Sedona Arts Center — Sedona Plein Air Festival 2020 All-Woman Painting Event

“It was a gloomy overcast day and I was 30 minutes from home on private property.  I had spied a valley through the trees just north of the road I was traveling on and I longed to see it.  Through an ungated opening and down the dirt road I happened upon a tranquil scene with only a white horse and bird song to greet me.  I knew that  just beyond where I stopped was private property.  Someone’s place in the world and a sanctuary of their making.

It was so peaceful and inviting that I took a chance and pulled off the road to set up and paint.  Before any paint had touched the panel a truck pulled up with a single occupant and informed me I was on private property.  I sent my business card in with the invited guest and asked for him to ask the land owners if it would be okay for me to paint here.

I started to paint, was enjoying the quiet while delighting in the experience of painting in such a gorgeous and secluded spot, when I saw a figure making their way towards me.

I put down my brushes and went to meet her saying, “I hope you aren’t here to run me off” “Well… actually,” she began and I hastily introduced myself before she could finish her sentence. Over the course of our conversation she kindly educated me on Texas law and private property.  I know to look for -No Trespassing- signs but in Texas a purple -Posted- sign means you’ve been warned.  Stay out. You could get shot.

You learn something new every day!  I’m very grateful this gun packing, fifth generation, sweet Texan woman took pity on me and was kind enough to let me continue my painting. We had a fascinating conversation – connected on a few points – and parted with these thoughts:

“It’s a good day to not discharge my firearm.”

“It’s a good day to not get shot.”

2020 Virtual Festival Artists