I just returned from the Grand Canyon's annual Celebration of Art, which has become a highly sought after event for both artists and collectors. Tickets to the opening night gala on Friday night were sold out, and there was a waiting list.

The weather was terrific this year - no fog or incessant rain. As a result, I painted more pieces than ever before and did some of my best work, too, I think.

Sales were good, and I was once again one of the top sellers in the show. I sold a painting off the easel on Thursday, and my quick-draw piece went for a good price at the auction. My studio piece (see photo above - 'Southbound Pachyderm' 36"x 24") had three bidders on opening night, and I sold about 12 other paintings that first night and more on Saturday when the event opened to the public. The show hangs in the historic Kolb Studio until January 1.

I was thrilled to be invited back to this event. The Park personnel and GCA staff did a terrific job as usual, and there were some awesome artists there. It was a lot of hard work, but I had a lot of fun hanging out and learning from my friends. The photo above left is me painting somewhere west of Moran Point. The photo to the right is Dave Santillanes and I getting in one more as the light fades.

Autumn is just beginning in Jerome, one of my favorite, and busiest, times of the year. I welcome the cooler weather and collectors back, though I am loathe to give up my shorts and chacos. Until I did the Canyon event two weeks ago, I had not worn shoes or long pants in over three months.

Autumn is on its way

Tan lines begin to fade

Hello to fall, goodbye to summer

Good rain this year, it was not a bummer

Sandals exchanged for shoes that go hiking

Shorts for pants that go mountain biking

From summer to fall, good health to us all...

Ok ok, I'll stick to painting. Speaking of which, I have some great new pieces in the Studio. Come on by and see for yourself if you can make it to Jerome this fall. If not, many of my new landscapes are posted here on my website. Let me know if you see something that might look great on your walls. I've also found a little time to do some new still lifes, which you can see here.

Koya Klips

Givin' momma some love, and playing tuggie with boyfriend Barney.