Near Sedona, Red Rock Formations

One of hundreds of red rock formations around

the Sedona, AZ area.  Being from the midwest this area

was very exciting for me and not the typical landscape.

This was started as a plein air piece and then finished

at the home where we were staying.  Such a variety of colors

caused me to change my entire palette to get what I was

looking for.  Course I was on the constant lookout for 

Rattle snakes.  I found it was hard to paint while

looking over your shoulder and around your feet.

One guide told me he had been hiking the trails for 

26 years and had never seen one.  Ummm I didn't believe him. 

California Roses

On one of my many business trips to California, these

roses always caught my eye as I was coming and going

from the office building where I was working.  Roses for me

are very challenging because of there many layered petals.

Overlap on top of overlap, so beautiful and intricate

all at the same time.  The rest of the challenge is

how the light plays off from the different petal layers

and angles.  Such graceful curves which create beautiful

light and shadow areas.  I don't paint many roses because

of the challenges they present, but I'm usually happy that I did.

Red Rock Loop

One of the most beautiful views around

Sedona, AZ.  There are 5 or 6 red rock

formations visible from different pull outs along

the loop.  It changes with the light and sparkles

in the sun like jewels.  I really enjoyed painting

in this place.  So different from my midwest 

roots.  One thing I discovered about driving around

Sedona, is there are far to many curves in the road

and way to many rock formations to see and admire.