Catching Up

Summer in Arizona is always hot...but this year they are predicting a hotter than normal summer. We have had a very good start with a number of days over 110. Mornings are wonderful to be outside enjoying the Sonoran Desert....but midday my studio is a great place to be! I have been using the studio time to do some catchup in the form of pieces that were close to completion plein air...but needed some fine tuning and polishing.

Bagno Vignoni Cottage was done in Italy on a day that went from sunny to rainy to cloudy and back to sunny. Luckily my choice of painting position was located under an overhang on a building that allowed me to keep painting as others packed up quickly and ran for cover. This cottage was so picturesque with the reflections in the water, the beautiful old stone and the lush spring vegetation, that it begged to be painted.

Oak Creek Rapids is a piece that was also done plein air in the Sedona area. I found a spot on a large rock on the bank of the creek with the delightful rapids due to rocks and logs right in front of me. I was intrigued if I could capture the action of the rapids.....I am pleased with the results. Sedona is known for the red rocks...but Oak Creek has pulled me to the pastels more than once.