I forgot all about the benches at this location until I came across 2 of them on this day. Of course, this was after I was done.
Ok, before I go into this day's events, I want to share with you some really exciting news that Ed received. He had a painting accepted into PleinAir Magazine's Digital "Woodland and Forests" Plein Air Portfolio for the April/May edition. It will be online only. He painted it during a 2 week Artist Residency he did during the last week of August and first week of September at the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. It is located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan on the South shore of Lake Superior.
What an honor. I know we all know what a great artist he is, but for sure now the whole world knows it too!
Congratulations Ed!!! Here is the painting entitled "Carp River Falls".
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| "Carp River Falls" by Ed Buonvecchio |
Ok, now onto our day ...
Anna and I were the first in the parking lot (although I learned that James was there already). We were debating about whether or not it was ok to park where we were parking as a police car was in the lot. He wound up driving away while we were deliberating, so I believed we were ok.
Carolyn and Tecla came in close behind.
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| (L to R) Carolyn, Anna, Tecla |
There's that darn fence again -- this time I parked closer to where the gate was that Anna found last week.
Also, take a look at how close the red rocks look. You'd think you'd be able to reach out and touch it on the other side of that tree -- wrong!
They both look like they were trying to decide on their spots.
But, this was James real spot. Look, he's doing a Nita 1 thing -- ground sitting!
He did bring something to sit on, you just can't see it - sorry James, here I am telling your secret. Well, let's face it, all those little rocks do have sharp edges. Smart move! He also said he found by sitting on the ground it gave him a better perspective of the rocks in a distance without including that whole valley of trees, shrubs and other stuff.
And, Anna's spot was right near his, although you wouldn't think it when you see her picture.
Anna wasn't the only one to find shade -- here's Tecla really tucked under a tree.
and Carolyn was right on the other side of that shrub with her own piece of the shade.
James, having arrived at 9:30 instead of 10, had a jump start and was able to go and find everyone after he finished his painting.
James being the "new guy" decided he had to figure out a good way to try and remember who everyone is. He pulled up Notes and has little comments next to every person's name. For instance he had one name that said, grandson James. Hmmm, seemed like an odd comment, so I had to ask. It turns out that, I believe, it's LeAnne who has a grandson named James. Well, he'll always remember her name now or at least her grandson's 😊.
Then when I was heading back I saw this person packing up and looking like they're sneaking away.
Bet, most of you haven't guessed this one. It was Robin, our sometimes and whenever she's in Sedona participant and world traveler. I do have a better picture. Turns out I caught her just in time because she had to leave for a meeting at 12.
It was great to see her and glad I had a few minutes to catch up. She'll be back in the Fall -- wow, we're not even out of Winter yet.
While I was seeking a location for our gallery, I finally caught sight of Mike.
Have no idea what they're looking at. Tecla just finished putting her stuff in her car.
Look at all those teeny tiny paintings lined up -- I guess we need a more zoomed in view.
I'll include this note here. I heard from Barbra the next day telling me she was there and so was Nita 2. They couldn't find us - turns out they were at the Posse Grounds Park and not the trail. So, I need to make sure my directions are better before we head there again! So very sorry you two.
You guessed right, I'm sure. It was Ed! Oh look, there's LeAnne, on the other side of the fence.
I saw this person as I was walking towards the gate. I had also seen Mike but he was on the other side -- it's that annoying fence making it difficult to get to all spots.
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| Gail |
We had a surprise artist -- well, actually there were 2. But, this one shows up more frequently when he can get off from work -- guess you now know who I mean.
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| Ed |
You guessed right, I'm sure. It was Ed! Oh look, there's LeAnne, on the other side of the fence.
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| LeAnne smiling as always |
Oh, I do have a better picture of Gail & LeAnne.
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| Gail |
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| LeAnne |
They both look like they were trying to decide on their spots.
Anna found James.
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| James, Anna |
But, this was James real spot. Look, he's doing a Nita 1 thing -- ground sitting!
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| James |
He did bring something to sit on, you just can't see it - sorry James, here I am telling your secret. Well, let's face it, all those little rocks do have sharp edges. Smart move! He also said he found by sitting on the ground it gave him a better perspective of the rocks in a distance without including that whole valley of trees, shrubs and other stuff.
Ed had a great view from his spot.
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| Ed |
And, Anna's spot was right near his, although you wouldn't think it when you see her picture.
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| Anna in the shade |
Anna wasn't the only one to find shade -- here's Tecla really tucked under a tree.
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| Tecla |
and Carolyn was right on the other side of that shrub with her own piece of the shade.
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| Carolyn |
James, having arrived at 9:30 instead of 10, had a jump start and was able to go and find everyone after he finished his painting.
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| (L to R) Tecla, Carolyn, James |
James being the "new guy" decided he had to figure out a good way to try and remember who everyone is. He pulled up Notes and has little comments next to every person's name. For instance he had one name that said, grandson James. Hmmm, seemed like an odd comment, so I had to ask. It turns out that, I believe, it's LeAnne who has a grandson named James. Well, he'll always remember her name now or at least her grandson's 😊.
Speaking of LeAnne, here she is in her spot.
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| LeAnne |
Then when I was heading back I saw this person packing up and looking like they're sneaking away.
Bet, most of you haven't guessed this one. It was Robin, our sometimes and whenever she's in Sedona participant and world traveler. I do have a better picture. Turns out I caught her just in time because she had to leave for a meeting at 12.
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| Robin |
Robin did get a chance to meet some artists she hadn't met before. Here she is with Gail who she painted fairly close to.
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| (L to R) Gail, Robin |
While I was seeking a location for our gallery, I finally caught sight of Mike.
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| Mike, Tecla |
Have no idea what they're looking at. Tecla just finished putting her stuff in her car.
Speaking of putting stuff in our cars, that must mean it's time for a look at the gallery.
Look at all those teeny tiny paintings lined up -- I guess we need a more zoomed in view.
And, because my "shake to take photo" decided to not work, a kind stranger took the group all smiling on no number. We all thought he only took 2 pics, turns out he took 6 -- thank you kind stranger!
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| Back Row - Mike Middle Row (L to R) - LeAnne, Me, Anna, Carolyn, Tecla, Gail, Barbra Front Row (L to R) - James, Ed, Nita 2 |
I know I said I didn't see Barbra and Nita 2 this day; but, as you can see, they really were there.
Till next time!
Cecilia