It's like the first time you meet Someone

When I draw or paint in a new place; especially one that is so different from what my eyes are familiar with, it feels like that first conversation you have with a person you've just met. 
And if you like the place, its like knowing that you like the person you're talking to.
Newness, Curiosity. A need to know more.

Catalina Park, Tortolita Mountains

Pencil-Moleskin Sketchbook

 Madeira Canyon Watercolor w/oil pastel in Moleskin Sketchbook

Madeira Canyon, Oil pastel, Moleskin Sketchbook

Watercolor on watercolor paper sketchbook

We spent an afternoon sketching/painting in Madeira Canyon where the Cottonwoods were the most luscious spring green. Except for birdsong, the breeze, and the sounds of my brush moving on paper all was quiet.  I sat up on a hill, Muggsi down below.  A few hours passed. 

I've only begun to know the colors, shapes and the light of the Arizona desert.  A mere aquaintance for now.

 

The White Dove of Desert

On April 8th, Muggsi and I went to mass at the Mission San Xavier del Bac in honor of my mother's birthday.  The church was built by the Jesuits in 1783.  Architecturally soft on the outside. 

Oh, and the morning light.

Inside, marvelous statues. And dark...such contrast to the bright desert light outside.

 

The Mass was lovely.  A mix of Indians (the church is situated on a reservation), tourists and locals attended the mass.  Sitting in this beautiful space, remembering my mother on her birthday was peaceful. 

Arizona and Back

Last week's visit to Arizon was Magic. For the names alone...  

 

Madeira Canyon

  Sonoran Desert

(Fallen )  Saguaro

Cholla

Ocatilla

A Shell of What?

Prickly Pear (mystery hole)

Muggsi and Me (on Henry Moore rocks)

The desert was in full bloom the week I visited.  Mexican Poppies, Lupine, Mariposa Lilies....flowers I'd never seen before.  All the cacti were flowering or beginning to flower.  According to the residents of Tucson this has been a banner year for the wildflowers, due to the large amounts of rain they've experienced this spring. 

Speaking of things I'd never seen before, how about 25 life birds!!  Vermilion Flycatcher, White Throated Swift, Mexican Jay, Canyon Towhee, Flame Colored Tanageer (a rare bird from Mexico), Pyrrhuloxia, Yellow Eyed Junco...to name a few.  And of course RAVENS galore!  Love 'em!

My apologies for my blogger Faux Paux!  A big oops :)

I started posting a few days ago, got sidetracked, posted briefly, then decided to redo the post...it got late, I got tired, and no post.  It's not you, it's me!

Following a Dream

Leaving HERE

to go

HERE

You can go HERE for the backstory.  Five days/nights of sunshine and starlight... hiking, birdwatching, sketching, sleeping and being in the desert.  Catching up with a friend!