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

If you’re an artist looking to combine your passion for watercolor painting with the breathtaking scenery of Utah’s iconic desert landscapes, this 5-day Plein Air Watercolor Workshop in Moab might just be your ideal getaway. Led by seasoned instructor Carol Newsom, this experience promises a blend of hands-on instruction, stunning vistas, and camaraderie among fellow creatives. We haven’t personally participated, but from the detailed descriptions and reviews, it’s clear this workshop offers a thoughtfully curated environment for any artist eager to capture the vivid beauty of the American Southwest.

What we love about this workshop is its focus on learning in the field—painting on location—which is fundamental for plein air artists. Plus, the personalized feedback from Carol herself seems invaluable, especially for those wanting to refine technique amid inspiring scenery. On the flip side, a consideration is the short 4-hour daily duration, which might seem limited for those wanting full-day immersion. This workshop is best suited for artists who appreciate quality over quantity and enjoy a relaxed pace that leaves room for exploration and socializing.

It’s a wonderful fit for intermediate to advanced painters or curious beginners willing to learn outdoors. If you’re seeking an environment where you can step out of the studio, be inspired by nature, and hone your watercolor skills with guidance, this workshop could be a rewarding adventure.

Key Points

• Stunning Location: Moab’s red rock vistas provide a vivid palette of colors and dramatic light for plein air painters.
• Expert Guidance: Daily demos and tailored feedback from Carol Newsom help participants improve their skills.
• Balanced Schedule: Four hours of on-location painting with evenings dedicated to group critiques and social connection.
• Preparation & Flexibility: A pre-workshop video helps you pack and plan for outdoor painting days.
• Community Feel: Small group sizes foster personalized attention and the chance to meet fellow artists.
• Value for Artists: A well-rounded experience blending instruction, scenery, and local culture.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why Moab? The Perfect Outdoor Studio

Moab, in southeastern Utah, is a landscape artist’s dream. The town is surrounded by towering red rock formations, winding canyons, and expansive desert vistas that seem to change hues with the shifting sunlight. The scenery is not only iconic but offers endless subjects for watercolor paintings—from the bold, sun-bleached arches of Arches National Park to the tranquil flow of the Colorado River.

The outdoor setting itself becomes a crucial part of the workshop. Painting in Moab means encountering ever-changing light and weather, which are instrumental in creating compelling landscape art. Participants can expect to face sun, wind, and possibly insects, so packing appropriately is essential. The landscape seems almost tailor-made for plein air painting, and the workshop’s focus on this style ensures you’ll be working directly from nature, capturing its immediacy and vibrancy.

The Instructor: Carol Newsom

Carol Newsom is described as an experienced watercolor artist and engaging instructor. Her approach involves live demonstrations and one-on-one feedback, designed to help artists develop their skills in a relaxed yet focused environment. Her guidance aims to help students understand how to translate outdoor scenes onto paper, making technical adjustments in real time.

Participants mention that Carol’s feedback is personalized, enabling even beginners to improve their technique or explore new styles. The opportunity to learn from someone with a background in plein air watercolor adds immense value, especially for those wanting practical tips on packing, planning, and capturing outdoor scenery effectively.

Daily Schedule and Content

Each day revolves around on-location painting sessions — usually around four hours — in various scenic spots around Moab. The schedule allows for ample time to set up, paint, and take breaks while soaking in the landscape. Before heading out each day, participants can watch a pre-recorded video designed to guide packing and preparation, reducing the chaos of setting up in unfamiliar outdoor environments.

Live demos are part of the daily routine, providing step-by-step insights into techniques like color mixing, brushwork, and capturing light. After the painting sessions, evenings are dedicated to group critiques, sharing work, and socializing. These gatherings foster camaraderie and serve as a safe space for constructive feedback.

What You’ll Paint

The scenery is so varied that you’ll never run out of inspiring subjects. Expect desert vistas with bold, warm colors, towering mesas, winding canyons, and unique rock formations. The changing light conditions—especially in spring—offer opportunities to experiment with shadows, highlights, and color harmony.

Participants have described the glowing arches of Arches National Park as a highlight, with opportunities to capture their dramatic shapes and textures. The Colorado River presents a peaceful contrast, with its reflective qualities offering a different challenge for watercolor painters.

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Group Size and Atmosphere

The workshop is intentionally designed to be intimate, with limited spots to ensure personalized attention. This smaller size fosters a supportive environment where participants feel comfortable trying new techniques and sharing their work. The social aspect is also a cherished part of the experience, with group critiques and shared meals offering chances to connect with like-minded artists.

According to reviews, many found the atmosphere relaxed and encouraging, making it suitable for those stepping into plein air painting or looking to sharpen their skills in a stunning setting.

Practical Considerations

While the scenery is breathtaking, the physical aspect of outdoor painting in Moab’s climate should not be underestimated. Participants are advised to bring:

• Hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and water to stay comfortable and protected.
• Clothes that can get dirty — painting in the outdoors often involves splashes and smudges.
• A daypack to carry supplies.
• A charged smartphone for photos, reference, or emergencies.

The workshop is not suitable for children under 18, but adults of all skill levels are welcome, especially those eager to learn or improve their watercolor plein air technique.

Pricing is designed to reflect the value of expert guidance combined with the stunning location. With the ability to reserve without immediate payment, travelers have the flexibility to plan ahead and cancel if necessary—up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How This Workshop Stands Out

What makes this experience particularly appealing is its focus on learning outdoors in a location renowned for its dramatic landscapes. Unlike studio-based classes, plein air workshops in Moab allow artists to capture the essence of a scene directly, which often results in more vibrant and authentic artwork.

The combination of daily demos, personalized feedback, and a supportive community creates an environment conducive to growth, no matter your skill level. The scenic backdrop is an added bonus—few places in the U.S. offer such a striking canvas for watercolor painters.

This workshop is a great fit for artists who crave outdoor painting experiences and want to improve their skills in a visually inspiring setting. It’s ideal for intermediate to advanced painters but also welcoming to motivated beginners willing to learn in a field setting. If you’re someone who enjoys the natural world, values personalized instruction, and appreciates the chance to meet fellow artists, this workshop checks all the boxes.

It’s also perfect for travelers who love adventure and authentic landscapes—after all, painting in Moab means engaging directly with the captivating beauty of the American Southwest.

For artists yearning for a creative escape amid striking scenery, this 5-day plein air watercolor workshop in Moab offers a wonderful opportunity. The stunning vistas, expertly guided instruction, and relaxed atmosphere make it a memorable way to grow your skills while soaking in some of the most remarkable landscapes in the United States.

The experience balances structured lessons and free painting time, creating a flexible environment where you can learn, experiment, and produce memorable artwork. Whether you’re looking to capture the glow of sunrise over red rocks or the quiet flow of river scenes, this workshop provides the tools, inspiration, and setting to do just that.

If you’re ready to take your watercolor skills into the great outdoors and let Utah’s vibrant landscapes fuel your creativity, this workshop might be exactly what you need.

How long is each daily painting session?
Each day includes approximately four hours of on-location painting, giving you enough time to set up, work on your scene, and take breaks.

What should I bring for outdoor painting?
Participants should bring a hat, sunscreen, biodegradable insect repellent, water, comfortable clothes that can get dirty, a daypack, and a charged smartphone.

Is this experience suitable for beginners?
While designed to accommodate all skill levels, the workshop is especially beneficial for those with some watercolor experience who want to practice plein air painting with expert guidance.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in planning your trip.

Where does the workshop meet?
Meeting points in and around Moab are confirmed later, with the coordinates 38.57329177856445, -109.55077362060547 serving as a general reference.

Are children allowed to participate?
No, the workshop is not suitable for children under 18, focusing on adult artists seeking outdoor painting experiences.

In summary, this Moab watercolor workshop offers a terrific chance to combine art, adventure, and nature. Its focus on personalized instruction amid spectacular scenery makes it stand out from typical art classes—perfect for anyone eager to improve their watercolor skills while capturing the wild beauty of Utah’s iconic landscapes.

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