Art Inspiration in Sanpete County, Utah

Ephraim, Utah's Snow College is the location of Carl Purcell's Summer Snow, a two week workshop for aspiring watercolorists.   Fairbanks watercolor friends Sherry, Dawn, and Phyllis, along with New Yorker friend, Jan, met up with me to attend the 2011 workshop and further our artistic development with Carl's guidance.  Here are some highlights from our exploration of the Ephraim area and Sanpete County.

After the first week of painting, we decide to take in some of the sights of Sanpete County and gather some painting reference photos. Below are two views of Maple Canyon.

Below Maple Canyon is the small community of Freedom, Utah which offers a sweeping view of the surrounding valley and farmland.

This little bird can't decide what to do with the fat, green worm she has in her mouth. She perches for a long while on the roof before finally going inside for her snack.

Jared takes a break from his mowing job at the Freedom Cemetery and shares some friendly conversation with us as we enjoy the beautiful setting.

Seems Bigfoot has found his way to Freedom, Utah, and watches over the local turkeys and cattle, perhaps enjoying a turkey treat now and then.

The Sanpitch River is overflowing with melting snow from the nearby mountains, making beautiful reflections for us to enjoy.

Across the river in Spring City we find some wonderful art galleries and enjoy talking with the gracious owners about local art and artists.

Poppies and other spring flowers give a glorious show for us and our shutters click away.

The Manti LDS (Latter Day Saints) Temple makes a beautiful sight overlooking the road to Ephraim.

Ephraim has several noteworthy eateries, one being the Malt Shop on Main Street.  Phyllis and I enjoy a cool treat after our sightseeing trip around the area.

More workshop reports to follow. 

Painting in the Utah Sun

Ephraim, Utah's Snow College is the location of Carl Purcell's Summer Snow, a two week workshop for aspiring watercolorists.   Fairbanks watercolor friends Sherry, Dawn, and Phyllis, along with New Yorker friend, Jan, met up with me to attend the 2011 workshop and further our artistic development with Carl's guidance.  Here are more highlights from the workshop.

Friday's outdoor painting session takes place in Carl's hometown neighborhood in Manti.  We find the area full of fascinating sheds, fences, old tools and equipment, and lovely brick farm outbuildings.  The temperature is great in the shade, but rather blistering in the sun, which I realize a little too late.

Reference photos are always helpful for finishing a painting back in the studio.

A wonderful assortment of outbuildings provides plenty of inspiration for our paintings.

George looks somewhat like a prop for a western movie, don't you think?

What, Carl's new easel is already broken?  Easel come, easel go.

Carl entices the chickens out of their coop with some fresh grass so he can sketch them.

This young horse looks a little bored as he watches us paint.

 Carl and I have a good view of an old shed from between the horse and the chickens.  Doesn't smell all the good, but we enjoy the critters and the view nevertheless.

My painting develops almost as fast as my sunburn.  After several hours in this sun my neck looks redder than my burnt sienna pigment.

 I get a decent start on my painting of the shed, which I finish up later on in the session.

On the way home, I snap a photo of this poor woman perpetually stuck in her John.  Though it is cute and a good reminder to eat more fiber, it has absolutely nothing to do with today's painting session. . .  I just like her.