Kaia Thomas - A path with ART

"Escalante Pasture" 8x8 in. oil on canvas panel I was super excited to get notified not just once but twice in the same day that my little painting of Escalante had first been accepted into the small works show at TwoTen Fine Art Gallery in San Antonio, TX, and then got notified that it won a Judge's pick in DPW's monthly contest - a big thank you to judge Diane Hoeptner!   Escalante, Utah, is one of my all time favorite places and loved painting this scene... So happy!!!

Macario Pascual and myself painting the Escalante River at the Kiva KoffeeHouse I have just returned from yet another magical painting adventure in Escalante, Utah. It was my second year attending the Escalante Canyons Art Festival plein air competition.  Although I received no ribbons this year, I was, however, rewarded with beautiful scenery, new friendships, and wonderful hospitality. The people of Escalante, and the people volunteering and attending this festival, are largely the appeal for me going. The artwork produced and entered in this year's competition was truly incredible! View of the show It was challenging this year, with the wet weather, and some nagging health issues - however, I remained focused and excited throughout the experience! I painted several pieces, at several locations during the week long event, and here is a sampling of three of my favorites... "Backbone Bonsai" 10x8 in. oil on linen panel Available Pa...

"Twisted"                               8" x 6" oil on canvas panel Contact me for pricing and availability This old Juniper tree was located right next to our campsite while staying near Escalante, Utah. It really struck me with it's twisted, almost braided looking trunk. It had a very old and magical presence, like it had witnessed much in it's day. A definite must paint subject!

"Spencer Flats" 9" x 12" framed plein air oil on gesso board   Click here to see the auction! Starting bid is $125 So, back in September I attended the Escalante Canyons Plein Air Competition, where I ended up winning the Award of Merit! It was my first time visit to that part of Utah, with it's red rock canyons, and I must say, it did not disappoint! The land was breathtaking and magical, and to get to paint there for the art festival was like icing on the cake. "Spencer Flats", ( scene above ), was one of the many magical spots I got to paint in.  I really loved the complimentary colors that were naturally happening every where I looked. It wasn't hard to find a beautiful spot to paint. What was hard though, was the hurricane force winds that picked up that day, forcing me to seek protection behind the vehicle, where it was blocking the wind a little. All part of the charm of painting en plein air! This painting is up for auctio...