End of Festival and Next Days in Sedona

Saturday morning was the “Public” art sale – and final festival day. It was billed as meet the artists day and see the work that had been created all week. Though, there was a “Gala” the evening before, and possibly some paintings sold that we did not get to see. The cost for the gala was $100 to attend and we opted not to do it. We were there early on Saturday. It was fun to see so much plein air work and in so many different styles of art. They had also awarded ribbons the evening before. We said goodbye to many new artist friends and hope to keep up with them and even trade information. Each one we spoke with during the week was willing to share any knowledge they had! What great people!

Here are a few more photos of the festival and artists.

The Quick Draw Sale
and Ginny looking at some information



Michael Chesley Johnson, his set up that day
and mixing some paint to apply!


So . . . The Plein Air Festival is now over and we are on our own once again! And . . . painting is the order of the day each day! Where do we wish to paint? Some of the festival artists have told us of various places they had a good day painting. But . . . we also want to visit a few of the shops we have not seen and a revisit to “Windrush Gallery” for more inspiration. We decided to have a “goof off” day and visit shops we had not been in and galleries.

We had seen some tents on our way to the sale, so we went back to the "art" show. There were some wonderful Native Americans playing music and showing dances. I bought one of the CD's of music and it is lovely.  The CD is Estun-Bah and title is "Sounds of Beauty", Native American Flue & Acoustic Guitar. They have won awards for this CD and have already produced a second on that Wanda Crane bought. Okay, having typed that, I now realize this visit to the Native American art show happened earlier in the trip because Wanda was there! I guess that is what happens when I don't post every night!

Anyway, here are a few photos of them.

Playing their beautiful music!

We bought some family souvenirs and had a light lunch at one of the downtown “tourist” joints. So, we have that out of our systems – and hopefully finished with any spending other than food, gas and travel!

Here is a photo of the first dance we watched



Here is the second dancer



Sunday we wanted to paint – but Candy decided she needed to organize, photo paintings, clean her palette, etc. So Ginny and I went to paint close to home on a road we had not been down before, which was Red Rock Upper Loop Road, on the way to the Red Rock State Park.

We found a wonderful ravine to paint . . . so I completed three paintings and I think Ginny did the same. I think it is some of the best oil paintings I have done so far! I have not been using my painting knife much in the last few years, and after watching some of the plein air festival artists create these "darn" rocks . . . I decided to pull them out and see what I could do. What a difference! I only used the knife for the end of the painting and to highlight the rocks or to add a darker accent.

Here are a couple of the paintings from that day.



Oil, 7" x 5"
Red Rock Ravine #1



Oil, 8" x 10" - same scene
Red Rock Ravine #2



















Oil, 9" x 12"
Just looking the other way at some cactus!

 We painted all the following week and visited the galleries, Jerome again to paint a nocturne (night painting), Cottonwood and antique stores! I will post more paintings from this past week, but in the next post.

Yesterday (Friday) was probably our last day to paint. I think I did my best three paintings -- pastel of course!

Today is Saturday and we are going to Cottonwood to "junk" around and also to visit the Arizona Pastel Society member show. Michael Chesley Johnson told us about it and the reception is today from 2:30 - 4:30.

Also, Ginny is packing her stuff and getting ready to leave early on Monday morning for her ride to Phoenix to catch a plane home. Candy and I will start our drive back early on Tuesday morning -- Santa Fe, Oklahoma City, and Little Rock -- before we arrive back home on Friday late afternoon or early evening.

So . . . I will leave more words and photos for the next post.

Art Class and Mentoring in Smyrna GA

This is just a short post! I woke up early this morning while still here in Sedona and was thinking of my classes in Georgia -- in Smyrna actually. I want to again put out there what I plan to do.

I have moved to Smyrna and have a wonderful space in my basement -- with a driveway and entrance -- that will be a great space to have small classes, mentoring sessions, open studio, etc. There are some windows, and it was an "in-law suite" -- so there is a full kitchen and a full bath right there! All the amenities we could need.

I will publish a calendar and send it out via e-mail to those that wish to sign up for the e-mail. It will contain the days I will be in the studio all day. You can call me, e-mail me or just show up. Of course, it would be nice to know you are planning to come! But, I will only have these sessions for students that contact me about them. This will not be for unknown students that could just show up at my door -- apologies to you -- but I need to know who is coming to my home and I am sure you understand this. You will only receive my address by private e-mail.

What I want is a true "mentoring" session for students -- not just showing you how to place a stroke on the canvas or paper. I will share all the knowledge I have accumulated in my art career. It also forces me to be in the studio and thinking about the "art career" aspect of being an artist -- not washing clothes, being on the computer, etc.  Remember, this is not a "class", but a thinking and planning, goal-setting, etc. course of study (along with painting, of course, if you wish). We will paint, discuss certain aspects of painting, critique, talk marketing, shows, framing, etc. . . . and I can gear it to what you need from me! All you have to do is let me know there is an aspect you wish to discuss.

The cost will be $25 for four hours of intensive work or thinking -- a very reasonable fee! You may be sharing the session. We will be able to have it from 8:00 - 12:00, 9:00 - 1:00, 12:00 to 4:00 . . . or I can be flexible! If you have a day job and need a night or weekend session, we will work something out. Though I mention putting out a calendar of days in the studio, please feel free to tell me your schedule and we will work something out to fit.

Now, for those students that feel they are more in the beginning of their painting career -- we can discuss a different kind of session. I don't mind special sessions just for you. We will discuss this on a one-on-one basis and the fee for that kind of session. You could consider this a private or semi-private class.

I do love teaching and have missed it -- since I have taken almost a year off.

Let me know -- I will be home from my Sedona trip about November 15th. I do still have some straightening up in the downstairs studio to do when I return. I don't think it will take me much to get it straight and ready for students. You can send me an e-mail to marshasavageart@yahoo.com and let me know your wishes and plans and we will structure something. . . . even at this time of year! You don't want to let this opportunity go even during the holiday season.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Long Post from Sedona

Wednesday dawned rather cool and cloudy, but we headed off to Jerome to watch the plein air festival artists create paintings of the historic town perched high on a hillside. Jerome is a fun place, having been an old mining town, then a ghost town, and then repopulated by hippies and artists. Now it is a haven for artistic types! We had a great time, except that I lost one of my most favorite silver and turquoise earrings. We left Jerome and painted at the deserted real estate office parking lot – in the cold and wind. But . . . we painted.


That evening we attended a talk and visual presentation of the personal work of the Keynote Speaker – Stuart Shils – for the Sedona Plein Aire Festival. I was so worried I was going to fall asleep during the slide presentation. The room was dark, I was tired, and sitting at the back of the room – and it did get a little boring – sorry Sedona Art Center. But, I will say I did like his work – but it is very minimalist, abstract and contemporary.

Michael Chesley Johnson and myself
perched in Jerome -- cool day!



Mark Hemleben in Jerome -
 a new friend we admire!




David Lussier in Jerome - a Facebook friend
and now in real life!

 

On Thursday, the festival artists had exactly two hours – from 10 am to 12 noon – to create a painting at Los Abrigados and Tlaquepaque – this is called a “quick draw”. There was a sale of the artwork immediately after the finish of the painting. What a treat – this was a location with a creek, rocks, etc. which was so different from the earlier work of “red rocks”! This would be our last opportunity to see the festival artists at work. How sad!

Tom Lockhart at "Quick Draw"
A fantastic artist with Ginny Dauth



Joshua Been at the "Quick Draw"
The little painting on the ground -
well, I bought that one.



Greg La Rock at the "Quick Draw"
He and his wife, Lori - new friends
And he is a fabulous artist!

When we left for lunch I contacted a friend, Leslie B. DeMille and we were invited to his house in the Village of Oak Creek. This was a special treat – we arrived at his home, saw some of his artwork, and then he surprised us with saying “Okay, which of you will sit for me to do a conte drawing?” Of course, I was going to be the one – since I was the instigator of this visit. But, it did allow Candy Day and Virginia (Ginny) Dauth to have the honor of watching one of the “masters” create a drawing!

I have the sketch and will treasure it. What a special day and a great visit! He is such a wonderful artist. We left his house and painted at Bell Rock and Courthouse Rock. What a full day!


Oil from the Bell Rock Vista parking lot -- but
not Bell Rock! Still trying to evaluate color mixtures.



Dry Creek Tree - Pastel 9 x 12
This is previous day of painting -
second of the day!



Friday we drove out Dry Creek Road again – to Boynton Pass Road – further than we drove the other day. We painted on top of a small hill and had views of the buttes, and the mountains – but more blue than red! I painted three paintings that day – all oils and probably my best oil paintings so far. I was trying to simplify the larger shapes and not get to “decorative”! Which is very hard for me.


Oil at Boynton Pass Road -
Second painting of the session that day!





Oil at Boynton Pass Road -
third painting of that day!


Saturday morning was the “Public” art sale – and final festival day. It was billed as meet the artists day and see the work that had been created all week. There was a “Gala” the evening before, and possibly some paintings sold that we did not get to see. The cost for the gala was $100 to attend and we opted not to do it.

We were there early on Saturday and it was fun to see so much plein air work and in so many different styles of art. They had also awarded ribbons the evening before. We said goodbye to many new artist friends and hope to keep up with them now and even trade information. Each one we met and talked with was so willing to share any knowledge they had! What great people!

I have more painting to show and what we have done -- but will save it for the next post. I know . . .
this was a very long one with many pictures! I know you are enjoying seeing everything I can load up on here. I don't usually post to my blog this often, as I don't like to inundate everyone with so much. But, I did say I would post as often as possible from this fantastic trip out West!
Until next time!

The Sedona Plein Aire Festival Week

So . . . now I need to catch everyone up on our trip to Sedona! This past week has been the Sedona Plein Aire Festival. What a blast! I think I have already mentioned a couple of the days . . . but here is a recap and maybe new information.

Saturday there was a “Main Street Paint Out” from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. The artists were all strung out along Main Street on both sides and we walked around and watched them creating artwork that would be for sale in front of the Sedona Arts Center from 4:30 – 5:30 pm. This was the first time for the public to purchase Festival Art. That was a real treat – and we were able to really meet and talk to them while they were working. We met some fantastic new up and coming artists: Joshua Been, Bill Cramer, Michael Chesley Johnson (I already knew him), Linda Dellandre, Greg La Rock . . . and many more!

Michael Chesley Johnson




Joshua Been





















Sunday, the artists were creating artwork along Oak Creek Canyon and in and around Sedona. We did not see any of them that day. I think because of the “public” hoopla on that first afternoon, they were interested in getting off the beaten path and creating in silence on this first whole day of painting. So, we decided to paint ourselves. But, there was a Festival opening and artists exhibit that evening. The artists were allowed to bring several of their paintings (not created here) and hang for the public to see their work – and purchase if they wished. Wine and a few nibbles were provided. It was fun meeting more of the artists and talking art! We met a wonderful wife of one of the artists – Laurie La Rock – and it seemed to be a friendship forming!

Chavez Ranch Road Bush -- Oil 5" x 7"



Chavez Ranch Road View -- Oil 9" x 12"


On Monday, we attended a demo and lecture by Bill Cramer – which was in oil. I took many photos all during the demonstration. I will probably post only one or two of those photos here. He is an exceptional artist, and seems to be a wonderful teacher as well. He was very giving of information about his plein air set up and his process. We visited Windrush Gallery, some other shops, and then drove up Schnebly Hill and took more photographs. The days were quite cloudy and windy and rather cool.

Bill set up and starting the painting



Finished Painting and his palette




Tuesday, we saw our friend Wanda Crane off to the airport by a shuttle. Then we drove out Dry Creek Road and set up to paint the buttes and a beautiful area of yellow flowers and a dry gulch. I created two pastel paintings – I think my best of the trip so far! We left for lunch back at the house, and then set up to paint the view across the road from our rental home. Later that evening, we were invited to meet one of the festival artists and his wife for dinner – Greg and Laurie La Rock. They are a wonderful couple and we have had loads of fun seeing them all week and getting to know them. A truly talented artist, and extremely interesting and nice couple.



Dry Creek Vista - Pastel 14" x 11"
My favorite so far!



Stay tuned – I’ll post the rest of the week in the next one!

More from Sedona

We had a beautiful first week here -- short sleeves and knee length jeans! Then the second week hit us with cloudy skies . . . which were dramatic and beautiful . . . but we had to worry about somewhat cooler temperatures, and some rain! We have visited some great little shops and also wonderful galleries! We went to Jerome on one day, and then last week on Friday, we made a day trip to the Grand Canyon! What awesome beauty there!

Here are more of my paintings:

Watercolor underpainting for Chavez Road pastel painting

Pastel of Chavez Road View - 12"x9"

At Crescent Moon Park
Pastel - 12" x 9"

Oil - Late one Evening -- in a hurry!

I have several more, but need to size them for uploading to the blog. I will try to get that done this evening after we return from Jerome and watching the Sedona Plein Air Festival artists work in that wonderful hillside town!

Here are a few shots of the area surrounding Sedona!


Cathedral Rock from the "Landing Pad"
This is 5 minute hike from our house!



The view as we drive to our house!



View from Airport Road Hill --
One of the vortex areas!



Wanda at a view from Schnebly Hill area









This week we are enjoying seeing the Sedona Plein Aire Festival artists, meeting them and watching them work!

Stay tuned for more paintings and scenery!

The First Days in Sedona

So now the story moves on to our arrival in Sedona and the first days of painting here! On our first day, we had a great time – Wanda, Candy, Denise and I. Here is my first painting from the Sedona stay! Again, remember it is untouched after leaving the painting location and has all its faults and also its good stuff! It seems that my plein air ability is a little non-existent at this time. I think the study with Ann Templeton was wonderful, but it has given me too many things to think about. I've now the need to get back to "who is Marsha Savage?" and paint like me!

Near Cathedral Rock at Crescent Moon Park

On the evening of our second day, Virginia (Ginny) Dauth arrived! We now were complete with our original five artist friends for the stay here. But, not everyone is getting to stay the full month. Denise left on Saturday after a week in Sedona -- because she will have been gone from her home in Bellingham, WA for almost a month. She had a previous week or more in California at a Women’s Conference and the week at Ghost Ranch before arriving here. And as I have done, she also drove, which adds about 4 days travel time to each end of her journey.

Then, a friend of Ginny’s (Chriss with two “ss’s) arrived on Saturday for a stay of one week with us. We painted and we did some sightseeing. We went to Jerome, and also to the Grand Canyon on two of our days.

Here are a few more of my paintings from the first two weeks of our stay. Some okay, some will be scraped off, some will be saved as resource material for paintings done in the studio. Maybe I will have a few that can make it to a frame for showing or selling.

 

Abstracted Rocks at Cathedral Rock
Oil, 12"x9"




View from Schnebly Hill - Oil, 5"x7"



Looking Up at Schnebly Hill
Oil, 11"x14"

Here is a watercolor underpainting for a small piece I did across the road from the home we are renting on Chavez Ranch Road. And the next image is the finished pastel. It is a 7" x 5" pastel on Ampersand Pastelbord.

Of course, I reserve the right to correct an item in the painting or add a highlight or accent spot!



The finish of the pastel on Chavez Ranch Road

Canyon de Chelly Day

When we visited Canyon de Chelly, we hired a guide. We loaded ourselves in the Jeep – and started off. The first part of the drive you are driving over a very sandy area – guess what? We bottomed out and the Jeep had to be towed out. The guide made the driver of the “REAL” Jeep give us that one which was way cool! We were open in the back and Wanda and I were able to stand up through it to take pictures. It was a rough ride and we did receive some bruises from the jostling around – but they were well worth it.

We paid for four hours, but when we stopped to paint, we decided to add another hour so we could drive down Canyon de Chelly to Window Rock (I think that is what it is called). Our guide told us we needed to drive in Canyon del Muerto because of the light and the distance between the cliffs. I was a little disappointed that we were not in the "actual" Canyon de Chelly part of the canyon. But, after the painting session, we did drive back to the junction of both canyons and go quickly down to Window Rock. Here are some photos in Canyon del Muerto and Canyon de Chelly.

I am not totally happy with the painting I did – but here is the oil painting. It will be a good resource only -- and not frame worthy! Just my own personal piece to remind me of a wonderful day in Canyon de Chelly.

We were painting in the shadow and I was quite cold. The cliff on the right that is so bright orange was really that colorful – reflected light on it. It is really the only thing that bothers me about the painting application. But . . . I set up to paint, started the block in, and then realized I had situated my panel in the landscape position! Not good. The walls were so tall, it really needed a “portrait” position so I could make those cliffs very tall. Oh Well, live and learn. And I did not want to start over – we only had a limited amount of time – on the clock for the tour guide! It will be good reference material to have along with the many photographs I took! That is what I normally use my plein air paintings for – not to frame, but for reference a “memory.”