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.