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 

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.

Tucson Cactus

 

A barrel cactus in late January. Acrylic on Masonite. 8"x8"   

This is by far the only blooming cactus this time of the year here in Arizona. I am enjoying painting shadows and the barrow shapes. Also trying to make the colors interesting with minimal pizazz. Shadows are important so values are important to pay attention to. This is my second attempt at a barrel cactus. Still struggling somewhat.