Hills Above Havasu

12x16

My last post of the desert consists of this painting I did above Havasu on the northeast. I had already painted one painting which I unceremoniously trashed - so this was my second attempt for the day. I found a nice little wash and set up- it was hot that day and I hadn't taken any water with me as I was so anxious to get painting that I forgot. Needless to say, I did this one rather quickly. Lake Havasu is probably right at the bottom of the distant mountain but was not visible to me. I really liked this location so next time I'm there, I will be visiting it again.

A View of the Lake

I painted this right off of Kiowa and this is a view of Lake Havasu from the top of the city. It has been beautiful here and the weather has perfect for painting. If I were to paint this again I would like to try it when the sun is down just a little lower or maybe right at sunset.

Desert painting

I have a desert at my disposal right behind our house in Havasu. I am trying to learn the best painting spots, best times of day, and how to get back to the house without getting lost- the most important thing since there are roads EVERYWHERE. I woke up early and headed out to the desert and painted this view. It is really beautiful here right now - and I will be posting more work but I have to go to IHOP to post this as I don't have internet service in my house. I have more paintings to post later...

Havasu

This is the painting that I painted in Havasu- the desert always kicks me in the rear when painting- and it was difficult - I just am not used to the airy bushes that have very little form and the intense color of the sunsets. Well, I gave it my best shot and I know that I will have to work harder on this type of scene- I definitely have a lot of respect for desert painters such as Matt Smith( his workshop was a major eye opener) and Becky Joy- she's been painting a lot of nice desert scenes lately.

Flying to Lake Havasu

During President's Day weekend, we were able to slip away from this icebox and head to Havasu. I took pictures from the airplane window on the way. The artist in me is always looking for spots to paint and looking over Platora Reservoir, (above) I decided that it would be in my best interest to explore this area a lot more- when possible of course.
Jim and Jason in the front- Jim is trying to convince Jason into getting his pilot's license.

Flying over Navajo Reservoir. We used to live here during the summers on the weekends - until it got so difficult with the kids (when they were babies- and cried all the time)

Flagstaff Mountain- almost to Havasu- yeah! Yes I did paint there.. Later......