As we welcome autumn (just kidding, it's still 110 degrees), I'm thrilled to share some exciting news and updates from the studio! September has been a wonderfully creative month, with the completion of two new paintings and preparation for two upcoming events that I'm honored to be a part of.

Completed Works:

1. Gatekeepers

"Gatekeepers" delves into the idea of nature as both a guardian and protector. Saguaro's have always reminded me of Tolkien's Ents in the Lord of the Rings. Somehow they feel like sentient guardians of the desert and the animals around them. I imagined these two saguaros standing together as gatekeepers of the mountain pass that lay beyond them.

1. Pygmy Owls Perfect Place  

"Pygmy Owls Perfect Place," is the second piece in my series of animals that depend on saguaros. Pygmy Owls cactus (ferruginous pygmy-owl) make their nests in holes in Saguaros. They were on the endangered species list due to habitat loss, but with conservation efforts, they recovered enough to be removed from the list in 2007. I hope my painting can help remind us how precious these resources are to the wildlife around us.

Exhibition News: Harris Hawks Hunting Haven at the Phippen Museum

 I'm excited to announce that "Harris Hawks Hunting Haven" is now on display at the Phippen Museum in Prescott as part of the Oil Painters of America Western Regional Exhibition. The exhibition celebrates the beauty and power of the American West, and I'm honored to be a part of it. This piece captures the dynamic energy of the Harris Hawks as it perches atop the saguaro and scan for its prey.

The exhibition's opening night and awards ceremony will be held on October 18th, and I would love to see you there! It's always an incredible opportunity to connect with fellow artists and art lovers, and I'm eager to share this special evening with you.

Upcoming Event: Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival

 I'm also thrilled to announce that I've been selected to participate in the Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival, a prestigious three-day event running from November 1-3rd. I've been busy preparing all my available work for this fine art fair, and I'm excited to showcase it alongside other talented artists in this beautiful setting.

The Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy stunning art while sipping on fine wine, making it the perfect event for art enthusiasts and collectors alike. I'm so grateful to have been chosen to participate, and I hope you'll join me to experience the event firsthand. Be sure to stop by my booth to say hello and view my latest works in person!

Commissions & New Projects:

 As I gear up for these exciting events, I'm also accepting new commissions for the fall and winter seasons. Whether you're looking for a custom landscape or wildlife scene, I'd love to work with you to bring your vision to life through a personalized painting.

Thank you for your continued support of my work. Your encouragement fuels my passion to create, and I'm so grateful for this community of art lovers. I can't wait to share even more with you in the months to come, and I hope to see you soon at one of these upcoming events!