Authentically Human! Not Written by AI!
All Content Copyright © Michael Chesley Johnson AIS PSA MPAC

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Cottonwood Colors

"Cottonwood Colors" 9x12, pastel - available

On our trip this fall, Trina and I were fortunate in being able to follow the wave of autumnal color change. When we left Campobello Island in mid-October, foliage in that part of the world was at its peak. (There are few things prettier than New England's sugar maples in autumn! ) As we drove, passing from New England into the Midwest and then into Texas and beyond, we rode a crest of color - reds, oranges and yellow-green.

I've always lamented the fact that, in five years with the Sedona Plein Air Festival, I never saw any good fall color, except far up Oak Creek Canyon near the West Fork trailhead. The reason, of course, is that the Festival happens a bit too early for the change. But now, nearly a month later, we're hitting our peak here along Oak Creek. We drove out yesterday to some of the spots I thought would be good, and I wasn't disappointed. I did a small pastel of Red Rock Crossing, looking out over the colorful cottownwoods toward Cathedral Rock.

For those of you in the area, we've opened up Pumphouse Studio Gallery officially. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 1-5, or by appointment or chance. This Saturday, November 27th, I'll be giving a free painting demonstration at the gallery from 3-4. For more on the studio gallery, please visit www.PumphouseGallery.com.