San Luis Rey, 6x6 oil painting on Raymar canvas panel

2013 marks the 300th anniversary of Father Junipero Serra's birth.  He founded the California Missions beginning in 1769.  San Luis Rey, the "King of the Missions", was the 18th mission to be built in California.  Although I've been to several missions throughout my life, I've been visiting all of them, and I"ve taken hundreds of photos for painting reference.  I've always been interested in their history, and I love the architecture of these places.  If you get to California, do make it a point to visit at least one mission and experience the history of old California.

Purchase this Painting

StevieDennyArt.com

Stevie@StevieDennyArt.com

Yellow Cactus Flower, 6x6 oil painting

This past Spring I took many photos of the blooming cactus along the route where I ride my bike; and I painted this from one of those photos.  There are so many colors and varieties of prickly pear cactus, ranging from yellow-green to pink, purple and deep red.  The blossoms are many different colors, too.  The Sonoran Desert is a colorful place in the springtime.

Yellow Cactus Flower

6x6 oil painting on Raymar canvas panel

Purchase this painting

StevieDennyArt.com

email:  Stevie@StevieDennyArt.com

Sunset Reflections, 6x6 oil painting on Raymar canvas panel

This colorful sunset sky is made even more beautiful by its reflection in the water

This painting may be purchased in an auction on Daily Paintworks at

http:/http://www.dailypaintworks.com/buy/auction/147411.

Cactus Flower, 6x6 oil painting on Raymar canvas panel

Cactus flowers brighten the landscape in the desert southwest.  They range from bright pink to peach, yellow and reds; and it's a delight to see them.  This cactus flower was on a smaller variety of cactus in my neighbor's yard.  I often take photos of these brightly colored flowers when I ride my bike on Spring mornings.

This painting may be purchased through an auction at http://www.dailypaintworks.com/buy/auction/145765.

StevieDennyArt.com

email:  Stevie@StevieDennyArt.com

Sonoran Saugaro,12x9 oil on Raymar Panel

Saguaros are found only in the southwestern US, and only in the Sonoran Desert.  I often wonder how these desert plants evolved.  Many of the cactus and trees in the desert have thick skins to protect them from the hot sun, and to hold water.  Saguaros retain water when it rains to the point that you can see them swell.   They can go for months without water in the 115 degree heat of the summer.  They can only grow when they're young if they are protected from the sun by other plants, so they are often surrounded by palo verde trees, mesquite and other saguaros. The odds are against them, but in spite of that, they are the iconic symbol of the desert southwest.  Survival of the fittest.

"Sonoran Saguaro"

12x9 oil on Raymar Panel

StevieDennyArt.com

email:  Stevie@StevieDennyArt.com

Canyon Shadows, 6x6 oil on Raymar panel

I've been having lots of fun working in the booth for Scottsdale Artist's School, at the Celebration of Fine Art in Scottsdale.  For those of you who don't live in the Phoenix area, this is an annual event where 100 artists set up studios and work there seven days a week, for ten weeks, to show and sell their art.  The show will run through March 24.

I paint every day that I'm at the event.  Some good, and some not so good; but here's a little piece I did last week that many of the artists there have complimented.  This painting is framed, and it's for sale at the Scottsdale Artist's School booth.  I'm usually at the booth Thursday - Sunday, although I won't be there this weekend since I'm headed to California for a plein air painting event with the California Art Club.

If you come to visit the Celebration of Fine Art, please stop by and say hello!

"Canyon Shadows"

6x6 oil on Raymar panel, framed

$300

StevieDennyArt.com

email:  Stevie@StevieDennyArt.com

Red Mountain Sunset, 6x6 oil on Raymar canvas panel

Happy New Year from Red Mountain in Mesa, Arizona!