Spring - From the Desert to the Mountains!

So much has happened this Spring, that I just haven't taken the time to "blog" to you. Now I will add a little synopsis with some photos...

"Springtime at Cabeza Prieta" in a gallery wrapped canvas giclée was chosen by my friend, Dorothy,  for her newly decorated guest room. When she saw my post about "green is in!", she wholeheartedly agreed and painted the walls a beautiful shade of green that compliments this painting so well. 
Thank you, Dorothy!

The Artists' Spring Marketplace took me back to Flagstaff where I had a chance to share my new work with my Northland friends. I especially enjoyed sharing another mini painting in my "Slice of Arizona" series. This time it is the San Francisco Peaks. Framed at 5"x11", isn't it cute?  I plan to do some larger paintings in this series, but these minis are only available as originals.

Then we were off to Albuquerque for a special week with my son and family - more on that later. But I was also able to visit with a former co-worker from Scottsdale Healthcare and see how she had framed and hung her Limited Edition Giclée of  "Heidi's Peaches". Ann's kitchen walls are painted a soft yellow and this watercolor looked beautiful also!

Thank you, Ann for choosing one of my paintings!

Then, our special family time in ABQ was planned so we could attend Heidi's graduation from the College of Pharmacy, UNM! Our son, Shane and their 2 boys, Ian and Cade show how proud we all are of Heidi!

I'll close now with a reminder about my Etsy Shop. It is growing and getting lots of attention from other Etsy fans. I hope you will follow me on this new endeavor at www.Etsy.com/Shop/CatherineSickafoose Thanks for all your support!

Hidden in the Hills - Balancing Rock Studio

Hidden in the Hills Tour - second weekend - start at Balancing Rock Studio #3. We all will be waiting for you - Betsy, Judith, Joan, Cathy, Gary and me! And ready to show you our art in a variety of mediums. http://on.fb.me/T8wWRf @hiddeninthehills

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!

Merry Christmas!

"Snowy Day in Sante Fe" (image 22"x28")

Warm wishes for the holidays as you prepare to celebrate with your loved ones. This is such a special time of year with so many wonderful events and occasions for us to gather together. May you have some time to reflect and remember the little things that make your day as well as this holiday season special.

I am grateful for all of you and your continuing interest and support. Thank you for allowing me to share my watercolors with you and yours, for taking me into your homes and special spaces,and for your ideas and suggestions. You make it all so worthwhile for me to continue creating!

Christmas hugs!

Guest Artist in my Studio

I had a special guest in my studio today - my little granddaughter was visiting and asked to paint at my table. Yes, she did a watercolor! Actually, it turned out to be a mixed media with a picture of a guinea pig "collaged" onto it (in anticipation of a birthday trip to the pet store). What fun to see my grandkids enjoying painting as much as I do!

Happy New Year!

"Hurry Up Bella!" (image 16"x20")

Here is the watercolor painting that I was commissioned to do for a special Christmas present. If you look closely, you will see Bella, the family's golden retriever - she is always being asked to hurry and catch up with everyone. (I actually learned that little fact after I had finished the painting and titled it!) The setting is the desert outside of Tucson in the Rincon Mountain area. A beautiful place for a hike and a great setting for the painting! I planned this composition from an assortment of photos that were provided of the different family members on various hikes. It was fun putting them together and deciding just how I would portray them. Everyone enjoyed finding themselves in the painting and, all in all, it was a great surprise for their Grandma to present to them! (Perhaps this will give you an idea of a painting you would like to have me do?)

I hope everyone is getting off to a wonderful new year and working hard at all those resolutions! But not too hard - it's still just January! I am having fun working on some new paintings and look forward to sharing them with you soon. Thanks for your wonderful comments and emails. I love hearing from you!

Museum of Northern Arizona

Last weekend , we put up a new show at the Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff. The Museum Bookstore has been carrying my cards and small wrapped giclées for some time. Now I am so excited to have the opportunity to display my framed watercolors as well!

Here John is hanging the paintings which were chosen to reflect subjects related to the Museum and Northern Arizona. Marilyn, Museum Volunteer on duty, was a big help to us with the display. First chance that you get, be sure to stop into the Museum on Fort Valley Road to see the wonderful collections and exhibits and don't forget the Bookstore!

Spring Studio Update

"Lookit Me" (original 12"x 9")

Greetings Art Friends!

I hope you are enjoying the mild temperatures and sunny days. My sweet peas are blooming and smell absolutely wonderful! Such a treat! (I realize that you folks up north will have to wait a little longer for these joys. Maybe a floral watercolor would hurry Spring along for you.)

This is my first newsletter for 2009 and I have some exciting news to share with you.

1. "Lookit Me!" was painted from a photo taken of my grandson, Cade, while hiking on the Veit Trail, north of Flagstaff, last Fall. It was such fun to paint and makes me think that some of you probably have a special photo that you would love to have a watercolor painting of to cherish for years to come. My schedule is a little freer this year to accommodate such projects.

2. Speaking of schedules, my website calendar has been updated and ready for you to view at www.CatherineSickafoose.com.

3. Check it out soon so you don't miss the Peoria Fine Art Show next weekend! I will be showing a select group of watercolors in the Arizona Art Alliance Tent in the Municipal Complex. All the details are available on my website. It's a 3 day event with a reception on Friday evening, March 13th. Would love to see you there!

4. While you are in the Northwest Valley, stop by Sun Valley Quilts at 9857 W. Bell Rd. (623-972-2091). They are the newest shop to carry my "Fine Art Fabric Giclées" and have a large selection available. Pillows, wall hangings and table runners make wonderful accents for your home. (You can continue to find the fabric giclées at the Quilted Apple in Phoenix, Zoe's Trunk in Chandler and the Quilter's Store and Gallery in Sedona.)

Thanks for sharing your email address with me so I can keep you up to date. I promise to keep it confidential.
Warm hugs, Catherine