South West Wanderings

I have been in Arizona nearly two weeks now. Returning first to Red Rocks country in Sedona. (more about that later) before spending a little time with friends in Tucson. The sketch above is on the road from Phoenix to Tucson. Below is my friend's dog, Lola.

I had a lovely first day on Tumaroc Hill which is part of the Sonoran Desert. Filled with majestic Saguaros with views over Tuscon basin. The top of the hill is a research station. I loved the mix of industrial and reserve.

I also went for a walk around the neighbourhood where I have been staying. The majestic Palo Verde are in bloom. They provide wonderful shelter in the washes (arroro) which take the run offs of rain water during the rainy season (usually August)
Although very hot for my more sensitive English skin, I arrived during a relative school spell.  I was able to take in exhibitions at the Tucson Museum of Art. I loved Ellen Wagener's Big Skies/Hidden Stories. Beautiful majestic landscapes in pastel.

 And this painting of three girls by Mary Wyant.

There was also a Textile exhibit, String Theory:Contemporary Ary and the Fiber Legacy which I would urge anyone in the vicinity to see. On until June 19.
Sedona always remains a special place for me . I was delighted to return and spend time with friends. I was also delighted to work with the Sedona Arts Center over the Easter weekend.

Images of work in progress 'From the Land' pieces created by the workshop participants.

Isabel Simmer

Paula Clarke 

Suzette Young

Lorie Garver

Kathy Przkopp

CC Landauer

Ann Crossland

Irene Peake

I am looking forward to my exhibition opening of Stitch
 Stories and book signing at Visions Art Museum on 16 April. Pop in to see it if you can. I will be at the Open Event from 5-7pm. There will also be the opportunity to see work by Gay Lasher, Edie Greenberg and The Jury is In and Visions Members challenge Geometric. I will also be giving a talk on my work on Friday 8 April as well as running workshops with San Diego Book Arts and 'Sense of Place'. Full details on this link

There and back again

Well the 'word on the bird' is that she is back again.  This little bird has migrated to the West Coast of the USA.

My last point of call was St Diego and I made some garden sketches in friends gardens.

Went off for the day flying with two friends..One of whom is a pilot. Never been in a small plane. The images below are of the mountains and Los Angeles as we flew. Note the Queen Mary in harbour. I even took some stitching with me but for once I could only look.

 

 Had a lovely Japanese meal at a small coastal town North of Los Angeles .Loved the teapot and bowl.

 

 Whilst back to earth, workshop commenced. A few folded drawings from a quick warm-up in my workshop in San Diego NTC Point loma. hosted by the wonderful Jane LaFazio

 And some more contributions for Tea Flora Tales from some of the students who attended. Brilliant artists by the way.

Some more Tea Flora Tales and some book forms in progress form my second workshop in St Diego with the San Diego Book Arts

 

It was a wonderful finish to the marathon tour. Had a day off in the hills overlooking the desert of California during the time the roads were closed to high rise as the fierce Santa Anna winds blew.

 

Some lovely shadows on the blinds which helped keep the equally fierce heat and winds from the desert at bay. Finally, as the sun came down on my marathon trip a last walk on the beach.

Thankyou to all my friends on the way who made this trip so rewarding in so many ways. For the laughter, warmth and companionship.  See you again soonish.