Sedona Apricot Copse

I found another infatuation when I was in Sedona this year. I still think about it. It was a small grouping of trees that had an apricot gold color.  To make it even better they were in a field of long naples yellow grasses. My heart was on fire!!!!!

While the paintings from that trip have already found their forever homes, I look at the photos I took of them and dream of new ideas. I thought I would share a couple of my favorites. Be on the look out you may see more new works soon.

a painting has a secret

A little while ago I was looking through my old sketchbooks. There I found an interesting note, "A great painting has a secret. A secret the viewer wants to know." That one line struck me as the most important thing.  Just painting what you see is boring (to me). Find what drives you to paint and paint that concept. Leave space in that painting for the viewer to exist in his/her imagaination.

Here is the scene as I saw it up on top of the airport mesa in Sedona. I painted it each sunrise when I was there. The coyotes would howl and the rabbits would zig zag through the grasses. It was moister than usual in the desert since we had rain that week.The stillness was sweet.

A question to ask yourself each and every time you paint....why do I need to paint this? What is it saying to me?

unusual metamorphosis

8x8 pastel

Just returned from Sedona and the Plein Air Festival. It's always quite beautiful there. But this year, due to the rain and clouds, I especially resonated to the fields of cooler colors.

 I do love these events due to the people. Whether it is the artists, the organizers, the host families, or the town people, it's these people that make it all worth it. I enjoying returning year after year to the same event. It takes time to have places that I can't wait to see and paint. These are places where I have a relationship and a love for the space.

This particular painting had an usual metamorphosis. The watercolor underpainting was done and the pastels placed on top, but I couldn't get it to work. Finally the paper would take no more pastel. I didn't want to give up. In my bag I found a small jar of clear gesso. I took the risk of just painting some on in all the areas I wanted to rework. At first it looked horrendous- dark and splotchy. (I should have taken a photo of that step!) Then gradually I built it up to say what I wanted. It was a risk, but as I tell myself, "it's not precious till it is beautiful. What have you got to lose?"

Off to Sedona Plein Air Festival

pastel 8x8

Today I am off to Sedona, Arizona for my fourth year. Yay! I love this festival!

Sedona is an absolutely beautiful place, filled with gorgeous landscape, hiking trails everywhere and really nice people. While most people go to look at the majestic red rocks, I go for the soft ,golden fields. This painting (above) was my favorite from last year's festival. This year the festival has an unusual twist. For the first half of the week there will also be figurative artists painting in the "speakeasy." I will still be out in the fields during this time, but will be sure to check in to see what they are up to.
If you are in the area, please make a point to drop by. Message me through my website and I will make a point to meet with you. If you want to know more here's the link to the festival.

Sedona Plein Air Festival recap

12 x12 pastel

The past week at Sedona was absolutely amazing! I was on a roll with fields and trees. Rather than move around to different places in the Sedona area I find that I do better when I nest. I need to form a relationship with the area I paint. That is why I travel to the same areas (the exact same fields)  to paint each year. I don't try to paint the place, rather the poetry of the place. I never get bored of my locations, I simply know it better, like a lover or a best friend. In Sedona I found my place out by Cottonwood. For three years, I have traveled to these fields. Yes, the red rocks are gorgeous, but they are not me.
At the Sedona Plein Air Festival there were many events and receptions. On Thursday night, at the Alcantara Vinyards, I was shocked and honored to learn, that this painting (titled "Out Standing in my Field") won the Guerrilla Paint Out Prize. Yay! Thank you Carl Judson for noticing my work!
One of the treasures of being part of on of these festival/competitions is the people.
First, I had an amazing host- Dana. Each night, when I returned from painting, we would drink tea and chat. Nice. I have many new artist friends as well. Often we painters work in isolation (I always do), so these times are precious. Thank you to all my new friends!
Next post I will tell you some of the new things I learned.
Toodles for now!

Sedona Plein Air Festival 2014

pastel, 7.5x15.5

I am now at Sedona Arizona for their wonderful plein air festival. My first visit was to my favorite field.
Here is the schedule for the festival. Please do come by if you can, I would love to meet you!

Main Street Paint Out

Saturday, October 18 1:00–4:00 p.m.

The Festival’s opening event is the popular Main Street Paint Out, a chance to see artists at work on their paintings all along uptown Sedona on both sides of 89A. The sales and awards for the finished paintings happen in front of the Sedona Arts Center Gallery at 4:00 p.m. Awards will be presented by Guerrilla Painter and Gamblin Oils. We then roll into the opening reception in the Art Barn 5:00–7:00 p.m.The exhibition event is thus constantly evolving and open 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. daily throughout the week.

Paint-Out in Jerome

Tuesday, October 21 Jerome Chamber hosts a morning paint out in the streets of Jerome 9–noon. See tent at main parking in Jerome to locate artists who will be spread over the main streets and alleys of Jerome. Also be sure to get your free ticket for the afternoon winetasting at Cellar 433. After lunch from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Join us at Cellar 433 where artwork from the day’s painting will be available for viewing awards and purchase. Free wine tasting provided by Cellar 433. Awards will be presented by Guerrilla Painter and Gamblin Oils.

Wine and Art Tour Page Springs Cellars

Wednesday, October 22 – Learn - the history, culture & process of winemaking from grape to bottle. Taste - award winning wines, including a special tasting pulled directly from barrel. Tour - our beautiful grounds including our estate vineyards, cellar, barrel room and crushpad. $40 per person

Tour originates at the Sedona Arts Center with a short guided tour of the plein air galleries where you will receive an insider's look at various styles and approaches among this years artists. This part of the tour is led by Vince Fazio, Director of the School of the Arts and Chairperson of the Sedona Plein Air Festival.
Tour at the winery will include souvenir wineglass and flight of 5 wines including a special tasting pulled right from the barrel. Learn about the process from grape to glass.
Vineyard tour will last about 40 minutes leaving about 40 minutes for you to explore the vineyard and see a selection of this years invited plein air artists working on their paintings at various stages of completion.
Return to Sedona Arts Center while enjoying a special snack. Total time 2.5 to 3 hours. This tour will deliver you to the Sedona Arts Center in time to go have dinner on your own and return to the Arts Center for Jim McVicker's keynote presentation at 7:00 p.m. (keynote presentation is free and open to the public)

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A Confluence of the Senses Thursday, October 23 “Art and Wine: A Confluence of the Senses” is celebrated at Alcantara Vineyards at the confluence of the Verde River and Oak Creek (3445 S. Grapevine Way, Cottonwood, AZ 86326).

Exclusive viewing of artwork by the 30 Sedona Plein Air Festival artists from the afternoon and evening "Paint Out at the Vineyard." Sponsors for this event include:

• Alcantara Vineyards
• Chef Chris Debrowolski from SchoolHouse Restaurant
• Wendy White - owner of Abineau Lodge
• Desirable Dessert by Jeff Webner

Schedule of the evening's events:

4:00 p.m. Arrive at Alcantara Vineyard - choose your first glass of wine and tour the artists as they finish their landscape paintings.

5:00 p.m. Artists present their work available for purchase on "The Lawn" at Alcantara. Canapés and wine pairings available. Five awards will be made presented by Randy Higbee of King of Frame and Carl Judson of Guerrilla Painter. All gathered will vote on a painting to be used as a label for a special blend that will be created from this years wines. Owners of the painting will have the option of participating in the creation of the "Confluence of the Senses" blend which will be on sale next year.
6:00 p.m. Shelby Keefe performs "Beats and Brush-strokes" a vivacious 20 minute painting process set to her own music. Browse the art work mingle with the artists and discuss your favorite paintings and pairings as Shelby completes her a 30 x 30 inch painting.
7:00 p.m. Soft closing as you gather your new art, perhaps a special bottle of wine and a sense of a complete experience of culture, art, music and food. 

Cost $75.00 per person
Includes: Commemorative Crystal Stem Wine Glass; two full pours of your choice of a number of wines plus wine samples presented as pairings with three specially prepared canapes by local chefs exclusively for this event. (other foods available as well)

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Awards Night

Friday, October 24 Awards night begins with a private one-hour preview for past patrons, purchase award buyers and special guests. The event is then open to the public and sales are quick. Various awards are given throughout the evening including Collector’s Choice based on ballots from guests. Artist’s Choice based on a body of work and judged only be the participating artists.  Festival Keynote, Jim McVicker will choose Best of Show and four merit awards. The Arts Center staff will choose a poster award and various other purchase awards and sponsor awards are given. 

Final Public Sale

Saturday, Oct 25 is the final sales day of the event. The public is welcome to browse and purchase from 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

5 reasons to do plein air events

 

1. You meet awesome people.
2. You paint your A game.
3. You see a portion of the talent out there.
4. You get new ideas, learn new things and open up your thinking.
5. You work hard AND have fun.

Sorry about the quality of my images. They are all from my iphone. More images later.

Sedona Plein Air, October 19- 26, 2013

one of last year's Sedona paintings

another Sedona painting from last year

The time is here. The boxes have been sent. Sedona Plein Air. I love this place: the fields, the rocks, the light, and the people.
Please come visit and say hi. Here's a link to find out more.
The schedule:

·       Paint Out on Main Street – Saturday, October 19 (1:30 – 4:00 p.m.).  Sale at the Arts Center immediately following.  Reception for exhibition from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.)

·       Paint Out in Jerome –Tuesday, October 22, all day

·       Artists Paint in Sedona Area – Sunday, Monday, Tuesday Thursday and Friday

·       Quick Paint at Sedona Heritage Museum - Wednesday, October 23, (10 –  Noon). Open to the public, we will provide period models and props as well as Red Rock vistas.  Sale immediately following on the Museum Grounds.

·       Keynote Speaker – Wednesday, October 23, (7:00 p.m.) features Jill Carver “Plein Air to Studio Work” open to the public. Wine reception following in our Special Exhibition Gallery.

·       Native American Celebration  - Thursday, October 24 (TBD)Paint Out at Montezuma’s Castle and Montezuma’s Well Evening Awards Ceremony and Spoken Word Event at Canyon Moon Theatre.

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·       Preview Party and Awards Presentation - Friday , October 25, 5 – 8 p.m. at the Arts Center, SEG and Theatre Studio. Patrons Preview  Party with wine tasting, cheese and hors d’oeuvre.

Final Public Sale Day – Saturday, Oct 26 10 a.m. – 3 p.m

sedona 2

 Finally I visited the red rocks of Sedona. They were so foriegn at first (still are actually.) It really makes me realize how a painter's choice of subject matter is like a relationship. You wouldn't kiss someone right away...you have to get to know them. Understand a little about them. Know what makes them tick. It's the same with painting... or writing...or probably any creative endeavor. That relationship (painter to subject) is an intimate bond. You have to really feel passionate about your subject. That said, I LOVE a good field.

Today all 30 painters will be at the Quick Draw from 10-12. If you are in town drop by and visit. We will be at the Sedona Heritage Museum.

One last note... yesterday I was down at the cathedral rocks and happened upon this friend... a rattlesnake on the rocks.

sedona

 

The landscape of Sedona is absolutely beautiful. The Sedona Arts Center folks run a great event- the Sedona Plein Air Festival. Right now there is a show of all the artists' work on display. As we finish work it too will go to the gallery. Drop by if you can. I am honored to be invited to be part of this group of amazing painters!

Here are couple from today's work. I will write more when I have time.

sedona plein air schedule

Here is another western sky.


I am in Sedona checking out the scene before the event.
Here is the schedule of the week's events.
Please drop by if you can.

October 20 1:00 Main Street Paint Out –Sales area will be one block from the Sedona Arts Center on 89A.
5:30 – 7:30 Reception in the SEG.
There will be a plein air show of  the artists' work throughout the week.

October 21, 22, 23, 24 Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday -  painting freely in the landscape.
Wednesday 7:00 pm Keynote presentation Kathryn Stats – “Its Only Paint”
Wine reception following.

October 25, Thursday   9:00 – 1:00pm Historic ‘Quick Paint’ at Sedona Heritage Museum – Arizona is celebrating its Centennial this year so the theme and location of this Paint Out on Jordan Road will include period Still-Life, Models in period costume, Horse and Buggy and Old Barn. Artists will engage in a quick draw event at the location from 10 – 12, sale following immediately! 
This is a scary one for me!

October 26, Friday – paintings to SEG 4 – 6 pm

October 27, Saturday – 10 – 4pm Galleries Open
Noon – 4 pm Wine Tasting provided by local wineries.
4 – 5:30 Live Auction -
5:30 – 7:30 Exclusive Patrons and Artists After-Party

Here is a link where you can get more info.