Crossing Arizona

Still on my way to my destination. Today was a straight shot from Palm Desert on the 10 past Phoenix and into Tucson. Surprised to discover I have no cell service in Tucson! This does not bode well for the remote areas where I'll be painting in southern New Mexico!

I'd read about a gallery in Tucson that had within it a small Maynard Dixon Museum, so after checking into my hotel (very circa 1975) I set off, sans 4G and wifi, to find the Mark Sublette Medicine Man Gallery. What a find!!

Gallery is in a strip mall, a strange location for such fabulous art. I went there to see the Maynard Dixon work. What an unexpected delight to find: Gregory Kondos (I've been fortunate to have studied with him twice, he's a treasure); Ray Roberts, a spectacular Plein air painter; Dennis Ziemienski, who I took a class from in Undergraduate and is a phenomenal illustrator and painter; Francis Livingston!! One of America's top Illustrators had some breathtaking landscapes and western paintings; a few stunning paintings by Ed Mell and Mark Bowles; and lastly, a wonderful collection of pieces by Josh Elliott.

Sadly, no photos allowed :(

Across the street was a Chevron where I filled the tank for.... $1.69 a gallon OMG!!

Day 2 drive of 400 miles, and one day closer to my destination! 

Thank you to all the kudos and well wishes!

Zion!

Wanted to play one more day, see Zion and get a hike in since the rain has stopped. Phenomenal! Last time I was there I hiked Angels Landing which is an epic hike. Today I hiked the Narrows which was intimate and beautiful.

Found a great book on the Art of our National Parks as well as saw the poster and tshirt for the Plein Air Invitational at Zion, which will be held in early November.

Bonus! On the was back, came across the Thunderbird Foundation which is a gallery in the old home of Maynard Dixon. Inside was still most of the paintings from the Maynard Dixon Days Plein air invitational held just about a month ago. So inspiring! Small world too, the owner Paul Bingham used to live in Willow Glen and had a gallery in both Los Altos and at the Fairmont in SJ. Had a nice time talking about art with him.