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!

Bulldog Rocks Study, 6x6 oil on Raymar cotton panel

Recently my husband went with me for a plein air painting session (he's not a painter, but he's a great photographer and critic!). I wanted to go back to Bulldog Rocks, along the Salt River in the Tonto National Forest, north of Mesa.  I paint there often.  Since the best viewing spot is closed for the winter (Water Users)  the next best place that's free is a turnout on Bush Highway just south of Water Users.  It requires a little hike to get down to the water, but there are great hiking trails and the view is well worth it.

StevieDennyArt.com

email:  Stevie@StevieDennyArt.com

Winter Light, 6x6 oil on Raymar Panel

Last year I went to an area of the Salt River called Water Users, where the views of the tall Bulldog Rocks are magnificent.  It was the end of a winter day in January, with long shadows and the beautiful golden light reflecting off the rocks and foliage.  I painted this from a photo I took that day, looking southeast toward the Usery Mountains.  I'm so glad I took all those photos last winter because sadly, Water Users is closed for the season this year by the Forest Service, due to budget cuts.

Last Light, 8x10 oil on canvas panel

Today I painted at the Salt River, in the Phon D. Sutton recreation area.  This is a scenic spot right by the river, with many beautiful vistas.  If you're lucky, the Salt River wild horses will come by to visit.  I went there this afternoon, since the light is so good at this time of year.  I found a nice shady spot to set up, and although I had originally intended to paint a scene looking east, when I looked toward the west and saw the light on the mountains and the rocks, and the beautiful Fall foliage lit by the setting sun, I quickly changed my mind!

Keyhole Rock, 9x12 oil on canvas panel

Keyhole Rock is a landmark for Laguna Beach, California.  I painted this on location when I visited this summer.  What a great place to paint, and a nice escape from the Arizona heat!  

StevieDennyArt.com

email:  Stevie@dc3.com