By Roger Naylor
Castle Hot Springs Resort specializes in moments. Memorable moments, peaceful moments, moments of remarkable clarity.
Time spent at the award-winning resort can be measured in moments because the staff strives to keep each guest rooted firmly in the present. Experience it in the luxurious Arizona accommodations, in the hot springs, on the lush grounds, and at the dinner table. It is part of the philosophy of wellness that encourages everyone to slow down, let go of stress and anxiety, and savor the rich details of life.
It comes as no surprise that Castle Hot Springs has introduced a new activity designed to do all those things. The resort now offers Hike and Paint.
Just like it sounds, this plein air painting class is an eye-opening experience. It introduces guests to the stunning landscape of the Sonoran Desert and their creative spirit within, at the same time.
Plein air painting shakes off the confines of the studio. While the practice goes back centuries it is most closely associated with the French Impressionists. Their desire to truly capture the true ephemeral qualities of light led them to begin painting en plein air, which is the French expression for “in the open air.” Today plein air painting is a flourishing trend. It can be a rewarding and powerful experience for artists of all skill levels.
Lexi Lieffort, Activities and Adventures Guide, believes this is a perfect addition to the Castle Hot Springs menu of offerings.
“So often we are moving through nature, yet rarely in this day and age do we get to sit and observe nature” says Lieffort. “In this class, we witness how the sun changes your perception of the mountains and plants as time passes. You get to see animals that you may not have noticed, and most importantly, you get to create something that didn’t exist before.”
As far as resort amenities go, Hike and Paint is an ideal fit for Castle Hot Springs. It takes advantage of its exquisite desert setting, an abundance of trails, and an endless supply of dazzling natural light. Many guests are here hiking Arizona for the first time. It is astonishing to move through this otherworldly landscape defined by craggy cliffs and forests of towering cacti. Then once you stop moving, you set up your easel and begin studying the lavish details with fresh eyes.
“One of my favorite things about painting in nature is that you get to notice deeper aspects of color and create these hues while being in the landscape that you are painting,” says Lieffort. “It can be very therapeutic to mix the different shades of greens and colors of the earth and visually connect with them.”
The hiking destinations vary but one of the truly special spots can be found at the mouth of Crater Canyon. Not only does the location offer spectacular scenery but it also provides a glimpse into the storied history of Castle Hot Springs. Renowned painter Maxfield Parrish stayed at the resort in the early 1900s. One of his most notable works, titled “Arizona,” was said to be inspired by the landscape of Crater Canyon. The original painting with its vivid colors, striking rock formations, and mountains draped by clouds, is on display at the Phoenix Art Museum.
The Hike and Paint class is guided step by step and is available to all guests of the resort. No painting experience is required. It is simply a fresh adventure, a new way to explore what’s all around us. It’s a chance to be very much in that moment.
Leiffort reminds guests to choose their space. “It’s your world and you can include or leave out whatever you want. Be dramatic with colors and shade to help capture light and form. We go over color mixing, brush techniques, and composition decisions. But in the end, we encourage guests to just play and have fun.”
And who knows? Perhaps one day your work will hang in the Phoenix Art Museum. Then the guides at Castle Hot Springs will tell stories about your stay at this Arizona icon that does such a wonderful job of connecting guests to moments of wellness, moments of joy—and moments of sheer inspiration.