Grand Falls

I always wanted to check out the Grand “Chocolate” Falls, recently mentioned in the Arizona Highways Magazine as looking like something out of Willie Wonka.  To our dismay, it was dry!  We hiked down to the water to get a closer look and the kids didn’t mind the water. There was plenty of thick, juicy mud probably from recent silt deposits.  …

An Expressive Tree

I have always been attracted to gnarled, deformed trees.  I like a tree that is scary, mysterious, and alive.  This oak was found near Lynx Creek while hiking, just north of Lynx Lake.  The arms of the tree are twisted and look like tentacles searching for a victim.  Maybe I should write fiction, it would certainly be a nice break from …

Aspen Creek Trail (Winter’s last revenge)

This latest storm brought snow to the Prescott area, but we couldn’t just sit on our duffs this weekend. I have free time on my hands! I have about another week of waiting for feedback on my thesis draft. Instead of stressing about how my reviewer may not like my writing, we just had to get outside (even if our …

Spring has Sprung!

Spring is in full swing in Prescott!  Despite the windy weather, the warm air and blossoming trees are sweet smells easily uplifting me out of the brown/cold winter.  Our tulips and daffodils have opened, attracting my camera and lovely butteflies.  Our pear trees in our backyard are shimmering in a white veil of blossoms, swarming with bees and attracting butterflies …

Hiking Badger Springs

Hiking to the Agua Fria River on the Badger Springs trail on a windy Saturday was a way to catch more allergies and check out a new place.  This was a small reward after working 2 weeks on my thesis, a day trip to the Agua Fria National Monument.  The hike down to the river was an easy one mile.  …

Signs of Spring

The air is warming, buds are bursting, the grass is green, the lakes are full, the creeks are chortling, and I am enjoying it (despite the pollen).  Buds at Lynx Creek Falls at Lynx Creek, south of Lynx Lake On the shores of Lynx Lake Moss in the Dells Watson Lake Dam, overflowing Lichen, in the Dells

My Studio

This is where I create!  It is a small space but very functional.  It measures about 8×18 ft, well lit, with enough wall space to hang finished paintings and paintings in progress.  I have a separate work table for working on my laptop, reviewing photos, sketching, and finishing picture frames.  A glass-topped table serves as my pallette.  My wife made the …

Birthday Hike

For my birthday, I chose to hike the Grapevine Trail to check out the waterfall at the end.  The late morning light was great for photographing slow speed images.  Here are some of my favorites.  We were surprised to find the waterfall was frozen, exhibiting an awesome cascading ice sculpture.  Happy Birthday to me!!