Above: Gail gets a pat on the back from a passing cowboy. The early morning sun hid behind fog and ragged rainclouds that promised to soak my pastels, but only thirteen drops of rain fell, and we chased the fleeting shapes of light and shadow across the red rock.  Karen and Gail disputed the names…

The temperature was perfect and the sun was making lovely shadows on the lily pond, but some of us were just not quite feeling it.  Mike and Best-in-Show hung out—no watercolors in sight but gave us a masterclass in how to approach a plein air watercolor painting.  I was feeling lazy and overwhelmed by all…

The reflection of the pale three-quarters moon in the still waters of Windmill Park’s lily pond called for a haiku poem: Moon lies belly upBlushing pink waterliliesLook the other way On Tuesdays the park is flooded with water and everyone comes with their dogs and kids to splash and frolic in the shallow, grassy pools. …

We painted in the cool shade of Tlaquepaque’s sycamores and courtyards, lulled by the splashing fountains and birdsong. LeAnne, Karen and Dona painted the fountains with and without water. Janel found a charming Susan Kliewer bronze of a little Navajo girl to paint, while I attempted one of Waddell’s dancers. Sophie caught the glancing sunlight…

Dona New, “Guesthouse” Kathi F. received permission from Jerome State Park rangers to paint on the grounds of the historic Douglas Mansion, a Jerome landmark since 1916, when James S. Douglas built it on the hill just above his Little Daisy Mine. Dona sketched one of his daughters’ homes high on the opposite hill. Pat…

I’m sorry to have missed painting at one of my favorite places, but hope to join our group next week. Huge thanks to Nita M. for getting permission for our artist invasion. I personally think we add to the charming ambiance of the spot. It looks like everyone found their happy place by fountains, alleyways…

Tecla found our small Monday group a fun place to paint, under the shadecloth and amid flowering plants at Verde Valley Growers. My ambition exceeded my skills, but I admired the Seuss-like Tizzle-tops, bold marigolds and black-eyed Susans. Nita painted charming vignettes inside the building, while Gail tackled a pyramid of vivid orange pots. Betty,…

The lagoon was quiet except for the squeak-toy cries of a Cooper’s Hawk high up in the cottonwoods.  I set up at the far edge of Big Lagoon and tried to capture the red-capped angler before he ambled off to a more secluded spot.  Rain began to hit the mirrorlike surface of the pond and…

Mike Trulson, “Blue House” watercolor Our Monday painters met in Jerome at the House of Joy, once a brothel, now a cute boutique.  Architectural perspective is my least favorite thing, but I was inspired by the buildings tumbling down the mountainside like kids’ building blocks and set up with Mike and Nita on a concrete…

According to Tecla, ducks were sitting pretty for their portraits at Dead Horse Park and eager for Day 2, August 11.  Meet at the ballpark at 8:00 am if you wish to carpool and avoid the $10 entry fee.  Once inside, we will gather at the first lagoon under the shade trees. Instead of painting…