Plein Air Watercolor Painting, Indian Ford Meadow Preserve

Now is a great time to explore your Land Trust Community Preserves! Photo: Jason McPheeters.
Now is a great time to explore your Land Trust Community Preserves! Photo: Jason McPheeters.

Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Kathleen Riopelle for plein air watercolors at scenic Indian Ford Meadow Preserve. Get your creative juices flowing as you create plein air paintings to celebrate the color, strength, and movement of the meadow with the vibrant, glowing colors of fall. Learn how to use watercolors responsibly in the outdoors as well as basic tips and techniques for plein air watercolors. Participants should have some experience with watercolors; experienced artists and creatives can use this opportunity to gain new perspectives.

Registration is required and opens 1 month prior to the event.

Face masks: Per Oregon Health Authority (OHA) guidelines, all participants (regardless of vaccination status) must bring and wear a face mask during the walk or hike (as soon as you exit your vehicle). Face masks must fit tight to the face, be worn over the nose and mouth, and must be secure enough to stay on during your entire walk or hike. Per OHA guidelines, face shields are not considered a face mask. The Land Trust will have extra face masks for use as needed.

  • Outing Details + Route

    Hike Rating: This is an easy ~1 mile hike on dirt and gravel trails.

    Route: This hike will start at the Indian Ford Meadow Preserve kiosk and then follow gravel and dirt trails. Terrain may be uneven at times.

    Elevation gain/loss: There is very little elevation gain/loss on this hike.

  • What to Bring

    Face mask (homemade is fine), snacks/lunch, water (for you to drink and for painting), closed toe shoes, chair. Participants need to bring their own painting supplies, including watercolor paints, water containers and water, mixing palette, a variety of brushes, and backing boards. In addition, consider drinking water and something to sit on for your own comfort. Bring additional materials (easel, larger paper, brushes, pens, crayons, etc.) as desired. Dress for the weather.

  • About the Property

    Indian Ford Meadow was donated to the Deschutes Land Trust in 1996 by a local landowner to protect its dramatic scenic views and important wildlife habitat. Bisected by Indian Ford Creek, this picturesque 63 acre meadow near Sisters contains a unique diversity of ecosystems ranging from wetlands to pine forest. The Preserve also serves as a migratory corridor for mule deer and a breeding ground for migratory songbirds.

  • Accessibility

    The Land Trust is working to make our Walks + Hikes as accessible as possible. Please let us know at least one week in advance if there is something we can do or provide to support you in participating in this outing to the fullest and we will accommodate as possible.