Here, in the desert, we're gushing over the abundance of wildflowers that are blooming everywhere, even in the most unlikely places. It's as though joy and hope spill into empty lots, undeveloped land, everywhere!
Taking advantage of the cool temperatures that will be in the 90ºsF by the weekend, I painted at Peralta Regional Park in Gold Canyon. I had difficulty deciding where to set up, as every turn up in that part of the Superstition Mountains was adorned in gold, purple, magenta, and orange flowers.
I learned the name of a purple one I hadn't seen before, a Notch-Leaf Scorpion Weed, of all things--clusters of small flowers on a tall stem. They contrasted beautifully among Poppies, Lupines, Orange Globe Mallow, and ubiquitous Brittlebush's bright daisy-like flowers.
It was cold (for me) and very windy. I found a more sheltered area next to a low hill that helped divert the wind a bit and shelter me. I used my car hood to hold my watercolor block, paints and brushes, and finished, in case a sudden gust might blow me, my easel, and supplies all over the place.
I hope you like this one. I love plein air painting more than anything, and love when I can capture the spontaneity of these special moments.
Here, in the desert, we're gushing over the abundance of wildflowers that are blooming everywhere, even in the most unlikely places. It's as though joy and hope spill into empty lots, undeveloped land, everywhere!
Taking advantage of the cool temperatures that will be in the 90ºsF by the weekend, I painted at Peralta Regional Park in Gold Canyon. I had difficulty deciding where to set up, as every turn up in that part of the Superstition Mountains was adorned in gold, purple, magenta, and orange flowers.
I learned the name of a purple one I hadn't seen before, a Notch-Leaf Scorpion Weed, of all things--clusters of small flowers on a tall stem. They contrasted beautifully among Poppies, Lupines, Orange Globe Mallow, and ubiquitous Brittlebush's bright daisy-like flowers.
It was cold (for me) and very windy. I found a more sheltered area next to a low hill that helped divert the wind a bit and shelter me. I used my car hood to hold my watercolor block, paints and brushes, and finished, in case a sudden gust might blow me, my easel, and supplies all over the place.
I hope you like this one. I love plein air painting more than anything, and love when I can capture the spontaneity of these special moments.