ 8:30 am – Fri September 18, 2026 @ 8:30 amEscalante, UT 84726
Cost $250
Maximum of 12 / Minimum of 6 – Must have some experience. No beginners please.
Note: The class will run from 8:30a till 5:00p each day, with a two hour lunch break; workshop resumes 1:30pm, followed by a critique session.
For the workshop, participants will need the following:
- Pochade Box with tripod or plein air easel.
- Paint (Instructor will use oil, but you may use whatever medium you prefer.)
- This is a suggested limited palette, but it’s optional.
- Titanium White, Viridian, Ultramarine Blue, Cerulean Blue, Alizarin Crimson, Transparent Orange, Cadmium Lemon Yellow, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna, Lamp Black (Optional), Radiant Violet (Gamblin, optional), Radiant Blue (Gamblin, optional)
- Solvent: For oil, Gamsol or Turpenoid fume free. Pour it into a small glass jar so it’s portable.
- Paper Towels and trash bag.
- Canvas painting panels (use boards, not stretched canvas) 11×14 or smaller for the workshop.
- Brushes- For our purposes, you should have both filberts and flats, palette knife optional
- Medium if you use it.
- Umbrella (Optional for Plein Air)
- Wet panel carrier. (Plein Air). If you do not have one, a small pizza box will work.
- Folding chair or stool.
Nita Harper is an award winning artist living in the desert of Southern California. The granddaughter of a professional artist who showed his work with painters like Edgar Payne, Victor Higgins and Walter Ufer, she was inspired at an early age, and has been painting most of her life. Moves from Illinois to Florida, Texas, and eventually California, exposed her to the country’s vast and varied landscape. Nita studied art with an emphasis in painting at Stephens College, the University of Arizona, and the Glassell School of Art, MFA, Houston. She also studied with several noted painters including Albert Handel, Frank Serrano, and the late Ann Templeton. She has been fortunate to travel to paint in Canyon de Chelly, Monument Valley, the Grand Canyon and other breathtaking locations.
Nita is particularly drawn to the vast, unspoiled lands of the American Southwest. Living in the desert gives her the opportunity to paint her favorite landscape during the winter months and work larger in the studio during the summer. She is a member of the PAC6, a group of six women artists who have committed themselves to painting adventures that follow in the footsteps of the early painters who travelled the west over a century ago. A painting trip on horseback into the Eastern Sierras was the trip of a lifetime. Nita believes that artists are the luckiest people in the world.
You can see more of her work at: www.nitaharperart.com
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Jill Simkins: Nature Journaling (Two Day Workshop)
Mon September 21, 2026 @ 9:00 am – Tue September 22, 2026 @ 9:00 amEscalante, Utah 84726 United States
An introspective observation of nature inspires our curiosity and sense of wonder. Capturing brief moments in a journal imprints on our minds and emotions the grandeur of everyday, and the extraordinary world of flora and fauna that lives around us. By documenting our experiences and discoveries through writing, sketching, painting, collage, photography, or prose, we create a lasting and unique memory of time and place.
Cost: $150
Maximum of 20 / Minimum of 5 – All levels.
Note: The class will run from 9:00a till 4:00p each day.
A journaling kit will be provided. Please bring a sketchbook, hat, water, and a sack lunch.
In this workshop you will learn techniques to help you creatively record your connection to nature. We will explore how to compose a journal page, wax resist, sketch and wash, phenology wheels, collage and lettering.
Jill is an Organic Vegetable Farmer who creates art in many mediums; using plants and flowers, magical garden paths, oil or water-color paint, clay, and by using recycled, found or worn out items. Living her life working outside in the soil and discovering this beautiful world by hiking, backpacking, catering horse-pack trips in the High Uintah’s, river rafting, or camping in her vintage trailer, has given her a great respect and love for the outdoors, which she attempts to capture on canvas. She especially enjoys painting cows, farm animals, and people. Her work has been sold in several galleries throughout the West.
She writes about her painting and adventures here.
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Melody Greenlief: Painting the Landscape with Light and Atmosphere (2-Day Workshop)
Wed September 23, 2026 @ 9:00 am – Thu September 24, 2026 @ 9:00 am
The class will run from 9:00a till 4:00p each day, with an hour break for lunch.
Cost: $225
Maximum of 15 / Minimum of 5 – All levels (Students should arrive already knowing the basic concepts of watercolor painting)
Join Melody Greenlief for an immersive two-day watercolor workshop focused on capturing the beauty and depth of the landscape. This class is designed for painters who want to strengthen their understanding of atmospheric perspective, simplify complex scenes, and construct believable, expressive trees.
Materials:
- Paper: Paper will be provided for the final paintings. You should bring additional favorite watercolor paper for practice studies and experimentation.
- Paints: Bring your favorites. No need to go out and break the bank, but avoid cheap paints. In addition to the paints you bring, I will provide Pallets with 6 paints: Daniel Smith – Moonglow, GreenApatite, Yellow Ochre, Cobalt Teal Blue, Lavendar and QoR Quin. Magenta, so you will get to try some new pigments.
- Brushes: BYOB (Bring your own brushes), I find the larger the brushes you have the better. I use both natural hair and synthetic brushes. You will need a large brush for large washes, some nice round brushes with good points, a small rigger brush and an old toothbrush.
- Other: Water bucket or cup for water, a roll of paper towels and/or a sponge, a spray bottle, tape, a board or easel to tape your painting to, and whatever supplies you are accustomed to.
Over the course of two days, we will complete two finished landscape paintings while exploring the essential principles that bring watercolor landscapes to life. This workshop will include instruction on varnishing and mounting watercolor paintings. Bring all your questions about materials and supplies.
Throughout the workshop, Melody will provide demonstrations, individualized instruction, and helpful critiques in a supportive and encouraging environment. Whether you are looking to refine your landscape skills or deepen your understanding of watercolor techniques, this workshop will strengthen your ability to paint with clarity, confidence, and atmosphere. By the end of the class, each participant will have completed two finished watercolor landscapes and gained practical tools they can apply to future paintings.
Melody Greenlief finds joy in the world of paint. Her preferred medium is watercolor, which allows her to explore various textures and create layers of color. She tries to share the same enjoyment she experiences while painting with those who view her artwork. She believes that art should uplift the heart and bring a smile to people’s faces. She loves sharing her knowledge with others and wants everyone to find joy in creating.
When she steps away from her paintbrush, you will find her chasing the chickens in her backyard, traveling, telling bad jokes, and laughing with her family.
Melody has studied with: Andy Evansen, Stan Miller, Brienne M. Brown, Matthew Bird, Geoff Allen, Iain Stewart, Carl Purcell, Kristi Grussendorf, and Ian Ramsey.
Melody is past President of the Utah Watercolor Society 2022-2023, was Artist in Residence for the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument 2023 and is a Signature Member of UWS.
You can see more of her work at https://www.melodygreenlief.com/
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Michael Keyes: Woodcut Printmaking, “En Plein Air”
Thu September 24, 2026 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cost: $145. Note: Entrance to Petrified Forest State Park is included in the registration price.
9:00a – 4:00p
Maximum of 10 / Minimum of 3 – All ability levels
The sensation of carving basswood plywood with razor-sharp Japanese gouges to produce a wood block for printing handsome prints is fulfilling and productive! The goal for this class is to produce a small edition of 5 woodcut prints, carved and printed by each student.
Participants will be introduced to wood and paper types, carving tools, inks, brayers, and printing tools used in making woodcut prints. We will discuss how to store and transport paper, ink, tools, and equipment, and how to make woodcut prints on site, “en plein air.”
Woodblocks, ink, paper, and accessories will be supplied, as well as carving tools to be lended for use. Participants must bring a 6” x 8” sketch or drawing as a reference for the woodcut print to be produced. To make a successful print, the drawing needs to be made up of bold shapes, and black lines need to be thick, while white lines can be either thick, or thin and delicate.
The instructor will demonstrate the steps to translate a black-and-white drawing into a dynamic woodcut print. The instructor will emphasize how to carve the block with shallow gouge marks, ensuring the optimum control of the print appearance.
Michael Keyes is a woodcut printmaker and oil painter with a BFA from Wright State University, and an MFA from Ohio State University.
In woodcut printmaking, he is challenged by composing black and white shapes into active, impactful images. His woodcuts relay visual stories—either a simple story of a breathtaking landscape, or a complex story of people helping people, as in activities in early days of the Covid 19 pandemic. The addition of brisk color, produced with oil-based inks, brings a special liveliness to his works.
He teaches woodcut printmaking at Art Students League of Denver.
Michael was awarded “Best of Show” at the 2021 National Arts Program Front Range Exhibition, and “First Place” in the Studio Work Category, at the Escalante Canyons Art Festival in 2024, among other recent awards.
You can see more of his artwork at MichaelKeyesArt.com
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