Back to Tucson

As I wait for the weather to warm up in Montreal, I’ve been continuing to paint desert scenes from Tanque Verde Ranch in Tucson, Arizona. This is one I painted a few weeks back, of the wash at sunset. It’s the companion to this one, which was at the same time of day but facing the opposite direction. And here is that same area in the afternoon, painted as a workshop demo with my group.

I really did fall in love with the subtle colours and varied textures of the Sonoran desert. There’s so much to paint and the weather at that time of year (January/February) is perfect for plein air sketching. Needless to say, I was thrilled when Madeline Island School of the Arts invited me back to teach in 2024. We had a great time at the ranch, we loved seeing (and drawing) all the horses, the wranglers, the pancake breakfast and the many varieties of desert plants. The food is fantastic, and you can’t beat the setting which is walking distance to a trailhead of Saguaro National Park. In fact, next year, I plan to arrive a little earlier or stay a little longer to hike. If you are interested in joining me on next year’s desert adventure, dates are January 22-26, 2024 and January 29- February 2, 2024. And if you have any questions, just drop me a line.


13 Comments on “Back to Tucson”

  1. yvonnefcarpentergmailcom says:

    Gorgeous!!

  2. Paola Beduini says:

    Oh, Shari this is beautiful. Absolutely stunning! Bravissima!

  3. Chris says:

    Spectacular! Very special painting, thank you.

  4. schartoart says:

    you must be outside today – it’s gorgeous. Have you painted the falling branches?

  5. claire russell says:

    Shari,

    Your post compelled me to review my journal of a bicycle trip my husband and I did around Tucson a few years ago. I was so impressed by the saguaro that my sketching fingers twitched to draw them. You know that feeling!

    Claire Russell, happy owner of your wheelbarrow painting from your drawing a few years ago. Thank you, again!

    http://www.clairecreates.com
    Instagram: clairepaint

    [IMG_5562][IMG_5563]

    http://www.clairecreates.com
    Instagram: clairepaint

  6. This is really beautiful with the glow you gave to it!

  7. Betsy says:

    That’s so gorgeous!

  8. friedakam says:

    Wow, love the transparency

  9. Judy Sopher says:

    What a beautiful painting of the Southwest. Your use of yellow and the limited palette is striking.

  10. Hi Shari,

    I’m interested in the Tucson workshop and have a question. Is it possible for me to do the workshop and book the accommodations for two? My husband would accompany me, but not be part of the workshop.

    Thanks! Lynne Beattie

    • HI Lynne. I just saw your comment. I don’t know how I missed this! Your husband can definitely come along. Have you contacted MISA? So sorry for not seeing this earlier.

  11. Excellent painting of the desert, and the oasis. I really like how you captured all the cacti in the background with such simplicity yet they communicate so much detail with their simplicity.

  12. Mary Marple says:

    Just loved the yellows in the water, etc. – also your pebbly rocks.


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