Tucson Cactus Landscape

 

A final Arizona landscape completed until next winter. Meanwhile I have a couple of Ireland I wish to work on so that will be my next landscapes. The world is certainly a diverse environment 

Barn Kitten Friends

 

These kittens were cuddling up to each other and made a great photo and also a interesting painting. Again, paining a black animal is always challenging and especially this one that really had no contours showing so I generally made the up. I might go back and refine some of this yet. I enjoy working with the negative space of the square format. 

Pen and Ink with a Little Watercolor

Nothing like the directness of a sketch done of the outdoors with the use of pen and ink.  It is challenging to get the variety of texture required to  show the various plants without blending them together into one solid unidentifiable mass.  This particular sketch was completed in late February before the desert was in full bloom.  I learned much about desert plants during my two months in southern Arizona, watching them plump up with moisture and prepare to blossom.  But, unfortunately, that was to be in April when I would be once again in northern Iowa.  Maybe some year I will be able to witness the desert in full bloom.

Five Months

Suddenly five months have gone by.  Time disappeared.  It ticked tocked by and dissipated into the atmosphere.  And I have nothing to show for it but creative emptiness.  So, what do you do?  Get started again!  I spent a couple months in Arizona during January and February in a small camper that didn't allow for much painting space.  I managed a few things but my general stride became hindered.  Then I had a chance to go to Ireland for 10 days the end of March, first of April.  A tremendous travel experience which I hope to put into my future work.  Meanwhile, I have been painting fairly consistently, not counting the winter reprieve, for about a year now this June.  I am having a show of sorts this July in the local city park.  Therefore, I have incentive to get more accomplished in a short amount of time.  I intend to post more work more frequently. Please send feedback.  It is greatly appreciated.

Ireland-2017-Blarney Castle Garden