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!!!

The year of 2016 has been nothing but amazing thus far, beginning with winning a Best in Show, a Best in Landscape, a People's Choice and a Judge's Choice award! There were many adventures and events attended as well, including the Plein Air Convention and Expo held in Tucson, Arizona in April, the Bisbee Plein Air Festival in May, also in May I held my first ever plein air workshop with 10 students, and most recently I was super excited to participate in the Maynard Dixon Camp Out as a guest artist in Mount Carmel, Utah! What an amazing experience getting to see the grounds and studio of Maynard Dixon, not to mention meeting great artists! The landscape is of course gorgeous there in southern Utah and I got a lot of painting time in as well. This path with art continues to grow and expand and I am truly grateful for all of the support and encouragement along the way. I am fortunate to have met some amazing people that have helped me realize this dream of being a full tim...

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!

"Red Rock Country" 8" x 6" oil on canvas panel Up for auction! Click Here to see auction. Trying to capture the intense magic and beauty of Southern Utah's red rock country is most definitely a challenge. For me it's a real struggle to decide what to leave in and what to leave out. There is no way I can capture all the detail in those red rock mountains. I think this piece caught the essence of the place, though. This scene is near Escalante River.  This painting is up for auction on DailyPaintworks .

"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...