Pretty Cactus Study

These young cactus plants were growing and beginning to blossom in my brother's back yard south-east of Tucson AZ, when I visited there in late winter this year. I have fallen in love with the scenery of this area of Arizona!!

"Young Cactus Study"

8" x 10" oil 

San Xaviar Mission

I met up with my cousin and began a pleinair painting of this mission south of tucson AZ late this winter. It got too hot too soon, and we weren't able to accomplish enough to call it plein air. I finally finished it back at my home in PA today. I loved the white crispness of the building, especially the left side, which has been undergoing the enormous task of a facelift. 

"San Xaviar Mission"

9" x 12" oil on panel

Thanks for viewing

Studies in Shapes and Shadows -Tree #2

Another interesting (to me) tree shape. I could not pass this very unique tree shape that I spotted from about 50 yards away as I was driving through BLM land in Quartzsite, AZ. The dead trunk, bleached by the sun's hot rays, and the many diverse knot holes piqued my interest. I liked one friend's interpretation of it, "almost see a woman with long hair, dancing... and throwing her arms around."

"Tree Skeleton - #2

5" x 7" 

Oil on canvas panel

 Thanks for viewing!

Studies in Shapes and Shadows-Tree #1

I am intrigued by the "tree skeletons" here as I travel the southern portion of Arizona this winter.I decided that doing paint studies of them would give me good practice on rendering shapes and shadows. I love how they twist and turn!

"Tree Skeleton #1"

8" x 10" 

Oil on canvas panel

Thanks for viewing!

More Sketching.....

I have a face-book friend who spends his winters in the deserts of Arizona, He takes some really neat pictures of the landscapes and wildlife. This is from one of his photos. 

"Arizona Wildlife"

8.5" x 11"

Currently working on a couple paintings, but in the meantime I have been doing more sketching. A relaxing change from the sometimes difficult work of  managing color harmony and atmosphere of an oil painting. hope you enjoy viewing my sketches while i take a breather....

Comments always welcome!