Jake Hinton • February 19, 2025
Plein Air Watercolor Painting Workshop with Geoff Allen
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Capture Nature's Beauty in Borrego Springs
When: March 9–11, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Where: Community Resource Center, 587 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004
Cost: $375 Members | $400 Non-Members
Register Here:
Borrego Art Institute
About the Workshop
Join renowned artist Geoff Allen for an immersive plein air watercolor workshop designed to enhance your outdoor painting skills. Perfect for all levels, this hands-on class focuses on simplifying the art of plein air painting into a few key steps:
- Finding a Subject: Learn to identify captivating scenes.
- Capturing Values: Use quick sketches to separate light from shadow.
- Simplifying Shapes: Streamline complex landscapes into cohesive compositions.
- Creating Dynamics: Add interest with hard vs. soft edges.
What You Need
To make your plein air experience seamless, Geoff recommends preparing the right materials. Watch his Watercolor Plein Air Set-up video for tips on choosing the best tools.
Why Borrego Springs?
Known for its clear skies and dramatic desert beauty, Borrego Springs is an ideal plein air destination. Capture stunning natural features like golden canyons, dynamic light, and vibrant landscapes.
Limited Spots Available
- Group Size: 8–12 participants
- Skill Level: Open to all levels
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, paint, and be inspired.
>>>
Reflections of Light: Geoff Allen Paints The Palms Pool
Learn More About Borrego Springs
Please join the Civic Foundation for its annual Old Borego Days celebration No, Borrego is not misspelled in the title above. This is the way Borrego was spelled back in 1928, when the first post office opened in what is now called “Old Borego.” The site is located at 1580 Rango Way. Please join the Civic Foundation for its annual Old Borego Days celebration of the historic heart of the Borrego Valley on Sunday, November 8, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The turnoff from Rango Way will be marked with a sign. Please note that no restrooms are available. Visitors will be able to enter the old post office and general store, originally run by Eslie Wynn, and view a fascinating video from the 1950s extolling the virtues of life in Borrego Springs. One of the first homes in Borrego Springs will also be open for public viewing, offering a nostalgic look back at life in the community’s earlier years. In addition, Borrego Springs Elementary School fourth graders, who study California history, will have their essays on display. Three students will receive awards for their writing on “Borego Now and Then.” Old Borego Days Sunday, November 8, 2026 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. 1580 Rango Way, Borrego Springs
Wednesday, September 16
Borrego Springs-made short film screens Oct. 11 St. Barnabas Episcopal Church will present the award-winning short film George & Rosa on Sunday, Oct. 11, from 1–2 p.m. as part of its “Who Is My Neighbor?” film and discussion series. Written, produced and directed by Borrego Springs resident Matt Bosson, the 24-minute drama follows George and Rosa, two people living on the margins who form an unexpected bond despite speaking different languages. The story explores loneliness, companionship and human dignity. George & Rosa was produced entirely in Borrego Springs, with local talent involved in the production and the Anza-Borrego desert serving as its backdrop. The film won Best Medium Short in the Reale Film Festival’s June 2026 Monthly Awards. Bosson worked for many years in television video playback on productions including 24, House MD and Grey’s Anatomy before relocating to Borrego Springs, where he teaches English and continues his filmmaking and music work. His previous short BAD was also filmed and premiered in Borrego Springs. The screening will be held at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 2680 Country Club Road, followed by a community discussion as part of the ongoing “Who Is My Neighbor?” series.
Anniversary celebration set for Nov. 21
Borrego Springs artist featured in regional landscape exhibition.
The season’s first exhibition will feature artwork inspired by the plants and animals of the natural world. The Borrego Art Institute is inviting artists to submit work for Of Earth & Sky, an exhibition centered on the plants and animals of the natural world. The exhibition will run October 17 through November 29, 2026 , at the Borrego Art Institute gallery, 665 Palm Canyon Drive in Borrego Springs. Artwork in any medium may be submitted. Artists may enter a maximum of two pieces, with work received at the gallery on October 10 and 11 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wall art must have wire on the back so it can be displayed using the gallery’s cable-and-hook system. All work must be clean, presentable and reasonably priced. BAI members pay no entry fee. Nonmembers pay $20 for each accepted work. The institute will not accept artwork that has previously been shown in the gallery. For questions or entry forms, contact Cody at gallery@borregoartinstitute.org. Summer Show Artwork Must Be Picked Up by October 11 Artists with work remaining in BAI’s Celebrating the Summer Show must pick it up no later than Sunday, October 11. Artwork may also be collected before that date. Beginning October 1, gallery hours are: Thursday–Saturday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. BAI Membership Borrego Art Institute members pay no entry fees for BAI exhibitions, with the exception of the Plein Air Invitational. A variety of membership levels are available. Borrego Art Institute 665 Palm Canyon Drive Borrego Springs, CA 92004
