Plein Air Watercolor Painting, Indian Ford Meadow Preserve

Get out and explore your Land Trust Community Preserves! Photo: Caitlin Eddolls.
Get out and explore your Land Trust Community Preserves! 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 with the vibrant colors of 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. Per Oregon Health Authority (OHA) guidelines, we strongly recommend that individuals who are unvaccinated or who are at higher risk for COVID-19 continue to wear a face covering in crowded areas and in large gatherings of individuals, and maintain physical distancing.

  • 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

    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. 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.