By Joseph T. O’ConnorExplore Big Sky Managing Editor
Nestled between Arches and Canyonlands national parks, Moab is both a sightseer’s dream and an outdoor recreationalist’s mecca. The parks offer thousands of sandstone arches and canyons for those seeking a beautiful drive peppered with a few hikes, and be sure to look for ancient petroglyphs when you’re out walking around. Nearby, the mountain biking, climbing and four-wheeling are unparalleled, with endless scenic trails and rock formations.
This time of year is one of the best to get away to Moab. The area’s climate is reasonable (low-mid 60s for highs) and the tourism numbers aren’t quite as high as in the summer.
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Getting here: Drive – 9.5 hours south, bring bike, climbing gear, etc.
Fly – Can be pricey, but flights into Moab’s Canyonlands Field Airport, Grand Junction, or Salt Lake City could save you some travel time.
Dining: Desert Bistro
Built in an adobe structure that was once Moab’s first dance hall, Desert Bistro specializes in southwestern cuisine. Stop in for smoked rabbit quesadilla, handmade Agnolotti pasta in Marsala wine, or free-range chicken breast with mole, roasted peppers and corn salsa. Desert Bistro features an extensive wine collection.
Tip: For a more intimate setting reserve the wine cellar table, available for up to six people.
Lodging: The Gonzo Inn
The Gonzo Inn, located in the heart of downtown Moab, provides a comfortable and welcoming stay with a 70s-style art deco feel. Go big with the Gonzo Suite, which sleeps up to six, has a jetted tub and offers broad views from a spacious balcony; or take it down a notch in one of its cozy King rooms. With a large outdoor pool and hot tub, you’ll be lodging in style and, as its website describes, have found a “funky place to crash.”
Featured activity: Mountain biking
Pro: The Slickrock bike trail may be the most famous – and one of the most challenging – mountain bike rides in the nation. A 10.5-mile loop, sections of this epic trail are named “Faith in Friction” and “Steep Creep.” Bring your full-suspension, your “A” game, and some Advil for afterward. Tip: Try the 2.3-mile “Practice Loop” if you’re questioning your ability.
Novice: The Bar M Loop is a beginner’s double-track trail with outstanding views of Arches National Park. It’s approximately eight miles long and is a perfect introductory trail to get your tires under you.
We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a
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We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a limited palette to create different color combinations? Are you tired of carrying around 15-20 different tubes when you paint plein air? Have you ever wanted to create a certain “mood” in a painting but failed? Do you create a lot of mud? Do you struggle to achieve color harmony? All these problems are addressed in John’s workbook in clear and concise language!
Based on the bestselling “Limited Palatte, Unlimited Color” workbook written by John Pototschnik, the workshop is run by Maggie Shane and Annie McCoy, accomplished landscape (acrylic) and plein air (oil) artists,exhibitors at the Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery and members of the Big Sky Artists Collective.
Each student will receive a copy of “Limited Palette, Unlimited Color” to keep and take home to continue your limited palette journey. We will show you how to use the color wheel and mix your own clean mixtures to successfully create a mood for your paintings.
Each day, we will create a different limited palette color chart and paint a version of a simple landscape using John’s directives. You will then be able to go home and paint more schemes using the book for guidance.
Workshop is open to painters (oil or acrylic) of any level although students must have some basic knowledge of the medium he or she uses. Students will be provided the book ($92 value), color wheel, value scale and canvas papers to complete the daily exercises.