Alla Prima Westcliffe 2025
Westcliffe delivered one of the most visually striking weeks I’ve experienced, with the Wet Valley glowing with color and shifting light every single day. It was the kind of environment that makes you want to chase every scene—and I walked away with both a major award and a deeper appreciation for the people and places behind the landscape.
AT A GLANCE
Where: Sangre de Christo Artists Guild — Westcliffe, CO
When: September 7–12, 2025
Event: Plein Air Competition
My Role: Exhibiting Artist
Awards: Best Pastel — Wet Valley Workshop
PAINTINGS FROM THE EVENT
One of the most memorable parts of the week was staying on a conserved ranch owned by a man in his late 90s who worked tirelessly every day maintaining his land. Watching that level of care and pride in his work added a deeper layer to the experience and directly influenced what I chose to paint. The valley itself was constantly shifting—morning light, afternoon storms, and saturated greens all competing for attention.
I focused heavily on the land itself—working farms, open fields, and the interaction between light and the valley floor. The piece Wet Valley Workshop came directly from that ranch setting and became a defining painting from the week.
