October 2002 trip to Arizona

When I retired from being a research engineer in 1991, I decided to go to pretty places and paint on-location, as much as time and finances allow.  My wife and I did just that from Oct 9th to 24th , 2002 in Arizona.  This was our third painting/hiking trip out of state for the year.

We flew from Columbus, Ohio to Phoenix, rented a car and drove directly to Sedona.  

We had been to Sedona, a long time ago…just for one rainy day, so we did not see much then. This time we stayed for 7 glorious days in this “Red Rock” country.  Our routine was to get up early, grab a deli lunch for the cooler at the local supermarket, and find a place to set up and paint.  It is not hard to find pretty spots in Sedona!  I was able to get five works completed in morning sessions.  Our afternoons were spent touring and hiking.  The weather was perfect …mid-70’s and low 80’s, clear and sunny.

From Sedona we drove south, through Phoenix, to Tucson.  There we followed the same routine, but the subject matter now was the Sonoran desert…purple mountains in the background, giant saguaro cactus, cholla, ocatillo, prickly pear, and palo-verde trees.  I found it much more difficult to paint there because it is so dry which makes it hard to manipulate watercolor and control textures and edges.  It was a learning exercise! There were some bummer paintings, but I did come back with two keepers and the appetite to return in 2004 and have another whack at it. 

We both like ethnic food and it’s Patricia’s job on trips to find it. Between Sedona and Tucson restaurants she managed to find for us…..Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Peruvian, el Salvadorian, Greek, Mexican, Italian and Indian (India). It was a wonderful trip. 

Paintings from the trip.  (Email for pricing information.)

Soldier's Pass

Saguaro National Park

Cathedral Rock

Photos from the trip.

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