My Life & Artwork - May & June 2021

July 9, 2021 Teressa Jackson

It’s been a productive couple of months! Summer is officially here and the desert is officially hot. We’ve even spent a few days in the upper one hundred teens. I think that having no choice but to be indoors much of the time translated to a productivity boon for me, especially in June. I also had some art exhibition opportunities that piqued my interest, so I worked to create some pieces tailored to those. Thankfully, my submissions were well received, too.

Fort Lowell Firmament, 16x20”, watercolor on cradled Aquabord, 2019. Available for purchase.

FOUND:RE Contemporary in Phoenix issued a call for submissions called Xscape, an exhibition to be centered around “landscapes, cityscapes and mindscapes.” I created a large piece on Aquabord entitled El Curandero (it’s shown below, but I promise it’s so much better in person) that was accepted to this exhibition. The show will run from July 17 to November 14, 2021.

El Curandero was inspired by the Curandero Trail at Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Superior, Arizona. This trail features a collection of native plants that have medicinal properties. Each time I walk this trail, I gaze down from the top to this view of Picketpost Mountain and the gardens below. For me, the most powerful medicine of all is the beauty of this place and the way it heals my soul. (Curanderos are traditional healers who use herbal medicines to treat various conditions).

Extra thanks goes to Ampersand, the makers of Aquabord, who sent me complimentary product that I used to create El Curandero and several other paintings in June. Ampersand will be using Fort Lowell Firmament, a painting I created on Aquabord a couple of years ago, for some of their new marketing materials. Aquabord is a clay coated, slightly textured board that is designed for use with watercolor paint. It can be sealed and displayed without glass, which makes the watercolor even more vibrant and luminous. The surface doesn’t behave exactly like paper, and I like the qualities of each for different reasons and different applications/subject matter. Aquabord is especially nice for larger paintings, since framing paper in large format can get really cumbersome and expensive.

Señor Pajaro, my little mockingbird friend

Monsoon season began on my birthday (June 15 - yeah, yeah, I’m 45 now…) and I had the opportunity to submit artwork to a monsoon themed exhibition with Raices Taller 222 Art Gallery & Workshop in Tucson. I had actually sketched out some ideas last year that I I liked but never painted (I’m not sure why!) so I worked through those using various media. The first version was gouache (opaque watercolor) on black watercolor paper, then gouache on white hot pressed (very smooth) watercolor paper, and finally transparent watercolor on white cold pressed (more textured) watercolor paper. I think they resulted in some fun and interesting works that exceeded my expectations. The first two iterations of these designs are now showing in Raices Taller’s Agua Sagrada virtual exhibition and the third was sold to a Phoenix-area collector.

In other random news, we had some renovations done at our house in May, which was exciting but exhausting and probably impacted my May productivity. The saguaro cacti bloomed and made fruit. We did more rockhounding, even when it was insanely hot. We spent a beautiful Memorial Day weekend in Orange County, California, eating good food and visiting the ocean. I managed to somehow save a fledgling mockingbird from Lola dog and it spent a week learning to fly in our backyard (and inspired some art that will be featured in future a blog). We got our first day of rain for the monsoon season. It was a good couple of months!

In all, I created 6 paintings in May and 11 in June, including several larger and more time-consuming paintings. I also experimented quite a bit with style, approaches, and materials. I feel like I’m in a season of artistic change and growth, another reason I’ve been creating so much. All the pieces I created are shown below, along with their availability as of this blog post.

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El Curandero 18x24”, Watercolor on Aquabord On exhibit in “XSCAPES: Landscapes, Cityscapes, and Mindscapes” from July 17 to November 14, 2021, at FOUND:RE Contemporary. — *El Curandero*
18x24”, Watercolor on Aquabord
On exhibit in “XSCAPES: Landscapes, Cityscapes, and Mindscapes” from July 17 to November 14, 2021, at FOUND:RE Contemporary.

Deluge Dreams 8x10”, Gouache on 140 lb. Legion Stonehenge Aqua Coldpress Black Paper On virtual exhibit in “Agua Sagrada” from July 3 to August 14, 2021, via Raices Taller 222 Art Gallery & Workshop. Purchases can be made through the gallery; more information at linked page. — *Deluge Dreams*
8x10”, Gouache on 140 lb. Legion Stonehenge Aqua Coldpress Black Paper
On virtual exhibit in “Agua Sagrada” from July 3 to August 14, 2021, via Raices Taller 222 Art Gallery & Workshop. Purchases can be made through the gallery; more information at linked page.

Awash Awakenings 8x10”, Gouache on 140 lb. Arches Hot Pressed Watercolor Paper On virtual exhibit in “Agua Sagrada” from July 3 to August 14, 2021, via Raices Taller 222 Art Gallery & Workshop. Purchases can be made through the gallery; more information at linked page. — *Awash Awakenings*
8x10”, Gouache on 140 lb. Arches Hot Pressed Watercolor Paper
On virtual exhibit in “Agua Sagrada” from July 3 to August 14, 2021, via Raices Taller 222 Art Gallery & Workshop. Purchases can be made through the gallery; more information at linked page.

Monsoon Swoon 12x12”, Watercolor on 300 lb. Arches Cold Pressed Paper SOLD. — *Monsoon Swoon*
12x12”, Watercolor on 300 lb. Arches Cold Pressed Paper
SOLD.

Monumental Morning 2.25x8.25”, Watercolor on 300 lb. Arches Cold Pressed Paper For sale as of this blog post - visit my online shop to purchase. — *Monumental Morning*
2.25x8.25”, Watercolor on 300 lb. Arches Cold Pressed Paper
For sale as of this blog post - visit my online shop to purchase.

Bartlett Blue 6x6”, Watercolor on Aquabord For sale as of this blog post - visit my online shop to purchase. — *Bartlett Blue*
6x6”, Watercolor on Aquabord
For sale as of this blog post - visit my online shop to purchase.

Boyce Thompson Sampler 6x6”, Watercolor on Aquabord For sale as of this blog post - visit my online shop to purchase. — *Boyce Thompson Sampler*
6x6”, Watercolor on Aquabord
For sale as of this blog post - visit my online shop to purchase.

Moochaca 6x6”, Watercolor and Gouache on Aquabord For sale as of this blog post - visit my online shop to purchase. — *Moochaca*
6x6”, Watercolor and Gouache on Aquabord
For sale as of this blog post - visit my online shop to purchase.

Pinchot Pencas 6x6”, Watercolor on Aquabord For sale as of this blog post - visit my online shop to purchase. — *Pinchot Pencas*
6x6”, Watercolor on Aquabord
For sale as of this blog post - visit my online shop to purchase.

Pinchot Privy 14x11”, Watercolor and Gouache on Aquabord For sale as of this blog post - visit my online shop to purchase. — *Pinchot Privy*
14x11”, Watercolor and Gouache on Aquabord
For sale as of this blog post - visit my online shop to purchase.

Above the Grove 2.75x2.75”, Watercolor on Paper For sale as of this blog post - visit my online shop to purchase. — *Above the Grove*
2.75x2.75”, Watercolor on Paper
For sale as of this blog post - visit my online shop to purchase.

Chinle Time Traveler 14x10”, Watercolor on 300 lb. Arches Cold Pressed Paper On virtual exhibit in “Agua Sagrada” from July 3 to August 14, 2021, via Raices Taller 222 Art Gallery & Workshop. Purchases can be made through the gallery; more information at linked page. — *Chinle Time Traveler*
14x10”, Watercolor on 300 lb. Arches Cold Pressed Paper
On virtual exhibit in “Agua Sagrada” from July 3 to August 14, 2021, via Raices Taller 222 Art Gallery & Workshop. Purchases can be made through the gallery; more information at linked page.

La Bailaora de Flamenco 24x18”, Watercolor on 140 lb. Arches Hot Pressed Paper For sale as of this blog post - visit my online shop to purchase. — *La Bailaora de Flamenco*
24x18”, Watercolor on 140 lb. Arches Hot Pressed Paper
For sale as of this blog post - visit my online shop to purchase.

32nd St. Glow 6x6”, Gouache and white gel pen on Claybord For sale as of this blog post - visit my online shop to purchase. — *32nd St. Glow*
6x6”, Gouache and white gel pen on Claybord
For sale as of this blog post - visit my online shop to purchase.

The Charging Hour 6x6”, Gouache on Claybord SOLD. — *The Charging Hour*
6x6”, Gouache on Claybord
SOLD.

Busy Evening 6x6”, Gouache and watercolor pencil on Claybord For sale as of this blog post - visit my online shop to purchase. — *Busy Evening*
6x6”, Gouache and watercolor pencil on Claybord
For sale as of this blog post - visit my online shop to purchase.

Between the Lines 6x6”, Gouache on Claybord For sale as of this blog post - visit my online shop to purchase. — *Between the Lines*
6x6”, Gouache on Claybord
For sale as of this blog post - visit my online shop to purchase.

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My Life & Artwork - August 2020

September 3, 2020 Teressa Jackson

And just like that - August is here!

As I mentioned last month, it’s been hot, hot, hot here in the Valley of the Sun. Honestly, though, I hadn’t realized just how hot it had been until I saw that we had hit 50 days of 110 degrees or above this year, obliterating the previous record of 33 days in 2011. Thank you, Willis Carrier, for the gift of cool indoor air!

We did finally get a monsoon storm this month, and it was pretty epic, with 60 mile per hour winds that nearly took out the large ash tree in my backyard and caused a couple of cactus casualties in my front yard. Cleanup was a bear.

Much like July, August was low-key due to heat and quarantine life. Lola and I enjoyed our early morning walks, and Aaron and I spent the month visiting a lake a weekend. We have now visited Lake Pleasant, Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake, and Bartlett Lake, all of which are about an hour’s drive from our house. While I enjoyed them all in different ways, the gorgeous scenery at Bartlett Lake made it my favorite and I have officially given it the Best Lake Award.

I got a haircut for the first time since February, and sadly, that now seems like big news. I figured since it had been six months I should get at least that many inches cut off, and chop, chop, chop, I felt like a new woman.

The prickly scene at Usery Mountain Regional Park

The high temperature FINALLY dipped below 100 degrees and I went to Usery Mountain Regional Park for a little hike on the last day of August. It was still pretty warm, but nice to get out in the desert and see how my prickly friends were doing.

As for art, I had two paintings accepted into an upcoming online juried exhibition hosted by Raices Taller 222 Art Gallery & Workshop in Tucson. The show is entitled “Corozones Unidos” (Hearts United) and will run from Sept. 12 to Oct. 24 at raicestaller222.com. One of those paintings, Quarantine Queen, was reviewed by the Tucson Weekly and will be featured on the September 3, 2020, issue cover! I’m so grateful to the Tucson Weekly for the coverage and to Raices Taller for their continued hard work to represent local and regional artists. I’ve had the great fortune to show my work with them several times over the past couple of years.

I created five paintings this month, continuing to focus on desert creatures and my neighborhood surroundings. I’ve decided to include more of a description of each painting alongside each piece in this month’s blog, so please check them out below and learn more about the thought behind them. All of this month’s paintings remain for sale as of this blog posting.

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About this painting:

I spent some time this month admiring and learning about hummingbirds, and one of the fascinating things I discovered is that they require spiderwebs to build their nests. These cute little thieves would find their nests coming unglued and their precious TicTac-sized cargo tumbling to the ground if it wasn’t for the hard work of the arachnids around them.

As I put this scene together, I thought about how many ways that we are all networked - from the hummingbirds’ reliance on the spiderweb to the spiderweb itself to the tree roots and the antennae on the mountain in the distance, there’s a lot of give and take to this world. May we always remember that our actions always have impact beyond ourselves!

Network 10x16”, Gouache on 140 lb. Arches Hot Press Watercolor Paper For sale as of this blog post - visit my online shop to purchase. — Network
10x16”, Gouache on 140 lb. Arches Hot Press Watercolor Paper
For sale as of this blog post - visit my online shop to purchase.

About this painting:

I recently discovered that a type of parrot, the rosy-faced lovebird, also known as the rosy-collared or peach-faced lovebird, lives in my neighborhood. I first spotted them at a bird feeder about a block from my house. Now that I’m tuned into them, I have seen them in trees and amongst the blooming Mexican sunflowers. I even counted 19 of them one recent morning!

These critters are native to southwestern Africa but flourish in the Phoenix climate. A sizable number of them apparently live wild in the city and surrounding area. Of course I had to pay tribute to these sweet little creatures in a painting, and dreamed up this scene located in the fictitious locale of “Love Street, Parrotzona.”

Love Street, Parrotzona 10x8”, Gouache on 140 lb. Arches Hot Press Watercolor Paper For sale as of this blog post - visit my online shop to purchase. — *Love Street, Parrotzona*
10x8”, Gouache on 140 lb. Arches Hot Press Watercolor Paper
For sale as of this blog post - visit my online shop to purchase.

About this painting:

I have a pair of hummingbirds who camp out in the large ash tree in my backyard. They’re such amazing creatures, many of whom make huge migratory journeys. I couldn’t help but envision all that they must see along the way and how those sights have changed over the years, becoming more and more developed.

My tree (which is likely over 70 years old) took a beating in the monsoon storm we had during August and around a third of it either crashed to the ground or had to be removed, but thankfully these wee winged ones made it through just fine. They continue to party out there, getting drunk on sugar water and enjoying their redecorated space.

Mile Marker 2,265 8x10”, Gouache on 140 lb. Arches Hot Press Watercolor Paper For sale as of this blog post - visit my online shop to purchase. — *Mile Marker 2,265*
8x10”, Gouache on 140 lb. Arches Hot Press Watercolor Paper
For sale as of this blog post - visit my online shop to purchase.

About this painting:

The rosy-faced lovebird, a type of parrot that is native to Africa, thrives in my Phoenix neighborhood. It’s thought that these brightly-colored birds found their way into the wild here as escaped pets. Ironically enough, they love the Mexican sunflowers that grow in abundance here; these same flowers were exported to Africa as an ornamental plant and fertilizer and are now found in abundance in many locales there. It’s a small world after all.

The Immigrant 5x7”, Gouache on 140 lb. Arches Hot Press Watercolor Paper For sale as of this blog post - visit my online shop to purchase. — *The Immigrant*
5x7”, Gouache on 140 lb. Arches Hot Press Watercolor Paper
For sale as of this blog post - visit my online shop to purchase.

About this painting:

In April 2019, I said “hasta luego” to Tucson and moved up I-10 to the Phoenix metro. I knew I would miss the wildlife outside my door, stunning views, nice people, and amazing culinary scene. Apparently, the javelina decided they were going to miss the culinary scene of my porch and on my last evening in town they had a little adios fiesta and chowed down on my potted plants. This fun and “totally Tucson” memory inspired this painting, entitled Sonoran Salad Bar. I know that salad bars are a big no-no during this whole COVID situation, but I don’t think the javelina care about social distancing, hand washing, or much else other than filling their bellies.

Sonoran Salad Bar 5x7”, Gouache on 140 lb. Arches Hot Press Watercolor Paper For sale as of this blog post - visit my online shop to purchase. — *Sonoran Salad Bar*
5x7”, Gouache on 140 lb. Arches Hot Press Watercolor Paper
For sale as of this blog post - visit my online shop to purchase.

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My Life & Artwork - July 2019

August 28, 2019 Teressa Jackson

July began with a Fourth of July trip to Page, Arizona, and the beautiful jewel that is Lake Powell. Aaron and I swam at Lone Rock beach, kayaked into Antelope Canyon, and ventured along with the hordes of other tourists to the Horseshoe Bend overlook. It’s a beautiful part of the state and a tiny bit cooler than the Phoenix metro thanks to its elevation. Plus… water!

Monsoon season continued through July, but was largely a bust. There were a couple of minor storms in the evening, but nothing compared to last year’s sky entertainment. I believe they have received a bit more monsoon action in Tucson, but it’s been less eventful there, too. Weather does what it wants.

I worked on two larger paintings this month with exhibitions in mind. I entered “La Corona” in the Southern Arizona Watercolor Guild’s Share our Walls juried exhibition and “Return to Goblin Valley” was entered into Raices Taller 222 Art Gallery & Workshop’s Historias e Identidades (Histories and Identities) juried exhibition. I wrote a separate blog post about “Return to Goblin Valley,” explaining the meaning of this place to my own history and identity. Both pieces were accepted in their respective galleries. The SAWG show will run from 9/5-10/6/19, with an opening reception on 9/8 from 2-4 p.m. and the Raices Taller show runs through September 7.

Overall, I completed eight paintings in July. “Return to Goblin Valley” is currently for sale at Raices Taller and “La Corona” will be available for purchase at SAWG during their exhibition. Both galleries are located in Tucson. Five of the paintings I created, displayed at the bottom of this blog post, are all available for sale on my website as of this blog posting - starting at just $15.

I wrapped up July and began August with a change of scenery, visiting my sister’s family and my mother in Corvallis, Oregon. It was a wonderful time full of love and laughs, green scenery, a short trip to the coastal area around Yachats, and my first experience seeing Wicked the musical in Eugene. It was a good month!

Lightning I caught during an evening monsoon shower

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“La Ventana Natural Arch, El Malpais National Monument, Grants, New Mexico: 6/8/19, 15:01:39” 3x2” watercolor on 140 lb. watercolor paper For sale as of this blog posting - visit my online shop to purchase. — “La Ventana Natural Arch, El Malpais National Monument, Grants, New Mexico: 6/8/19, 15:01:39”
3x2” watercolor on 140 lb. watercolor paper
For sale as of this blog posting - visit my online shop to purchase.

“Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico: 6/10/19, 8:22:19” 3x2” watercolor on 140 lb. watercolor paper For sale as of this blog posting - visit my online shop to purchase. — “Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico: 6/10/19, 8:22:19”
3x2” watercolor on 140 lb. watercolor paper
For sale as of this blog posting - visit my online shop to purchase.

“Superior, Arizona: 5/10/19, 10:30:06” 3x2” watercolor on 140 lb. watercolor paper For sale as of this blog posting - visit my online shop to purchase. — “Superior, Arizona: 5/10/19, 10:30:06”
3x2” watercolor on 140 lb. watercolor paper
For sale as of this blog posting - visit my online shop to purchase.

“Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona: 6/7/19, 12:44:05” 3x2” watercolor on 140 lb. watercolor paper For sale as of this blog posting - visit my online shop to purchase. — “Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona: 6/7/19, 12:44:05”
3x2” watercolor on 140 lb. watercolor paper
For sale as of this blog posting - visit my online shop to purchase.

“Mesa, Arizona: 5/12/19, 10:06:30” 3x2” watercolor on 140 lb. watercolor paper For sale as of this blog posting - visit my online shop to purchase. — “Mesa, Arizona: 5/12/19, 10:06:30”
3x2” watercolor on 140 lb. watercolor paper
For sale as of this blog posting - visit my online shop to purchase.

“Mesa, Arizona: 5/12/19, 09:21:08” 3x2” watercolor on 140 lb. watercolor paper For sale as of this blog posting - visit my online shop to purchase. — “Mesa, Arizona: 5/12/19, 09:21:08”
3x2” watercolor on 140 lb. watercolor paper
For sale as of this blog posting - visit my online shop to purchase.

“La Corona” 20x16” watercolor on 2” cradled Aquabord Available for purchase at Southern Arizona Watercolor Guild from 9/5-10/6/19. — “La Corona”
20x16” watercolor on 2” cradled Aquabord
Available for purchase at Southern Arizona Watercolor Guild from 9/5-10/6/19.

“Return to Goblin Valley” 12x16” watercolor on 140 lb. watercolor paper Available for purchase at Raices Taller 222 Art Gallery & Workshop until 9/7/19. — “Return to Goblin Valley”
12x16” watercolor on 140 lb. watercolor paper
Available for purchase at Raices Taller 222 Art Gallery & Workshop until 9/7/19.

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My Life & Artwork - July & August 2018

September 5, 2018 Teressa Jackson

Monsoon beauty on Linda Vista Trail in Oro Valley, Arizona

Well... I was a slacker and didn't do a blog for July. So, here's one covering two months!

The monsoon season really ramped up in July, and during July and August, you could at least spy a rain shower on the horizon someplace or another a good portion of the time. This also meant cooler temperatures (more 90's, less 100's) and higher humidity (oh joy - I thought I escaped that!). I'm a sky gazer anyway, and it's been a glorious time to watch the drama unfold above.

On a hot day in early July, I took a trip up to Mount Lemmon to escape the heat. At over 9,000 feet, it was nearly 30 degrees cooler on the mountaintop than down in Tucson. The trek is a little time consuming, but well worth it. During the monsoons, though, part of the key is finding a time when it's not raining up there, as the mountains get so much more rain than the city does.

The wildlife sightings weren't as plentiful over July and August, but we did see our first tarantula spider outside the apartment. He didn't bother us in the least and I thought he was pretty interesting. I know, I know, I'm a weirdo. We also had a few onslaughts of Sonoran Desert Toads (aka Colorado River Toads) in the depression outside our apartment, which the monsoons filled to make a little lake. They make the weirdest (loud!) noises and depart as quickly as they appear. I was totally baffled the first time they showed up until I figured out what the racket was.

I also got to spend some time in the Tortolita Mountains, just north of Tucson, while house/dog sitting for my second cousin Kim and her sweet dog Murphy. Kim and her husband Ian have built a beautiful home that is surrounded by a rocky desert wonderland. It was like a mini vacation in our own backyard.

The fam along the coast in Newport, Oregon

August was, well... full of love. The first week of August, I took a trip to Corvallis, Oregon, to see my sister and her family. As a bonus, the icing on the cake was that my mom was there, too. We had lots of fun and laughs and a trip to the coastal town of Newport, where the high was 60 degrees - not a temperature I've seen in a while!

I visited my hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, the last week of August for a whirlwind few days. Having never "moved away," it's a new thing to visit home and figure out the logistics of how to cram in visits to everyone who's been an important part of nearly 40 years of your life. I was sad that I could not arrange a way to see every one of the many, many lovely people whose faces I miss. I had many more great intentions than I had days and hours, and unfortunately time seems to have a way of evaporating when you’re trying to meet new babies, celebrate milestone birthdays, help moms, catch up on major life changes, check in on puppy dogs that own your heart, attend weddings... you get the picture. I did my best and that's all I can do. I can't wait for next time!

And now, art! I think I did pretty well considering that I took two trips. I started making 2"x3" size "miniature paintings" and have really had fun with these little studies. Many have sold and they've proven to be a popular item.

"The Land of Stories" I & II, all framed up and ready to go to their new home

I also received a really neat commission. I was asked to recreate one of my miniatures as two 5x7" paintings. The scene, which was from a trail at Madera Canyon, Arizona, made the customer think of the stories she reads to her grandchildren. She said it felt “like you could walk right into a land of tales and mythical creatures.” She plans to have them help her hang her piece and to help them hang theirs. Then she will tell them that when they look at their painting she will look at hers, and they’ll meet in the “Land of Stories.” So sweet!

There are, of course, still pieces waiting for you in my online shop. I hope you'll hop on over and see if one of them takes you to a special place, too. Shop now ›

"Sonoran Suitor"For sale as of this blog posting — "Sonoran Suitor"
For sale as of this blog posting

"Cactus Cartel"For sale as of this blog posting — "Cactus Cartel"
For sale as of this blog posting

"Fetish Pottery Still Life 2"For sale as of this blog posting — "Fetish Pottery Still Life 2"
For sale as of this blog posting

"Newport, Oregon: 8/5/18, 13:05:08SOLD — "Newport, Oregon: 8/5/18, 13:05:08
SOLD

"Newport, Oregon: 8/5/18, 13:05:08"For sale as of this blog posting — "Newport, Oregon: 8/5/18, 13:05:08"
For sale as of this blog posting

"Tucson, Arizona: 12/24/17, 15:21:20"For sale as of this blog posting — "Tucson, Arizona: 12/24/17, 15:21:20"
For sale as of this blog posting

"Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado: 5/27/18, 19:22:12SOLD — "Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado: 5/27/18, 19:22:12
SOLD

"Armory Park, Tucson, Arizona: 5/19/18, 14:59:29"For sale as of this blog posting — "Armory Park, Tucson, Arizona: 5/19/18, 14:59:29"
For sale as of this blog posting

"Bahía la Cholla, Sonora, Mexico: 6/20/18, 12:14:32"SOLD — "Bahía la Cholla, Sonora, Mexico: 6/20/18, 12:14:32"
SOLD

"Madera Canyon, Arizona: 5/10/18, 12:48:27"SOLD — "Madera Canyon, Arizona: 5/10/18, 12:48:27"
SOLD

"The Land of Stories I" and "The Land of Stories II" - SOLD (Commissioned pieces)

"Tortolita Mountains, Marana, Arizona: 7/28/18, 19:33:28"SOLD — "Tortolita Mountains, Marana, Arizona: 7/28/18, 19:33:28"
SOLD

"Tucson, Arizona: 8/17/18, 19:14:22For sale as of this blog posting — "Tucson, Arizona: 8/17/18, 19:14:22
For sale as of this blog posting

"Tucson, Arizona: 8/11/18, 19:09:32"For sale as of this blog posting — "Tucson, Arizona: 8/11/18, 19:09:32"
For sale as of this blog posting

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My Life & Artwork - June 2018

July 4, 2018 Teressa Jackson

It's definitely summer in the desert! I'm pretty sure that every day of June was over 100 degrees. And while people here in Tucson seem to relish complaining about it as much as people universally love to gripe about weather, I actually haven't minded it too terribly much.

My desert wildlife sightings have most certainly continued this month, and I got to check some previously empty boxes. New sightings included two bears (YES, BEARS) while hiking at Chiricahua National Monument, wild horses while tubing the Salt River, and two bobcats at my apartment. I've also spotted plenty more rabbits, lizards, and a javelina. I have still not seen a scorpion or a gila monster in the wild, but perhaps they're next. Oh, and before you lecture me about being cautious (which I am), I promise you that all of these critters were more afraid of me than I was of them, something that so many people seem to just not understand.

After a couple of months of saguaro cactus blooms (and some are actually still blooming!!), my giant prickly friends began to produce fruit this month. The fruit is green on the outside, but eventually bursts open to look almost like a red flower with its pulp showing. The birds have been seen delighting in this sticky, seed-filled treat, and the local Tohono O'Odham Nation has been harvesting it for their traditional uses. The saguaro fruit harvest and the arrival of the summer rains signal what their culture considers to be the beginning of a new year.

The monsoon season officially began on June 15, better known as my 42nd birthday. Unfortunately, we were in Phoenix that weekend, and while Tucson got a hefty storm, we got mostly sprinkles. I hear that we may get rain again next week, though. ((fingers crossed!))

We finally made plans to visit "Arizona's beach" this month. Indeed, there is ((almost)) oceanfront property in Arizona. Puerto Peñasco, also known as Rocky Point, is located just over 4 hours from Tucson in Mexico, at the northernmost tip of the Sea of Cortez. Also known as the Gulf of California, the Sea of Cortez was clear, blue, and very warm. The landscape there is still very much the desert, with rocky mountains and dusty sparse landscape surrounding the water's edge. Aaron and I drove to Puerto Peñasco and felt completely safe driving through Mexico and while on our little getaway. It's so nice to be so close to the sea - we'll definitely be back!

My last little treat in June was the realization that Kate, one of my closest friends who lives in southern Indiana, was going to be in Sedona. I couldn't resist making plans to see her, and I spent a fantastic day with her and her family at Slide Rock State Park, where there are natural water slides carved into the rock.

And yes - despite all this traveling and activity - I was much more productive with my artwork this month! Hooray! I changed some things up and have listed my drawings for sale on my website as well as some options for framed art. I'm still deciding if it's 100% finished, but I'm pretty sure I have completed the first painting from my watercolor class with instructor Larry Wollam (also my drawing teacher), and I'm very pleased with how much I've learned in just a couple of months. I haven't listed it for sale yet, as I am considering entering it into an upcoming juried exhibition in town. Wish me luck!

Some of the pieces I made this month are sold, but several are still available, too. So if one tickles your fancy, you'll sure make my day if you shop now ›

**Armory Park, Tucson, Arizona: 5/19/18, 14:59:51 (available for purchase as of the date of this blog posting)**

Denver, Colorado: 5/30/18, 18:24:21 (available for purchase as of the date of this blog posting) — Denver, Colorado: 5/30/18, 18:24:21 **(available for purchase as of the date of this blog posting)**

Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, Colorado: 5/28/18, 9:01:36 (available for purchase as of the date of this blog posting) — Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, Colorado: 5/28/18, 9:01:36 **(available for purchase as of the date of this blog posting)**

Duck Statue Still Life (available for purchase as of the date of this blog posting) — Duck Statue Still Life **(available for purchase as of the date of this blog posting)**

Denver, Colorado: 5/31/18, 9:46:28 (SOLD)

Denver, Colorado: 5/31/18, 9:11:12 (available for purchase as of the date of this blog posting) — Denver, Colorado: 5/31/18, 9:11:12 **(available for purchase as of the date of this blog posting)**

This piece is not yet titled nor for sale. This is the first painting I completed in my watercolor class.

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