REMINDERS & NOTES:

Critiques: Unless otherwise noted, critiques for all paint outs will be held at 1:00 pm at the stated critique location. Please note there is a suggested "Critique Topic" for each paint out, which will be addressed during the critique.

Assignments for hosts and some co-hosts were made based upon previous hosting or requests for specific paint-outs. Please check through the schedule to see if you were assigned as a host. If you were assigned to host a paint out and you would be unable to attend on that date, please help us by finding a replacement host to take your place.

One additional Saturday paint out and one weekend paint out are scheduled for this year.

Changes to scheduled paint outs: Scheduled paint outs typically will not be canceled or changed except in the case of an unforeseen circumstance that disallows access (such as a scheduled area being closed or weather prevents access). In cases such as this, the host may move the paint out to another location. In this event, please provide as much notice as possible.

Hosts or Co-Hosts:
1. Send an email reminder about your paint out within three to five days of when it is scheduled.
2. Hosts, please notify the group if participation at your paint out is restricted to a maximum number of painters due to limited parking availability (since there will likely be no car-pooling), or whether he or she chooses to invoke indoor Covid-19 restrictions as defined above.
3. Please send a list of paint out attendees to Lori Walters at loriwaltersabc@gmail.com for record keeping. Attendees, if for some reason you attend a paint out and the host is unable to attend for an unforeseen circumstance, please email Lori (loriwaltersabc@gmail.com) that you attended the scheduled paint out, so it will count towards our requirements of three paint outs per year for each member.
4. If possible, send photos of everyone's paintings (with artists' permission) via email to Barbara Klema (crimsonsageartyoga@hotmail.com) for inclusion in the monthly newsletter.


Most of all – have fun this year! Looking forward to seeing everyone doing what we so enjoy, painting nature!


On behalf of the 2026 steering committee: Linda Bonds, Barbara Tobin Klema, Fran Mayfield and Jane Mercer

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

February


Tuesday, February 10
Location: North Aztec Main Avenue Extension
Host: Portia Griefenberg - (505) 258-3418

Site Description: Lots of variety of plants along walkway. Covered tables and large cottonwoods along path to river and bridge
Critique Location: Parking area
Critique Topic: Creating a sense of place
Directions from Durango:
Take Highway 550 South to the light at Aztec intersection - Hwy 550 and 516 at Main Avenue.  Turn RIGHT between Subway and Anytime Fitness to roundabout with parking.
Directions from Farmington:
Take Highway 516 East to light at Aztec - intersection of Hwy 516 and Hwy 550.  Turn left to parking area.
Restrooms: Yes


Wednesday, February 25
Location: Old Fort Lewis College
Host: Steve Unger - (505) 334-83247

Site Description: Big vista to snow of the mountains, many old buildings, cottonwoods, oak brush.
Critique Location: Library
Critique Topic: Capturing winter and snow colors
Directions from Durango: Take La Plata Highway South to to the Research Center. Turn right at the entrance sign - CSU Research Center - or follow GPS.
Directions from Farmington: Drive north on the La Plata Highway. The CSU Research center will be on your left. Follow GPS to site
Restrooms: Office

March

Tuesday, March 10
Location: Choke Cherry Canyon, Glade Run Road, Aztec, NM
Host: Julane Jensen - (505) 333-5347‬ - and Lori Hewlett
Site Description: This location is a recreation area for rock climbing.  Glade Road is a well-maintained dirt road but be aware of surface conditions. There are areas of soft sand. The road winds up the canyon surrounded on either side by sandstone bluffs featuring hoodoos and some small arches. Various off-shoots along the road lead up to the top of the mesa for view down into the canyon or the La Plata Mountains in the distance.
Critique Location: Just after you turn onto Glade Road/CR1980, there is a cement pad with a shelter and parking area on the right.
Critique Topic: Use of warm and cool colors to model form
Directions from Durango: On the La Plata Highway, NM-10, turn left at Pinon Hills Blvd.  Proceed 3.7 miles to Glade Road.  Turn left into Chokecherry Canyon
Directions from Farmington: At the Safeway in Aztec, travel on NM516 9.4 miles to the stoplight intersection with Pinon Hills Blvd. Turn right. Travel 5.4 miles on Pinon Hills Blvd to Glade Road. Turn right into Chokecherry Canyon.

Wednesday, March 25
Location: On the road to Haviland Lake
Host: Helen Pruski - (970) 799-2989

Site Description: Wooded pond, views of Hermosa Cliffs, Engineer Mountain, barns, and horses, and old schoolhouse by Rockwood. Note that the gate will be closed to the lake but area in close proximity to US 550 will be accessible.
Critique Location: Parking area on right just before where the road is closed
Critique Topic: Colors of the season
Directions from Durango: North on 550. Haviland Lake sign on the right between mile marker 41-42.
Directions from Farmington: North on 550. Haviland Lake sign on the right between mile marker 41-42.
Restrooms: Behind snowy trees or bushes, or there is a gas station a couple of miles north of Haviland at the Needles Store.


April


Tuesday, April 7
Location: Farmington Museum
Host: Portia Griefenberg - (505) 258-3418

Site Description: Overview of the Animas River, trees, foliage, brush, flowers and sculptures.Take the walking path along the east side of the museum to the patio with benches, covered portico, terraced area, and riverside locations.
Critique Location: East parking lot at 12:30pm
Critique Topic:  Changing hues
Directions from Durango: Take Highway 550 south to Aztec; continue straight onto Hwy 516 Farmington.  Hwy 516 becomes same as East Main at Farmington city limits. Continue on East Main to museum, location across the street from Fiesta Mexican Restaurant.  Turn LEFT into the Museum, then LEFT into the east side parking lot.
Directions from Farmington: Follow the above directions.
Restrooms: Yes

Wednesday, April 22
Location: The Cove in North Dalton (741 Hermosa Meadows Road, Durango, 81301)
Host: Cindy Dunlay - (505) 850-8243

Site Description: Beautiful 11 acre wooded open space on the Animas River.
Critique Location: TBD
Critique Topic: Seasonal light
Directions from Durango: Head north on 550 towards Dalton Ranch. About 8.5 miles from City Market North, make the first right after Trimble Crossing (PJ’s) Shopping Center (long white fence) onto Hermosa Meadows Road. The house is at 741 Hermosa Meadows Road on the left side - a brown and tan house with a black bench on the front porch. 3-4 vehicles can park in our driveway. There is also parking in the cul-de-sac. Take gear behind house to large grassy/wooded area to Cove open space and river views.
Directions from Farmington: From 160W/550 North, head north on 550 for 14 miles. Make first right after Trimble Crossing Shopping Center onto Hermosa Meadows Road. The house is at 741 Hermosa Meadows Road on the left side. See above for further information.
Restrooms: Yes, inside house. Can access from rear patio door.

May

Tuesday, May 12
Location: Dallabetta Park (behind Home Depot), Durango, CO
Host: Sharon Abshagen - (970) 749-5960

Site Description: Rabbit brush to paint, access to the Animas river, purple cliffs.
Critique Location: Picnic table at the parking area
Critique Topic: River reflections
Directions from Durango: Turn at the light on 160/550 in front of Home Depot onto River Road. Then follow River Road over the bridge to La Posta Road (CR 213).  Turn right onto La Posta then immediately turn right into the Dallabettta Park parking lot. To access the north side of the Animas from River Road for a different view of the Purple Cliffs: after turning on to River Road (behind Home Depot), turn right just before the bridge onto Escalante Drive, then turn left onto River Oaks Drive. At the end of River Oaks Drive there is a small parking area and access to the river walk with views of the Cliffs.
Directions from Farmington: Drive to Durango. At Home Depot, follow the directions above.



Wednesday, May 27
Location: Judy Lane’s Place in McElmo Canyon - 16163 CR G - Cortez, CO
Host: Jan Goldman - (970) 764-0850

Site Description: Hidden among red slickrock and giant cottonwoods, there is a lot to choose from - big views, close views, old out-buildings, orchard and garden areas, views of Sleeping Ute.
Critique Location: TBD
Critique Topic: What intrigued and motivated you to paint your scene?
Directions from Durango: Take 160 west to Cortez.  Proceed through Cortez to intersection with County Road G and Cortez airport signage. Turn west for 9.7 miles, passing Road J, until you see three mailboxes on your right.  Look for a black mailbox with two addresses on it (15049 and 15057). Look for orange tape or bandana at this turn. Make a hard right and continue to go down into the canyon. When you get to a Y in the road, bear left towards the big trees at the dead end.
Directions from Farmington: Follow the directions above.
Restrooms: Yes


June


Tuesday, June 9
Location: La Plata Canyon
Host: Jane Mercer / Jeri Friesen -  (970) 759-1878

Site Description: La Plata Mountains, river, canyon, alpine trees, paint anywhere in the canyon
Critique Location: Snow Slide Campground
Critique Topic: Best use of color
Directions from Durango: Drive west on Hwy 160 to Hesperus. Turn north onto CR 124 at Kennebec Cafe. Drive several miles until  pavement ends on Forest Service land. Go through a couple of round parking areas. Paint anywhere in the canyon that appeals to you.
Directions from Farmington: Take NM-170 La Plata Hwy. Crossing into Colorado, NM-170 becomes Hwy CO-140 Turn left onto US-160 west, then take 1st right/ north onto CR 124 at Kennebec Café. Drive several miles until  pavement ends on Forest Service land. Go through a couple of round parking areas. Paint anywhere in the canyon that appeals to you.
Restrooms: Bushes and trees

Wednesday, June 24
Location: Lake Farmington
Host: Rod Hubble - (505) 215-9013

Site Description: Lake
Critique Location: At the red bandana and pergola
Critique Topic: Making color into artistry
Directions from Durango: Take LaPlata Hwy south, you may turn left at the 30th intersection heading east, up the hill and continue on Pinion Hills Blvd all the way around to East Main (LOWES will be on the right).  Turn left on East Main Street and continue approximately 11 miles to Lake Farmington on left (across from flea market site). Drive up the hill to ranger station on right. Pay $1 daily fee and continue all the way around the lake, approximately 3 miles. A red bandana flag will mark parking area, and there is ample parking all around the lake wherever you want to paint.
Directions from Farmington:  Travel east on Hwy 516 as if going to Aztec, 11-12 miles from Animas Valley Mall on East Main Street to Lake Farmington.  Turn left (across from flea market site). Drive up the hill to ranger station on right. Pay $1 daily fee and continue all the way around the lake, approximately 3 miles. A red bandana flag will mark parking area, and there is ample parking all around the lake wherever you want to paint.
Restrooms: Nearby

July


Tuesday, July 7
Semi-Annual Meeting and Potluck - Blue Lake Ranch
Hosts: Gayle Lewis and Fran Mayfield - (505) 947-7357

Site Description: Several ponds, La Plata River, buildings, gardens and mountain views
Critique Location: Event Center covered back porch *Buffet luncheon before critique. Please bring a dish to share.*
Critique Topic:  How to create artistry in the painting
Directions from Durango: Take Wildcat Canyon (141) west to the La Plata Highway (140) and turn right. A short distance after the La Plata River bridge look for sign “Ridgewood Event Center” and turn right. Parking is available at the end of the driveway (past the yellow house and event center).
Directions from Farmington: Take the La Plata Highway north to Hesperus. Turn right just after the La Plata River bridge. Look for sign “Ridgewood Event Center” and turn right. Parking is available at the end of the driveway (past the yellow house and event center).
*Remember NO PARKING ON GRASS anywhere along the way; owners request we use the back parking lot.*
Restrooms: Yes, in the Event Center

Wednesday, July 22
Location: Train Trestle Bridge (Rotary Park)
Host:  Tricia Hurley - (970) 275-4389

Site Description: The gazebo, river frontage, river and train trestle
Critique Location: The gazebo
Critique Topic: What to leave in…..what to take out
Directions from Durango: Rotary Park
Directions from Farmington: Take 550 North to Camino del Rio. Proceed to 15th Street, turn right. Go a short distance and turn left on Second Avenue. The park is straight ahead.
Restrooms: Yes


August


Tuesday, August 4
Location: Willow Bend on the River (Riverbend Subdivision)
Host: Lori Walters - (970) 749-2458

Site Description: The Animas River and mountains are in full display. Convenient painting area to set up. Parking is limited so please CAR POOL if you can.
Critique Location: On the grassy knoll
Critique Topic: Color harmony
Directions from Durango: At the intersection of 550 and 32nd Street, turn right. Proceed to East 3rd Avenue. Turn left. Follow this short road as it becomes Riverbend Road.  You will see a “private property” sign…ignore.  We have permission to paint at this location.  Drive a very short way and you are there.
Directions from Farmington: Drive north to Durango. Proceed to 32nd Street and follow the directions above.
Restrooms: No - City Market is close on 32nd Street

Tuesday, August 18
Details to follow regarding  Plein Air Exhibition at the Durango Arts Center

September

Tuesday, September 8
Location: Shanna Bird’s Home - 6034 Lake Woods Lane, Flora Vista, NM
Host: Marilyn Taylor - (505) 486-5359

Site Description: Estate on the Animas River, gardens, bridges, windmill, pond, open views of river, structures, etc. Lots of trees and covered patios for shade.
Critique Location: On the back patio
Critique Topic: Use of values
Directions from Durango: Turn left at the Flora Vista stoplight. Turn right onto CR 3520, drive approximately three miles and look for Lake Luther on the left side of the road. Turn left onto Lake Shore Drive, then turn right onto Lake Woods Lane. It is located right on the river - 6034 Lake Woods Lane.
Directions from Farmington: Turn onto Old Aztec Highway immediately east of Memory Gardens Cemetery. Drive to Lake Luther and turn right onto Lake Shore Drive, and then right onto Lake Woods Lane - 6034 Lake Woods Lane.

Restrooms: Home open for restrooms, etc.