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

Planning a trip to Utah’s legendary Moab? If you’re drawn to striking desert vistas, towering mesas, and winding canyons, and if painting outdoors appeals to you, then a 5-day plein air watercolor workshop led by Carol Newsom might just be your perfect escape. For around four hours each day, you’ll explore some of the most iconic scenery in the American Southwest, with daily demonstrations, personalized feedback, and plenty of time to practice your craft amid breathtaking landscapes.

What I love most about this experience is the chance to paint Moab’s stunning geology with expert guidance—especially during live demos that show you exactly how Carol approaches capturing the desert’s vibrant colors and dramatic light. Second, the opportunity to connect with fellow artists during relaxed group critiques adds a social element that stokes inspiration and helps refine your skills.

A potential consideration is that the workshop fills quickly, so planning ahead is essential. Also, if you’re looking for a structured classroom setting rather than outdoor painting, this might not be the best fit. Finally, travelers who love combining art with nature and don’t mind the outdoor elements (think sun, dust, and insects) will find this workshop especially rewarding.

This tour suits artists at various levels—from seasoned watercolor painters eager to hone plein air skills to beginners excited to learn in a stunning natural setting. If you enjoy painting outdoors and want to learn from an experienced guide while surrounded by Utah’s iconic scenery, this workshop offers authentic, hands-on experience.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery: Paint iconic desert vistas, towering mesas, and winding canyons in Moab.
• Expert instruction: Daily demos and personalized feedback from Carol Newsom help improve your skills.
• Community: Connect with fellow artists during casual critiques and shared meals.
• Preparation: A pre-workshop video helps you learn how to pack and prepare for outdoor painting.
• Limited spots: The workshop fills quickly, so booking early is recommended.
• Value: Includes four hours of instruction daily, outdoor painting, and social time, making it a well-rounded artistic experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why Moab Is a Perfect Setting for Plein Air Painting

Moab’s geological diversity makes it a magnet for painters. The red rock formations, glowing arches, and the Colorado River provide an endless palette of colors and shapes to capture. During springtime, the landscape is especially vibrant, with wildflowers and softer light that enhance the natural beauty.

The town’s proximity to Arches National Park and other iconic sites means you’ll have access to some of the most photographed scenery in the United States, but this workshop focuses on capturing that beauty directly on-site. You’ll be encouraged to paint on location, which pushes you to work quickly and interpret the landscape in real time.

Daily Schedule and Locations

Although the meeting points in and around Moab are yet to be announced, the workshop promises on-location painting sessions, demos, and personalized feedback. Expect mornings to start with a quick briefing, followed by painting sessions that could take you to various scenic spots—perhaps under the shade of juniper trees or in open fields with dramatic rock formations nearby.

The emphasis on plein air means you’ll be painting outdoors in different lighting conditions, which is both exhilarating and challenging. Carol’s live demos serve as a guide to help you see how she simplifies complex scenes, manages color mixing, and handles the unpredictable outdoors.

Instruction and Artistic Growth

One of the standout features is the daily demonstrations from Carol Newsom, an accomplished artist known for her mastery of watercolor. These demos are practical and straightforward, often showing techniques that you can immediately apply to your work.

Personalized feedback is a highlight—participants have appreciated the one-on-one guidance, which can help you improve specific areas like color harmony, brushwork, or composition. As one participant noted, “We loved the way Carol explained her process; it was inspiring and very accessible.”

Social Atmosphere and Evening Activities

Evenings are more relaxed, with casual group critiques where everyone shares their work. This is a great opportunity to learn from others’ perspectives and enjoy constructive feedback. Plus, local cuisine and socializing help foster a sense of community—an important part of any artistic retreat.

These social elements are often praised for making the workshop feel like a supportive, inspiring group experience rather than just a series of lessons. The chance to connect with fellow artists from different backgrounds enhances the overall value.

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Practicalities and Preparing for the Workshop

Prior to the workshop, a pre-workshop video covers essential packing tips—what to bring, how to prepare for outdoor painting, and safety considerations like sun protection and insect repellent. What to pack is straightforward: hat, sunscreen, water, comfortable clothes, a daypack, and a charged smartphone.

Since the workshop is outdoors, being prepared for changing weather conditions is key. Participants have noted that clothes that can get dirty and outdoor clothing are advisable. The natural environment offers endless inspiration but also requires some resilience to dust, insects, and sun exposure.

Cost and Value

The workshop’s price includes 4 hours of daily instruction, local outdoor painting sessions, group critiques, and social time. While the exact cost isn’t specified here, the value lies in the combination of expert guidance, stunning scenery, and hands-on experience.

For those wanting to improve their plein air watercolor skills, this is a cost-effective way to learn directly from a seasoned artist while experiencing some of Utah’s most beautiful landscapes. The small group size ensures personalized attention, which many participants find invaluable.

Who Will Love This Workshop?

Travelers with a passion for art and nature will find this experience particularly rewarding. It’s perfect if you’re looking to step up your plein air skills, enjoy being outdoors, and want to paint in a setting that delivers endless inspiration.

Since children under 18 are not suitable, it’s best for adult artists, whether hobbyists or professionals. If you’re comfortable working outdoors and eager to learn in a supportive environment, this workshop offers both technical growth and a chance to learn about Utah’s iconic scenery.

This Moab watercolor workshop is a unique combination of outdoor adventure, artistic challenge, and community. You’ll get to spend days with your brushes in hand, capturing the extraordinary red rock landscapes and dramatic light that make Moab famous. The guidance from Carol Newsom ensures you’re not just copying pretty scenes but learning techniques that elevate your watercolor practice.

The social element, with group critiques and shared meals, turns a solitary hobby into a communal experience. Plus, the stunning scenery provides endless opportunities for creative expression, ensuring every day offers something new and inspiring.

If you’re seeking a practical, hands-on art experience in one of America’s most scenic deserts, this workshop is well worth considering. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to combine a love of painting with a love of the great outdoors. Prepare to be inspired and challenged, and you may find yourself with a new appreciation for Utah’s spectacular landscape—and maybe even some new watercolor skills to boot.

What is the duration of the workshop?
The workshop lasts for five days, with about four hours of instruction and outdoor painting each day.

Where are the meeting points?
Meeting locations in and around Moab will be decided later, based on the day’s planned scenery, but the coordinates are approximately 38.5733, -109.5508.

What should I bring?
Bring a hat, sunscreen, water, comfortable and outdoor-appropriate clothing, insect repellent, a daypack, and a charged smartphone. Clothes that can get dirty are recommended.

Is this suitable for beginners?
While designed to benefit artists of various skill levels, the workshop’s focus on plein air techniques and personalized feedback makes it especially valuable for those eager to improve their watercolor skills outdoors.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible for your travel plans.

What makes Moab a good place for watercolor painting?
The vibrant colors, dramatic light, and endless geological formations provide endless subjects and inspiration, making Moab a favorite for plein air painters.

To sum it up, the Moab 5-day watercolor workshop offers a fantastic chance to enhance your artistic skills amidst some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States. Whether you’re an experienced painter or just starting out, the combination of expert instruction, supportive community, and breathtaking landscapes makes it a memorable and valuable experience. Perfect for those who want to combine outdoor adventure with creative growth, this workshop is a chance to see Utah through the eyes of an artist—and perhaps, to see yourself in a new light.

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