Plein Air Workshop at Mount Ashland - JULY 2025

It's January and I've been spending the last couple weeks planning for 2025.  Last year I meant to schedule more plein air workshops - people ask me to teach them a lot and I just got busy and all of a sudden - 2024 was gone! 


^{The view of Mount Shasta from Mount Ashland - with lush mountain meadows and alpine forests.}  

One of my absolute favorite places to go year-round is Mount Ashland. During the winter it's great for cross country and down hill skiing and in the summer it has some of the best wild flower meadows you will find anywhere. The Pacific Crest Trail passes through here - and it's a lovely chunk to enjoy day hiking through.  And, of course it's an AMAZING place to paint.  I've been dreaming of bringing a group of students up for a while and now it's on the calendar! If you'd like to get out to one of the most beautiful spots in Southern Oregon and practice or learn plein air painting skills, this is your chance.  July 15, 16, 17, a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. We will paint from 10am - 2pm.  Mount Ashland is just a 30 minute drive from the city of Ashland, so it's a remote spot that's very accessible. The weather in July averages a high of 78 degrees - and that's a low humidity 78, so it feels perfect.  Plan now, especially if you're traveling from outside Southern Oregon. 

Click HERE to register now.  
Click HERE for recommendations for lodging, food and activities in Southern Oregon.  

^{I  made a study of the Siskiyou Crest receding into the distance from Meridian Overlook.} 

Mount Ashland is what's called a land bridge that connects the Klamath Siskiyou mountains to the Cascades. Mount Ashland is also considered a granitic pluton - basically a bloop of granite that differs from the soil types that dominate the Cascades and the Siskiyous. The geologic diversity in this region creates biodiversity of plants, insects, birds and animals as well. In fact, this area is known to be one of the most bio-diverse areas in the United States, second only to the Appalachia area.  Mount Ashland has a special lupine that ONLY grows on Mount Ashland.  During our experience, we will see rare plants, rare bees and some of the best views in the world.

 
_{A miniature lupine endemic to Mount Ashland.} 

_{We'll paint near the Pacific Crest Trail and will probably see some intrepid through-hikers.} 

_{The lushness of this landscape is incredible.  I love the layers of greens moving into blues.}   

My plan is to paint from three locations during our workshop. From the Campground at Mount Ashland, which has views of Mount Shasta, white pine, wild flowers and fabulous large granite boulders. From a saddle near Grouse Gap, in an open wild flower meadow, with opportunities to include mountain aspen. You see layers of mountains with Mount Shasta in the distance. You can also see Rabbit Ears - a granite formation that looks a bit like rabbit ears. Grouse Gap is a CCC built shelter where you can picnic and use the restroom. On our last day, I like to go out to Meridian Overlook, with dramatic views toward the Siskiyou Crest to the west and Mount Shasta to the South.  

^{The view of Mount Shasta to the south is spectacular. You can see this mountain from each of our painting locations.}  

These spots are amazing opportunities to study atmospheric perspective and chart the way color changes as things get farther away from you. During the week before the in-person workshop, we will have a zoom meeting to get acquainted, answer all your questions, and I'll teach a slide talk lesson.  You'll have a few days to gather your materials and make sure you're ready for three days of painting outside.  

There is simply NOTHING like the colors you see when you're outdoors. Plein air sketches plus photo references are my favorite way to create studio landscapes.  I'll teach you essential visual principles that will help you create the art you want. I'll begin each session with a demo, then participants will find their painting spot and get started. I'll check in with each person individually to offer personalized coaching.  

Be ready for a refreshing and invigorating experience. Each day you'll feel exhausted and refreshed.  End your day with some great food from Ashland, Talent or Phoenix's many restaurants. I have recommendations HERE for lodging, food and activities in Southern Oregon.  Let me know if you have any questions or special needs.  

So - if you're ready - click HERE to register and start planning a fun workshop vacation!