Plein Aire Tubac

Today we met at 8:00 to head south to The Country Shop where we were greeted by long time owner for a quick tour of the beautiful gardens and grounds behind the country shop.  There we many lovely settings and our group of ten quickly found their spots and began painting in all the different media.two hours later we packed up our gear and met under a lovely ramada for our critique.  Steve led the group  through each painting process whereby we all learned from each other.  

The Chicken Coop, aka The Playhouse

Colorado River Sketches- Grand Canyon National Park

I am just home from an awe inspiring 7 day whitewater rafting trip with Wilderness River Adventures on the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park. What beauty, interesting people & lots of new adventures. I took some time here & there to capture impressions of the canyon

DAY 1:  This was done on our first night in camp. It was a view from the river bank.  

DAY 2:  NAHKOWEAP  This sketch was completed about 1/8 mile from the river looking north toward the ancient granaries. I stayed behind to paint and most of the group hiked up to see them more closely. 

DAY 3:  119.8 MILE RIGHT CAMP 

We spent our third night with this view along the river. 

DAY 5-HIKE # 2

A beautiful waterfall appeared as we walked up a warm stream. It was welcome relief on a sunny hot day after the icy cold of the river. I sat on a rock in the shade and had a great time painting. Life is good!

DAY 5:  Hike #3

This was the most beautiful waterfall. Tons of water thundering down from bright reddish stone.  The spray from the waterfall nourished the ferns and flowers clinging to the rocks. Flitting around the spray & the flowers was a giant swallowtail and lizards scurried up & down the rock face. We spent an hour relaxing & enjoying the cool waters on a hot sunny day. 

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Paint Madera Canyon

On Tuesday a rare summer painting day in Southern Arizona. Six of the Santa Rita Plein Aire painters went up to the canyon early.  I had been itching to get out and paint again after a dry spell with the Arizona heat. Boy did it feel good to do some location work. Tomorrow we leave for a 7 day Colorado River whitewater trip and hope to do some watercolor sketches.  I'll post those when we return.