Plein Air Tuesday - 10/21/25 - Secret Slickrock Trail - Day 2

 

Arrived and found Gail already in place and painting.  She arrived early since she had to leave for an appointment before we all gathered at the end of the morning.

Gail

Went to get a picture of Rick but before I could do that Lisa jumped in to greet him.

Rick (in the sweat pants), Lisa in the hat

Since Rick was there, I took a guess and figured I'd see David somewhere around.

David - he brings multiple hats (one for his easel and one for his head)

See what I mean (David's easel hat)

I then got a glimpse of another rather iconic hat through the shrubs, and sure enough it was on Kristen.

Kristen

Others that showed up during this time but I didn't get a picture of them were Sophie, Nita, Betty & Janel.  They wandered off independently to parts unknown.

Nori also showed up, but is another one who had to leave early.

Nori (her hat is also readily identifiable)

In fact, that's how I know for sure that was a picture of her.

Smiling LeAnne also arrived.

LeAnne 

and, someone else who we haven't seen in ages but also did not make it to the group photo.

Barbra

Several of the artists went over to the other side, whereas, I stayed near where we parked.  The actual trail is on the other side and goes down to a red rock area (slickrock sort of hidden down at the end of the trail - hence the name "Secret Slickrock")

Gail, LeAnne & Nori

They were all looking across the way at the actual trail entrance.

Here is the painting lineup of those who were there till the end, except for Barbra who was still off to a spot unknown but her painting made it for the lineup (it too flew in a little late).

Close ups

And, without fail the ones who remained all smiled on 2!

(L to R), Rick, Sophie, Lisa, Nita, David, Janel, Kristen, LeAnne, Betty
(Front row) Me
(Missing) Nori, Barbra

This was one of those times when it was a surprise to realize there were so many of us there since we were so dispersed.

Till next time!

Cecilia

Plein Air Tuesday - Slide Rock Fest - Special Edition

 

10 of us participated in the Slide Rock Fest yesterday, 10/19/25.  Started out freezing but warmed up considerably once the sun came over the mountain and down into the canyon.  It was a fun day where we all got to chat for a change and paint at our leisure instead of a rushed less than 2 hour timeframe.

Here are some pictures from our day.

Betty, Nita 2 (orange hat), Mike

L to R - Betty, Nori, stranger, Sandy, Lilli, Denise

As you can see, it warmed up - people were stripping down.

Suzette

Nori (seated), Sandy - we were all seeking shade at this point

(L to R) - Denise, Eileen, Betty (pile of clothes were Nori's)

Just FYI, Nori really did leave some clothes on -- those were the numerous outer layers.

Mike and his Buddy

I know they were all at a distance, but you get the idea.  Fun getting to talk to some visitors too.  We were lucky to have such a beautiful day -- we had to fake the clouds in our paintings.

Cecilia

Plein Air Tuesday - 10/14/25 - Secret Slickrock Trail - Day 1

 

As you can see, there's a beautiful view right straight ahead from the parking area which is actually across the road from the trailhead.

Arrived to find that David joined us, the first time in a long time and he brought with him Cathy.

David

Cathy

Sophie also arrived the same time I did

And, a clearer picture of the two people in the first photo.

Mike, David

A new person joined us.

Janel

and, our always smiling LeAnne

LeAnne (and she is smiling)

I know I said I wouldn't be writing anything, but I just have to tell you this one thing.  I was located somewhere over beyond that tree LeAnne is standing next to and I kept hearing LeAnne talking.  Turns out she was apparently in direct line of sight for every visitor that showed up.  They'd approach her and ask about the trail.  So, I kept hearing her say "Yes, it's very pretty here and the trail is on the other side of the road which also takes you down to another beautiful area."  She became the "Tour Guide".  Also, if you look at the difference in the clouds above LeAnne and the clouds above Janel, you can see that there was quite some breeze happening.

Then along came Dona - apparently Jim already took off for a hike in some unknown direction.

Dona

Mike, hunkered down amongst the shrubbery as usual.

Mike

Sophie wandered off to parts unknown somewhere across the road down that trailhead.   Her spot looked like this.

Because it was so windy, we did wrap things up early.  I had texted Sophie to let her know, but she wasn't quite ready to leave and is missing from the group photo.  Magically her painting flew in to join the gallery though.

Without fail - we all managed to smile on 2 (even the new girl).

Back Row (L to R) - Mike, Jim
Middle Row (L to R) - Cathy, Dona, David, Janel, Leanne
Front Row - Me

Till next time!

Cecilia

Plein Air Tuesday - 10/7/25 - Chavez Crossing - End of Chavez Ranch Rd.

 

Roots - gnarly!

Hard to believe this calm little stream caused the exposure of those roots.

I didn't get pictures of everyone but here is who I did catch.

(L to R) Stranger, Betty, Dona

(L to R) Gail, Nita 1

LeAnne

Wow, long time no see - it's Lisa -- shocking I know, just FYI, she looks the same

Where I stood and Lisa on the edge

Jim our Hiker and Dona

The stranger and his dog who was retrieving a Log-- not just a a Stick!

Not shown except in the group photo below are Mike & Sophie.

Everyone did something different for a change -- here is a disorganized view -- thought I did one photo that had them all in it, but guess I forgot to press the button.

And the group that all smiled on 2!

Back Row (L to R) - Gail, Sophie, Nita 1, LeAnne, Betty
Front Row (L to R) - Jim, Mike, Lisa, Dona, Me

Ok, I know we were all squinting into the sun, but notice how the men forgot to smile -- that was the case in all 3 photos too.   Oh well, we'll give them a chance again next week.

Cecilia

Plein Air Tuesday - Lovers Knoll - 9/30/25

 

Pretty morning with a pretty view!

Everyone found the location even though my directions say to turn Right when they should say turn Left -- I will correct that.  The picture above doesn't do that tree justice -- its trunk is really really WIDE!  Look at how many paintings we can put in front of it.

And the close ups --

And, now for the artists who created those great paintings.

Back Row (L to R) - Mike, Jim
Middle Row (L to R) - Betty, Dona, Nori, Nita, Kristen
Front Row - Me

Have a good one!

Cecilia