Plein Air Tuesday - 5/30/83 - Verde River Access & Last Week's Stuff

 We'll be heading to a Verde River Access point which is off of Tuzigoot Road.  Directions are on the right.  Meet up time is 8:15 am on Tuesday, 5/30/83.

There are lot of trees, so opportunity for shade, water (you're right on the river), occasional ducks - see a photo from last August.

Duck is First Row Center

But onto the present and what we did last week.  We met at the Shuttle Parking Lot near the Posse Ground Trailhead which was right next to the parking lot we used the previous week.  While there were a lot of the same views as the previous week, there was a grand display off to one side.

While, LeAnne, Cathy, Nori, Sandy & I were talking about I don't know what, but something that had us all smiling, we saw a woman looking a little lost.

LeAnne, Cathy, Nori

The woman was a visitor from Japan who was on foot and had been given a map at a Ranger Station, she was looking for Devil's Kitchen.  Now, while her English was very good, there was still a bit of a problem trying to understand everything she was saying.  But Sandy was kind enough to lead her over to the trail that takes you to Soldier's Pass.

Lost Visitor & Sandy

She (the visitor) saw that we were all artists carrying our stuff and she told us that her interest was football (soccer to us) and she had these flyers with her that showed her and a "football" team -- looked to be somewhat professional although we couldn't really understand what she was saying nor understand what any of it said, however, the flyers looked great.

While we were still standing there talking Robin arrived.

Robin

This was her last day to join us until October as she heads to her "other" home.

Well, when Robin arrived I had to ask her about her email concerning the Fall Fest that we'll be attending in October at Slide Rock and why she couldn't attend.  What she said is this "Singing Lily in Secret Garden in  Indy"  ????

So, here's the scoop -- not only is Robin a painter artist but how about she's an opera singer.  Oh My, well we were all very impressed!!  Who else is hiding other talents??

We actually all decided on standing in pretty much the same spot as we all seemed to like that distant view.  It also made for easy conversation.

Sandy, Cathy (see her hat), LeAnne (the blue umbrella), Nori off to the right.

I didn't get LeAnne in her spot, she went over to an area just the other side of the shrubs beyond Robin.  Oh, and My spot was just in front of Sandy and across from Nori.  I should mention that Nori is giving watercolor a try, her normal medium is pastel.   But, she went all in and bought the En Plein Air Pro watercolor setup.  I think she's discovered that watercolor paints weigh a lot less than carrying around the many pastels required to do the beautiful paintings she does.   Guess the medium she brings along will depend on how heavy she wants to lift that day.

I should mention that the sun was very strong -- I have some very nice color on my RIGHT arm 🙄, so next week maybe we should all remember to bring suntan lotion.

When it came time to set up our gallery, as usual, the WIND picked up.  Pulled out the trusty roll of tape and started trying to tape the paintings to the bench.  Did this repeatedly as the paint didn't stick well to the bench.  While setting things up, a group that decided on going to the previous week's spot instead, came over to lend their paintings to the gallery and join in on the photos.  Unfortunately, our opera singer, Robin, had to leave early.

Oh, when you see the picture of the smiling artists, don't panic -- she didn't leave him behind, in fact he wasn't even there that day (let's see if you can figure it out).

(L to R) Nori, Cathy, Sandy, Lisa, LeAnne, Bob, Jo, Chase, Betty

then squatting down, Me

So, you now understand what I meant, right??  Chase sure looks a lot like Hamilton, so if you were worried that Hamilton was left behind you can rest assured, instead it's another little button nose who, by the way, does look like he's thinking about giving chase, hmmm, wonder if that's how he got his name and what he was looking at.

Have a good week!

Cecilia

Plein Air Tuesday - 5/23/23 - Posse Grounds Day 2 & Last Week's Pics

 

We'll be heading back to Posse Grounds for Day 2, however, there is a NEW parking lot that you access a turnoff sooner once you're on Posse Ground Road.  There is a sign that points to the Shuttle Parking Lot and that's the section where we'll be.  It's really close to the pool parking but you access it a little differently and will come upon the entrance to this parking area BEFORE the area to the pool and where we used to meet.  The directions on the right will still work to get you to the general area.  Just look for the "Shuttle Parking" sign.  More detailed directions with a map can be found on the right.

Last week Betty was already getting her stuff out of her car when I arrived. 

 

Betty at the "old" parking lot by the pool

While we were talking Christine showed up.

Christine and the pool is in the background

We all felt like something was different about the way in to this parking area.  For starters, there was a barrier up across half of the road that just caused general confusion.  Now finding out that they've put in this new parking area for the shuttle, that explains why things are different.  They apparently don't want all shuttle users going through and parking by the school, pool and school bus parking area.

Instead of waiting to see who else might join us, we headed down the trail. (Just to add to our confusion, they also created another entrance to the trail).  But, what struck us pretty quickly was the large number of wildflowers and just how beautiful they looked.

Christine amongst the wildflowers

We had to be careful where we stepped, tip toeing through the wildflowers!

Next to find us was LeAnne, smiling away as always!

LeAnne

Christine found a spot which made for a pretty picture in itself.

Christine

Perhaps a closer view would be nice, just to insure it's really Christine.

Yup, that's Christine!

As LeAnne went off to find her spot, it lead me to finding Betty 

Way off to the Left is Betty, and carrying her colorful chair is LeAnne

Well, I suspect because of the confusion I mentioned earlier with the new parking lot, people seemed to have arrived in dribs and drabs.  Sandy showed up a little closer to 8:20

LeAnne in her chair in the background and Sandy debating on this spot

I received a text from Nita, luckily she encountered Nancy who couldn't find us since she went to that "New" parking lot.  So, while Nita came over to find us, she did go back and join Nancy in the new location.  But, before she got back to Nancy, Chris & Zoe showed up.

(L to R) Nita, Zoe & Chris 

I went over to check out the fabulous views that Nita talked about and to say hi to Nancy, especially since it was her last day painting with us before her big move.

Nancy in her flatbed, obviously you don't have to leave the parking lot for great views

Nita in her spot

Chris found a spot that also had a great spot for Zoe -- wait'll you see Zoe's spot!

Chris

Zoe in her spot -- she had the best spot of all

I don't think I mentioned how warm it was in the sun, so Zoe was very fortunate indeed!

I apparently did a lot of walking around that day as I wandered down to see how the group that were closest to me were doing and besides finding Sandy just over from LeAnne

LeAnn seated and Sandy standing

I found what looked to be a kid playing and painting on the ground near them.

Betty

Well the way Betty was sitting there, she certainly looked like a kid.  She actually looked quite comfortable.

So, back to my walking back and forth I took a walk back over to where Nita and Nancy were and decided to use the trail.  I found this handrail that took me down to the path which was the longer, but more scenic way over to Nita & Nancy.  Just a reminder, clicking on an image will enlarge it.

 

Pretty trail isn't it?

By the time I got back over to my spot after wandering around, it was time to create our gallery.

I have to apologize to Christine, Nancy & LeAnne.  I didn't realize how much the shade impacted the visibility of their paintings.  I'll try to do better next week.

Well, we counted correctly and all did smile on 2!

(Back Row L to R) LeAnne, Christine, Sandy, Nita, Betty & Nancy
(Closer to the ground) Zoe, Chris & Me (Cecilia)

We all hugged Nancy and said our farewells, wished her much luck and she said she might just show up sometime on Tuesday.  But for those of you who do pastels, she does belong to the Pastel Association down in the valley, so maybe you'll see her there.  We'll miss you!!

Hope to see you all next week at the "New" parking lot.

Cecilia

Plein Air Tuesday - 5/16/23 - Posse Grounds and Last Weeks Photos

This coming week we're going to meet at Posse Grounds Trailhead at 8:15 am on 5/16/23.  The directions to this location are on the right.

Last week I arrived about 8:05 and found artists already set up and painting, so I didn't have to wonder exactly where the spot was.

Betty in her spot

Actually as it turned out, I was the last person to arrive and I was even early.

Now the fact that Christine was there ahead of me was no surprise since she ALWAYS arrives well before the stated meet up time.

Christine in her spot

And, Nancy decided to take the HIGH spot.

Nancy in Her spot -- funny how a Flatbed can provide a nice Flat surface to setup on
- oh my look at those socks - COLORFUL!

Well, speaking of Nancy, next week, the 16th, will be Nancy's last time being able to paint with us while still living in the area.  We'll miss her even though she hasn't been here all that long, she certainly was a loyal and fun participant in our outings.  Wishing you good luck, health and happiness in your new home Nancy, also you can still come back and join us on occasion!!

Robin & Hamilton's spot - on the other side of the fence

I guess Robin likes to color "outside" the lines 😉 - oh alright, stop groaning.

Sandy's spot was also right in line with the others, as was mine.

Sandy in her spot and my spot 

And, with thanks to Sandy for this next pic, here I am in that spot

Me in my spot and Betty further to the right

Being lined up so close to one another, it made it easy to gather and talk which was really a fun thing to do.  Did I mention that it was a gorgeous morning, the weather was perfect.

(L to R) Hamilton (his tail was furthest to the left), Robin, Nancy, Sandy, Betty and if you look REAL close behind Robin you can actually see Christine's scarf.

Oh, did I mention what a pretty spot it was.  See

Look, it's a Bell, noooo, it's a Rock - oh wait it's Bell Rock

And, a comfortable location to park it - both our cars and our bodies. 

There's Nancy in the bed of her truck and Betty now leaning on the rail.

We were lucky with the winds too, they didn't really start up until it was time for us to pack up.  But, that did mean that we couldn't do the separate gallery, so once again we have a hand held one.

But first, before you see our parting shot, here's little Hamilton in his "movable" spot.

Hamilton in his Spot -- doesn't he look like a happy camper, what a cutie!

I should also mention that Robin & Hamilton will be heading to their Summer destination, so we won't be seeing them for a while - have a wonderful summer you two, oh and your husband as well.  Which reminds me, as I was driving to the gym this morning I wound up listening to this -- do you all remember this version from the late 50's -- I think the radio stations played it every year at the beginning of Summer for at least a decade.  Make sure your volume is NOT Turned off when you click on the link -- it will open up in a new window in YouTube.

The song Summertime by the Jamies

Ok, back to our parting photo for the morning where everyone (well, almost everyone) was smiling on 2

(L to R) Me (Cecilia), Robin, Sandy, Nancy (real short timer), Christine & Betty

The only problem with doing it this way is you really don't get a great view of everyone's paintings.  Unfortunately some were fighting with the sunlight.  Perhaps next week the winds will be more cooperative!  Till then ...

Cecilia

 

Plein Air Tuesday - 5/9/23 - Near Robin's & Last Week's episode at Yavapai Vista Day 2

I'm sure that location has you wondering, it's a spot near Robin's house that has great views of both Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte.  In addition to that, at a time when it's difficult for us to get parking spaces at the trailheads, we'll find plenty of space to park along the road.  For specific directions and the actual location, you'll have to refer to the email as I will not be posting that info online.

Ok, now for this past week's escapade at Yavapai Vista.  This will be a short one as I was unable to take too many photos.  The reason why will be explained shortly.

Once again I didn't take the time to do the arrival photos - had I realized I was going to have so little opportunity to take pics, I probably would have.  But then, as we all know, hindsight is 20/20.

Initially it was just Sandy, Lisa, Nancy and me.  So, seeing that no one else seemed to be showing up, we decided to all head up to the actual vista as we did last week.

 (Front to Back) Sandy, Nancy & Lisa 

Lisa had wanted to get there ahead of time and really wound up pulling up just about the same time as me.  However, she did head up to her spot ahead of us.  As you can see, Lisa and Nancy had no problem deciding on spots.

What you can't see here is the reason why photos were few.  You see, the winds were Great and I don't mean as in gee they were just wonderful like a slight balmy breeze just to keep you comfortable.  No, I'm talking about what felt like gale force winds as in "batten down the hatches" everyone.  We had to hang onto everything.  It was like painting with one hand tied behind your back, but in this case clutching your painting set up madly.

Do you see the white board on the ground by Lisa -- go up and look.  Yes, well, right after taking that photo it took a hike all on its own.  That left Lisa scrambling after it down the hill a bit.

Sandy decided to set up right near there for her first spot and that's where she started her painting from.  I decided that it probably wouldn't be wise to set up my tripod so found what I believe was Nita's spot from last week and sat on the rocks.

This next photo is thanks to Sandy.  Oh, this is really interesting.  Nancy had texted me the photo and in looking at it in Photos on my Mac, at the top it shows this

 

When I click on the From Sandy, it opens up messages.  -- Ok, I'm getting off topic here, but thought you all might find that interesting.  So, now, here's the photo.

(L to R) Nancy, Lisa, Me with my hair blowing back

Oh, by the way, that rock happened to be particularly comfortable -- perfect if you like to sit and paint which is not my norm.  Anyway, the winds continued to gust the entire time we were there and the reason why Sandy was able to take this photo is because she decided to move from where she was to what she hoped would be a less windy location.   Meantime the part that was holding my water blew over TWICE (I use water mixable oils & use water for cleaning brushes and general cleanup) - anyway, I was continually being splashed.  Good thing it was a small container!

Sandy's second spot

Sandy's dilemma at this point was that she hadn't finished the painting she was working on and this was definitely a different view.  But, she somehow managed to have it work out.

We all started feeling like we were being beat up pretty bad and decided we should just pack things up.  Sandy was the first to get things put away and here she is with Nancy & Lisa.

Nancy, Lisa (Packing up) & Sandy ready to go

So, we headed back down the trail with Lisa leading the way.

Lisa smelling a Cliff Rose

Unlike her bug deterrent, you have to get real close.   The shrubs were really blooming though and looked very pretty.

(Front to Back) Nancy & Sandy and a pretty trail

We got to "The" bench and saw LeAnne in the parking lot.

Rabbit Ears in the background & LeAnne

LeAnne let us know that Robin & Hamilton were at the edge of the parking lot painting and had arrived late.  However, both LeAnne & Robin packed up and joined us.

The winds being as they were, we were unable to do a separate gallery so decided on utilizing the bench to actually sit and hold our paintings for the group photo.  Unfortunately, I didn't realize till doing this post that I was blocking little Hamilton and his button nose.  I'm sorry Hamilton!!

(Front row L to R) Lisa, Me, Sandy, Nancy (short timer)
(Back row L to R) Robin, little patch of white which is Hamilton & LeAnne

Hopefully next week the winds will have blown through and we can have a more reasonable morning at Robin's location.  Hope you all can make it!

Cecilia