River Trip Report
 	 
   

   

 
 

 	 
Our 2013 River trip was eventful and productive.
This year we had two boats, 10 days and 23 artists, including
instructor Kevin Macpherson. The two extra 'layover' days were
something I have pushed for years now, and finally this year we were
able to do it. This proved very popular with the artists. Twice during
the trip we spent two nights in one spot, with a full day of painting
in between. I managed to do about 14 total paintings on the trip, and
some artists did even more. A very productive expedition, including the
sketches and reference photos captured.
The trip was eventful as well. One of the largest rapids on the river
is Hance. Just after entering this monster, one of the boatmen (not the
captain, thankfully) got bounced out of the second boat and had to do
the 'Hance dance' swimming through the cold churning water until they
could pull him back in at the bottom of the rapid. Typically, one loses
muscle function after about 4-5 minutes in that water. Our boatman was
pretty cold upon rescue, but he thawed out and was ok in the end.
Later in the trip, one of the passengers took ill, and we had to do a
helicopter evacuation.  Just getting a signal on the satellite phone
proved difficult in that spot (Fern Glen, mile 168). The team leader
and I got on one of the boats and circled the bay for some time to get
through, but finally we did. Once we had a chopper on the way, everyone
worked together to form a 'bucket brigade' to wet down the beach that
became the landing zone. The gentleman was taken to the Flagstaff
hospital, and eventually made a good recovery.
The weather was great for most of the trip, though we had some rain and
strong wind one night. Most of us painted every day, and there were
some talented artists along. I enjoyed it very much and learned a lot.
I've already sold a few of my plein air pieces from the trip and just
completed a studio piece with another currently in progress on the
easel. I've added some photos from the trip to my Facebook
  page for those who would like to see them. Some
of my new paintings can be seen on my website here
 .
Next up for me is a quick trip to Michigan for my grandmother's 95th
birthday. Unfortunately she recently fell and broke her hip, so I'll be
visiting her in rehab.
Right after that, on June 15, I've been invited to have two paintings
in the annual auction at the Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff.
This has been a great event for me each year, and I'm honored to be
returning for a third time.

Coming up soon


I've been invited to teach a two-day workshop in Driggs, Idaho on July
24-25. This is the valley on the west side of the Tetons, almost west
of Jackson, Wyoming. It's a beautiful area, the class will be a lot of
fun (we even get to ride the ski lift to paint up high), and it's
followed by a plein air event. If you're interested, here's the link
 .

 

Koya Klips

 

Little Koya recently had her first play-date with her new boyfriend
Barney. He lives down the street and is about the same age and size as
our girl. They had a blast together.


 

   

 
 

 	 
CodyDeLong.com