Plein Air Watercolor Painting, Indian Ford Meadow Preserve

Join the Land Trust on an outing to explore Central Oregon's natural world! Photo: Caitlin Eddolls.
Join the Land Trust on an outing to explore Central Oregon's natural world! Photo: Caitlin Eddolls.

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 in summer. 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, face masks are no longer required indoors or outside. Individuals who wish to wear a face mask may do so.

  • 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 will explore gravel and dirt trails in the area. Terrain may be uneven at times.

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

  • What to Bring

    Snacks/lunch, water (to drink and for painting), closed toe shoes, a chair or mat. Paper, watercolor paints, water containers, a palette, brushes, and backing boards will be provided. Bring additional materials (easel, larger paper, brushes, pens, 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.