Tucson Artists' Open Studios Tour Apr 14 & 15 2012: Melinda Makes Ready!

Sky Fell, Sun Followed 8" x 8" Oil on artists' board © 2012 Melinda S. Esparza

The big run-up to next week's Tucson Artists' Open Studios tour is ON. I'm getting excited to see all of the kindhearted, funny, extremely intelligent people who'll be stopping by. I'm going to be giving a painting demo one or both of the days, in preparation for my Grand Canyon Artist-in-Residency. Whoo-hoo!

There's something else, too. If you would like to, please go to Melinda Esparza Artists Wanted and click 'Collect Me.' If there are enough people who do, I might just get some of my art flashing in Times Square. Wouldn't that be fun?

Here are some of the paintings you'll see at my studio during the Tucson Artists' Open Studios tour next week:

Abiquiu Ancestors 30" x 30," oil on canvas © 2012 Melinda S. Esparza

Ghost Ranch Cliff #1 8" x 8," oil on artists' board © 2012 Melinda S. Esparza

Ghost Ranch Mesa 30" x 30," oil on canvas © 2012 Melinda S. Esparza

Sabino Canyon Snowy Day (9" x 12," oil on artists' board) © 2012 Melinda S. Esparza

Blue Pedernal 10" x 10," oil on artists' board © 2012 Melinda S. Esparza

Rain Dance Shamans (16" x 20," oil on artists' board) © 2012 Melinda S. Esparza

Monks' Quarters Tumacacori 12" x 12," oil on artists' board © 2012 Melinda S. Esparza

Rincon Peak Winter Snow (18" x 18," oil on cradled board) © 2012 Melinda S. Esparza

The weather is fantastic here. Perfect for wandering around Tucson and visiting artists' studios.

I'll be looking for you!

The ANTs Disappeared and PAINT Made a Mesa

Ghost Ranch Mesa 30" x 30," on oil cradled panel--Image © 2011 Melinda S. Esparza It was really wonderful to hear from you all about your own struggles with ANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts). I know that you work diligently to chase them away. I think you're successful. You inspire me to keep chasing mine away too. When they're gone, it is a good day. Here is a 30" x 30," oil on canvas, that I finished last night...sans ANTs.

Tucson Artists' Open Studio Tour (April 16th and 17th) Coming Up Soon!

Image © 2011 Melinda S. Esparza New growth on the prickly pear cacti, and mesquite trees greening up, mean food! And fruit! Did you know that you can eat the prickly pear pads? They taste a bit like bell peppers with added sweetness or a light vinegar spiciness. Now, when I talk about food, I think about the last time I posted a recipe: Melinda's Tangy Summer Salsa or Oh, Yeah, It's a Dry Heat Fajita. Yeah, that day is coming. But, today, I have this painting: Glyph (8" x 8," oil on artists' board) that reminds me of the ancestors, of the land, of reading the landscape the way one might read the marks on one's own skin.

  Image © 2011 Melinda S. Esparza The Tucson Artists' Open Studio Tour is approaching, only a week from this weekend. Previous to each event, there is a collector (or two) who buys a painting in advance. This week, a buyer purchased Daydream Sabino and I am delighted for her!

  Image © 2011 Melinda S. Esparza And, I'm glad that it will be appreciated! Another collector bought Terra Incognita. It has been looked at by several potential buyers recently.

  Image © 2011 Melinda S. Esparza Wishing you all a great week painting. And, if you can swing by next week, I'll have treats!