Merry Christmas!

Sending you Christmas greetings with my "Christmas Tree Angel" ©2001 - still one of my favorite watercolors! Wishing you the Peace, Joy and Love of Christmas for you and all your loved ones. Thank you all for your interest and support in my work.

Hidden in the Hills in full swing!

Hidden in the Hills Artists Studio Tour started today and continues through Sunday with another 3 days next weekend. Here is part of my set up at Studio #6 at Painted Hills Studio. It was a beautiful day and we got to meet lots of visitors doing the tour.
Everyone was encouraged to sign up for our studio drawing - just look at this gift basket! (Drawing will be held at the end of the 6th day - next Sunday.) You can see the tour map and directory at www.HiddenInTheHills.org.

Hidden in the Hills almost here!!!

Go to www.HiddenInTheHills.org for all the details and plan your tour with Studio#6 as your starting point! That's easy to do with it at the top of the map!!! We have 5 artists - Carole Matthews is our host in her beautiful studio along with Lynda Abare, Marjorie Rogers, Catherine Ross and myself representing a variety of mediums. Choose your day - November 18, 19, 20 and November 25, 26, 27, 10 am to 5 pm! Bring your friends and plan to be wowed!

Snowy Days and Shopping!

Saturday was a beautiful day to get into the holiday shopping spirit. The Flagstaff Artists Coalition Holiday Art Fair was the perfect reason to get out in the snow. Thank you everyone for coming out and supporting the local artists! And thank you dear art friends, new and "old", for visiting my booth!

Eight - Arizona PBS AZ Artbeat Watercolor Workshop!

This workshop was held October 22 in the PBS Eight Studio in the Walter Cronkite Building on the ASU Phoenix campus. The participants were given several ideas, technics and tips before working on their own watercolors. The completed paintings were then placed in a presentation kit for taking home by the proud artists. It was a fun day introducing some folks to the magic of watercolor painting. Special thanks to Priscilla Lundberg for assisting me! My new "Dreamy Draw Overlook" painting (image 16x20) was on display as an example of our wonderful Sonoran Desert landscape in transparent watercolor. See the album of photos on my facebook page Snapshots in Watercolor.

Arizona Watercolor Association Fall Juried Show

Just received the Award of Excellence for "Eagle's View of Verde Valley" at the AWA Fall Juried Show tonight at the Fountain Hills Community Center! It feels good to be included with the top artists. There are many beautiful paintings to see, and the show will be up for another week. Take a drive out to the east Valley and you can also see the famous fountain!

Watercolor West Juried Show

It was a wonderful weekend in Brea, California! I was delighted to be a part of such a prestigious art show at the City of Brea Art Gallery with my painting "With Sunshiny Faces". All of the paintings meet the criteria for "transparent watercolor". The show will be up now through December 16th if any of you are able to see it.

Daffodils for the winners!

"Daffodils in Crystal" was the watercolor giclée selected by both of the winners in my guest list drawing from Flagstaff Open Studios. I mailed the second one off to Elaine W. in Scottsdale this week. Guess we all enjoy a little "spring sunshine" no matter what time of year it is! Congratulations again to the winners!

Original Painting - Ponderosa Hustle

Thought you might like to see the actual painting (image 12x10) that the Arboretum cropped for their poster. The full size original painting is being raffled this week. Don't miss out!

The Ponderosa Hustle in Flagstaff

It was a beautiful morning in Flagstaff - perfect weather for the first race held by the Arboretum at Flagstaff. No, I didn't participate as a runner, but I did enjoy the enthusiasm and energy of those involved. And I was thrilled to have painted the image for their posters advertising the race. The original painting is being raffled this coming week as part of the fundraiser event; it's not too late to call the Arboretum (928 774 1442) and buy some raffle tickets!

Let's Sit Among the Lavender!

Here is the painting that I was working on for my demo at the Flagstaff Open Studios - finally completed! I was sorry to not have time to work on it, as much as I would have liked to, during the weekend that so many were visiting. The image is 11"x13". Doesn't it look like a heavenly spot to sit awhile? And to think that it's another beautiful landscape in Arizona!

Update on Flagstaff Open Studios 2011

Here's a little peek at part of my studio set up - guess we were just getting ready to hang some of my award ribbons when John took this shot. It was a terrific weekend with lots of guests stopping by (familiar faces as well as new friends). Everyone loved the variety of art items available; it's always fun to watch folks find the perfect treasure to take home. (And to see their faces when they step in the door to our wall to wall display of watercolors!) Samples of Marie's PB&C Oat Bars were a big hit as well as the free recipe on her special notecard, A Geranium for Marie. Jenny F. from Tucson was one of the winners for the guest sign-in drawing and her little giclée of Daffodils in Crystal is being mailed off to her. (Still waiting to hear back from our second winner.) I'm just about rested up and have decided to keep my studio set up for this weekend in case you missed out and would like to stop by. Just give me a call!

Watercolor images on tiles!

Last minute preparations are underway for Open Studios in Flagstaff next weekend, August 27th and 28th, 10 am to 5 pm. My studio is #27 this year on the map which you can download at www.flagstaff-arts.org or pick up a brochure, available throughout Flagstaff. I will be introducing a brand new product - tiles with several different images. Here are just 2 of several available. They are bright and shiny, very eye catching and perfect for displaying on a shelf or desk. Come and see what I have and give me suggestions for other images that you might like for gifting to someone special or maybe keep for yourself!

Preludes to Flagstaff Open Studios

"Twilight at McMillan Mesa" (image 20x26)

Prelude for Open Studios, the reception this Saturday, 6-9 pm at the Coconino Center for the Arts in Flagstaff is being hung this week. We did take in on Monday and there is a wonderful variety of art being exhibited - one piece from each artist participating in the open studio weekend. The exhibit will continue to be open, Tuesdays - Saturdays, through September 1oth. This will give you an opportunity to see the various artists' work and to plan your route for the big weekend! Of course, #27 (my studio) should be your first stop!

"Twilight at McMillan Mesa" is the watercolor that I am showing at Preludes. I just completed it this last week after several evening walks on the mesa. The sunsets over the Peaks are breathtaking, especially now that our monsoon season is here.

Acceptance into Watercolor West Juried Show!

"With Sunshiny Faces" image 14x22

Wow! I have just received notice that this painting, "With Sunshiny Faces", has been accepted into Watercolor West, an International Transparent Watercolor Society. Their annual show is held at the City of Brea Art Gallery, California. This year the show runs from October 15th to December 18th, 2011. Acceptance into the show gives me the status of Juried Member in the society! The original watercolor will be exhibited in the show as well as published in the catalogue. (Giclées of this painting may be ordered on canvas or watercolor paper.)

Tomato Bonanza!

"Tomato Bonanza" image 15x23

After a visit to the Farmer's Market a week ago, I arranged my beautiful heirloom tomatoes into a still life set up for a new painting. "Tomato Bonanza" is the result! Do you have a special spot for this in your kitchen/dining room? You can see it soon at Brandy's Restaurant.

Longing for Cooler Days?

Just finished this little watercolor "Snow Shadows" (image 12x6). With my show at Brandy's up for an extended time, I'm working on new paintings to add as pieces sell and keep the show fresh. So look for this one soon!

the Noise arts and news, July issue!

Here is the ad in the July 2011 issue of "the Noise arts & news". There is also a write up about the show in the Arts Column by Clair Anna Rose. Clair titled it "Beauty and Heart" - I love it! (The Noise is a monthly publication delivered to various businesses throughout Northern Arizona. Sorry their website is not up and running yet for on line reading. Try to pick one up if you are in the high country.) Thank you Clair for the beautiful description of my painting "Reflections and Refractions". It was fun and challenging to paint it! And what is more beautiful than the sun reflecting off Waterford crystal? (I do have giclées of this painting available; the original is being held for a juried show at this time. More on that later.)

"Reflections and Refractions" image 16x20

Brandy's Show is Up!

We finally did it! The show is up and ready for you as you sip and dine at Brandy's Restaurant in Flagstaff. The staff did a great job of helping us along with my husband, John, and grandson, Zach. Our granddaughter, Rachel, was with us as well and spent the time coloring away working on her own masterpieces! So here I am with my painting "Flagstaff Fourth" - the focal point for the show. It will be fun to hear the local folks comments as they check it out. I'll post more paintings as the month progresses. And the most exciting news of all...Brandy has extended the show until August 22nd!!! Wow! Now you really will have plenty of time to stop by.

ps: Don't hurry through the foyer too fast - there are some great little miniatures on the pantry shelf along with another special July 4th painting of Brandy's!

Posters Going Up!

Here is my poster for Brandy's show, designed by Jennie Johnson. Isn't it beautiful? Love the sunflowers - always a favorite in the Northland! Just finishing up the last minute details before we hang the show on Monday afternoon. I have some great surprise pieces that are really going to personalize this show to Brandy's and the 4th of July celebration. Also waiting for the website updates on Brandy's website and the July publication of the Noise... I'll keep you posted!

Getting Ready for the 4th!

This is a little detail of my painting for the centerpiece at my show at Brandy's Restaurant this year. I am so excited to be showing my work over the July 4th weekend, so I have created a special watercolor from the Flagstaff parade last year. Hope you are planning on a visit to Brandy's - show opens on June 28th! Just 2 weeks to go...

"October Snow" - Weekend Special on giclée prints

"October Snow" image 20"x26"

Last minute preparations for the Flagstaff Artists' Marketplace Booth Show tomorrow are underway. The show will be at the Elk's Lodge on North San Francisco Street from 10 am to 4 pm. I wanted to share this special 30% off pricing on the giclées of this new painting with my internet and blogger friends too. This weekend only the full size 20"x26" (print only) is $192.50 - price after May 2nd is $275.00 And the 16"x20" size (print only) is $136.50 - price after May 2nd is $195.00.

I have included all this on my newsletter blast, so if you didn't get it and want to be on my mailing list, just send me an email. Look forward to hearing from you. If you are able to make it to the show, I other "goodies" too!!!

Presentation for P.E.O. Chapter AY

This is a slide show that I presented recently to my P.E.O. Chapter demonstrating how I put together my photos for a painting of Hart Prairie. After several hikes along the Arizona Trail in the Hart Prairie area of the San Francisco Peaks, I chose the photos and arranged them in a collage to prepare my design. You can see how this process helps me to plan a unique composition. Then I proceeded with the drawing and painting... "Hart Prairie After the Summer Monsoon" was a special commission that I completed last summer.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Here's a little valentine for all my art lovers! This painting titled "Fireworks" is available as an original watercolor (image 7x10)and shows off the colorful California poppies in unique red hues. Perfect for a special valentine!

If you are still looking for ideas - I have gift certificates for you that can be designated for a commission or a framed giclée or original that is ready for delivery. Look forward to hearing from you!

ps: My award winning painting "Blanket Flowers II" that was featured at the SAL Small Works Show is also available and those red and yellow blanket flowers are always a favorite!