Plein Air and Puddles

Ah— what a delight to work en plein air! A few challenges, too— the extreme heat, gusts of wind, and impending rain. I proposed three new paintings for a September Plein Air Show at the ART123 Gallery in Gallup, and this month’s photos show the sites (the cliffs near Ramah Lake, atop El Morro National Monument, and a nearby rock formation called Los Gigantes), some in-progress views, and the final pieces. This was a bit of an experiment, as I mounted watercolor paper to canvas and started with a pencil sketch, followed by an ink drawing that I ‘colored in’ with acrylics and watercolors. I have loved this month of plein air paintings, with weekends up at the Old School Gallery and Star Garden Gallery, researching and submitting applications for more shows, and working on revamping my website and Etsy shop. While these ‘shops’ are still in process, there are lots of items available with photographs and artwork on my Redbubble site: https://www.redbubble.com/people/StarGarden/shop?asc=u. Also included in the photos this month are views of El Morro National Monument and its information/welcome sign, views of driveway walks, backyard blooms, and of course— the pups! Here’s to a sensational September!