Today is my birthday and I consider myself to be one of the most fortunate  people in the world. I am not wealthy or famous but I have a passion in art and I am able to pursue it. I also have a wonderful family, church, and many friends. How many people can say that?

 

This city slicker from the Chicago area is currently in Tubac, Arizona. I am finishing as the artist in residence at the Lowe House with a public presentation of the seven pastel paintings that I did of the Santa Cruz river which is undergoing restoration. My task was to document  the condition of the river at this time of year. I covered 57 miles and found a variety of scenes. I started in Tucson and saw a large dry river bed. 

 

 

I didn't find water in the river bed until I traveled much farther south near Tubac. Here were scenes that I painted there.

 

 

It is cold here in the morning but then the temperature rises about 40 degrees to the 7o's and 80's.

 

Traveling farther south we found more water and beautiful spots. Here is Tumacacori and a little farther south. I found it amusing that roads run right through the river. In places, there are no bridges. We have barricades in my neighborhood under these conditions.

 

 

Unfortunately, when I painted at Rio Rico, I found a great deal of garbage along the river bed and in the trees.

 

 

When I return home, I will take good photos of the paintings and post them on my website: www.sueflanagan.com.

 

On my way to Tubac, I stopped for a week in Ramah, New Mexico for private lessons from Michael Chesley Johnson. We painted in plein air as well as in his beautiful studio. I received wonderful instruction and a constructive critique with a plan of action. Michael and his wife, Trina, were excellent hosts. Here are some pictures of the spectacular scenery in Ramah.

 

 

Here is some of our work from the week.

 

 

I have seen some extraordinary scenery, met wonderful people and painted to my heart's content. I hope that you are following your passion.

 

Until next time,

Sue and Suzy the artist with the split personality