GIBBON WORKSHOP FIELD GUIDE
Nature’s Canvas on the Platte: Plein‑Air Watercolor with Dr. David Wiebe
A focused, two‑hour plein‑air watercolor workshop at Rowe Sanctuary led by Dr. David Wiebe—this guide explains what to expect, where you meet, and how to prepare.
Nature’s Canvas on the Platte: Plein‑Air Watercolor with Dr. David Wiebe.
Capture the spare, shifting light of the Platte River during crane season in a short, instructor‑led plein‑air watercolor workshop. Participants paint outdoors along the riverbank when weather permits, or work inside with sweeping views from the Rowe Visitor Center; the session blends field observation and practical watercolor technique under the direction of an experienced instructor.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Platte River at Crane Season
The workshop places you on the Platte during crane season, where broad water and sky, migrating birds, and ephemeral light become the subject for quick, observational watercolors.
Guided by Dr. David Wiebe
Led by Dr. David Wiebe, a retired orthopedic surgeon and accomplished watercolorist from Kearney, Nebraska, the session emphasizes transparent watercolor techniques and painting directly from the scene.
Rowe Sanctuary and MONA Collaboration
Presented by the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary in partnership with the Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA), the workshop pairs local conservation landscape with a museum‑led arts program and includes an indoor option at the Rowe Visitor Center when weather forces a move inside.
What the day feels like
What the workshop feels like
The two‑hour session is compact and practice‑oriented: participants gather at the Rowe Sanctuary visitor center, then set up on the riverbank to work rapidly from life, observing shifting light and atmosphere. If conditions make outdoor painting impractical, the class relocates indoors to the visitor center and paints from its views. Instruction focuses on translating immediate impressions into transparent watercolor studies under the guidance of Dr. Wiebe.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this workshop suits—and when to consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Friday, March 13, 2026 — 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. The session runs approximately two hours.
Plan to arrive 10–15 minutes before the scheduled start time to check in at the Rowe Visitor Center and settle before the workshop begins.
The workshop is plein‑air but includes an indoor option at the Rowe Visitor Center if weather prevents outdoor painting; check registration materials for any last‑minute location updates.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
When should I arrive?
Please plan to arrive 10–15 minutes prior to your start time to check in.
When and how long is the workshop?
The workshop takes place Friday, March 13, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and runs approximately two hours.
How much does the workshop cost?
Cost is $30 per adult and $30 per young adult (ages 14–17).
What happens if the weather is bad?
If weather conditions are unfavorable the workshop will be held indoors at the Rowe Visitor Center where participants can paint from the center’s views.
Who is the instructor?
The workshop is led by Dr. David Wiebe, a retired orthopedic surgeon and watercolor artist based in Kearney, Nebraska, known for his transparent watercolor work.
How do I request accommodations?
Please indicate requests for accommodations when registering so the staff can prepare any necessary adjustments.