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“Majestic Morning” – a commission painting process

When approached with a request for a commission painting, it comes with much excitement and anticipation for a fresh challenge. I have developed a process that works for me and also allows for client feedback. This process is also rewarding for both parties involved! I will describe my process in this blog and share photographs of progress shots and the …

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Hiking The Grand Canyon: Boucher and Hermit Trails

With much anticipation, I was excited to hike the Boucher Trail for a second time! The first time was over twenty years ago, and we hiked most of it in the night by moonlight to escape the summer heat. A group of friends was organized to hike from the Hermit Trailhead to the Boucher Rapids the first day, followed by …

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Russell Johnson Studio Spring Cleaning 50% off Sale at The Frame & I

I am once again having a Studio Spring Cleaning Sale at The Frame & I in downtown Prescott, AZ. I desperately need room in my studio and am moving framed originals at half off! This is a great time to add to your art collection! Paintings are on sale through April or as supplies last. All pieces are custom framed …

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Tanner Trail hike of The Grand Canyon

Lucky me, another Grand Canyon hike! This time a group of us took to the Tanner Trail for a late October adventure for a three day, two night stay in the Grand Canyon. Anticipation of this hike started weeks if not months prior and it always seems like there isn’t enough time to fully prepare. When we arrive, I was …

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Fall Color Hunting in Flagstaff, AZ

What is now becoming our family tradition, we went Fall color hunting in Flagstaff, AZ. We were on the lookout for Fall Aspens! This year we weren’t up for a big hike into Inner Basin near Lockett Meadow like other years, so we started our search at Arizona Snowbowl. There is a nature loop trail that offers great views of …

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Prescott Plein Air Art Festival Experience from October 1-4, 2020

The first ever Prescott Plein Air Art Festival was held October 1-4, 2020. It was an honor to be part of this event as a long-time Prescott resident and local artist. The Highland Center for Natural History organized the event and did quite well for a first time. Artists painted on location in the Prescott area for three days and …

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Prescott Plein Air Art Festival is October 1-4, 2020

Prescott Plein Air Art Festival Celebrating Prescott’s Diverse Landscapes The Highlands Center for Natural History (HCNH) and the City of Prescott are pleased to present the Prescott Plein Air Art Festival, October 1 through October 4, 2020. Plein Air artists paint outdoors, capturing the spirit and essence of a landscape by incorporating natural light, color, and movement into their art. …

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Hiking Silver Star Mountain in Washington

It was late June, and friends invited us to hike with them up to Silver Star Mountain in Washington. They said the views would be great from the top! We were in for a treat. Well, the views didn’t pan out, but the views from the trail were fantastic. We started hiking later in the afternoon after a bumpy ride …

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Plein Air Painting in Washington

This summer, we found ourselves traveling to Washington once again. My wife grew up there and we make it most years to enjoy her hometown area of Longview, which is close to the Oregon border right on the Columbia River. This year, the weather was mild, probably because we arrived before summer begins in Washington. The joke is that summer …