You are invited to a paint-out with the Oil Painters of America (OPA). This prestigious organization promotes both studio and plein air representational art and the artists who create it. The Plein Air Artists of Colorado are also invited. Since lots of us belong to both organizations, this should be a great time painting!

The location is the North Fork of the Gunnison Valley in scenic western Colorado, surrounding the town of Paonia with rich agricultural and wilderness areas. The town itself has interesting buildings that are being restored to their splendor. There are the towns of Hotchkiss and Crawford in our valley that are fairly nearby as well. I have arranged painting locations in and around our valley. I know we will have access to a lot of great spots for plein air painting!!!!

I have scheduled Saturday Oct 20 for two great spots. The morning is at Azura Cellars winery on Garvin Mesa. The setting is beautiful and the views are stunning. The red tile roofs of the buildings and the pond down below are amazing! We have access to the winery before it opens so the lighting will be perfect!

We are welcome for lunch at Root and Vine Market or have lunch on our own.

The afternoon's plein air location on Saturday is at Black Bridge Winery/Orchard Valley Farms & Market in the afternoon. The cottonwoods along the river frame the interesting trestle bridge. There is also a U Pick orchard with vineyards and a pumpkin patch for us to access. Both areas have some shelter if the weather is inclement.

Dinner that evening is on your own. There are several local farm-to-table food and drink options in Paonia and the area. However I am working on a couple options for a catered dinner with a nocturne option if enough of us sign up and care to go that route.

The next day, Sunday Oct 21, 2018, we start the morning on Rogers Mesa at Princess Beef, the headquarters of a grass-finish cattle and blacksmith operation. There will be “models” for us as their horses and ponies are fairly agreeable to stand still for a bit. The open ranch views with the West Elk Mountain range are breathtaking.

Lunch is at Delicious Orchards where you are welcomed to order what you want. The afternoon and early evening will be spent at Delicious's U Pick orchard, farm with a little pond and the grounds. Views of the surrounding valley and farm life are gorgeous. Occasionally they have a band and bar-b-que on Sunday and are open until 7pm

There are other options for painting on your own as well. These include Needle Rock in Crawford, CO, about 45 minutes from Paonia and the Hotchkiss Farm Market on Saturday in Hotchkiss, CO, about 20 minutes away. Access to the Grand Mesa and the Gunnison National Forest are also available to those wanting a bigger adventure.

This time of year has crisp warm days and cool clear nights. Short sleeves in the day and goose down at night. Its perfect as some frosts have killed the bugs and brightened the colors!

Lodging and transportation on your own. Food and meals are available locally.

I am attaching a file with the schedule and other information below.

Please contact me, Cedar Keshet, at notjuniper@gmail.com or 970-261-0834 with any questions.