Arizona Sun Break!

Dark, rainy and cold in Seattle,

I spent my first morning in Arizona

sitting and sketching by the pool

Not for long by the pool. We soon met up with

painter friends and headed for the Grand Canyon.

I tried a quick sunrise sketch, but the paint actually

froze on the paper. Beautiful pile of colored ice crystals,

but...they didn't last.

Did manage a quick color spot sketch in the sun.

The colors changed constantly. I don't remember

a more challenging subject to....."sketch"

Fresh snow on the rim was stunning!

The next day we were back down in the desert

painting the Four Peaks. A much longer

oil study is still unfinished.

At sunset, I sat down on the ground and did this

quick, much more relaxed play with color.

I love sketching!

My friend Susan's baby bouganvilla.....

We spent the next few days in Tucson, and each

morning walked to Raging Sage Coffee, with the best

scones ever! It is so great to be with artist friends

that want to sketch too!

The Arizona Inn is an old classical inn built in the

1930's. It is an elegant, colorful and immaculately

groomed site a short walk from our friends' house.

This got a bit overworked....yes.... I didn't want to

leave.

Pleasant memory.

Back in Phoenix, and 3 blocks of Harley's mostly,

for Biker Night in downtown Mesa. Chrome, lights and

rock bands on each corner, and, well people MY..age,

getting on these bikes .

This happens every month there, if anyone is

in the area, check it out! Sketch overload! Visiting with

family kept us on the move, this, a quick sketch!

Another must, along with the Phoenix Art Museum and

cruising through a handful of good Scottsdale galleries is the

Desert Botanical Garden. We hit a windy day, but

there are endless shapes and colors!

I want to go back!!