Darcie Peet

1. One of my favorite times of year in the high country, those in-between seasons when dramatic snow lingers above timberline and on high peaks, yet signs of early summer are everywhere as snow melts into low lying pools and a bit of color emerges in the first tundra wildflowers. The air everywhere is fresh and clean with aromas of things growing in a race for new growth before fall-winter comes all too soon at this elevation. For Sale. $1500. Available at Settlers West Gallery Miniature Show, 6420 N. Campbell Ave. Tucson, AZ 85718, 520-299-2607 www.settlerswest.com www.darciepeet.com

2. The night sky on Halloween illuminated by a full moon is said to be a little rare, occurring once every 18 – 19 years, and this fall we had one of those! As the Catalina Mountains on the edge of Tucson are still draped in the rich color and shadow of sunset, behind them rises an early, full, shimmering moon right on Halloween. For Sale. $1400. Available at Settlers West Gallery Miniature Show, 6420 N. Campbell Ave. Tucson, AZ 85718, 520-299-2607 www.settlerswest.com www.darciepeet.com

3. Of the many years I have lived in Colorado, I had never explored this part of the state. On a crisp, blue-sky, Colorado, fall day we started our journey leaving Carbondale at the base of Mt. Sopris heading toward Redstone and Marble. At stream’s edge and at the end of this narrow, once traveled, overgrown, dirt road lay a homestead dotted with numerous outbuildings. One can almost hear the past bustle of ranch equipment, animals and family as a long workday is ahead getting ready for winter, foretold by the backdrop of early, snow-laden peaks of McClure Pass. Next will be Kebler Pass and Crested Butte, hopefully before dark. For sale. $5900. Available at The Broadmoor Galleries, 1 Lake Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80906. 719-577-5744, www.broadmoorgalleries.com/darcie-peet/ www.darciepeet.com

4. Though summer monsoon season is the most dramatic, even in the winter months in the desert, we can still have dramatic storms and “cloudscapes.” Add the low sun and late afternoon light and color richens across the sky and landscape. For sale. $1700. Available at K Newby Gallery & Sculpture Garden, 15 Tubac Rd., Tubac, AZ 85646-4217, 520-398-9662, Toll free: 888-398-9662, www.newbygallery.com/artist/darcie-peet/ www.darciepeet.com

5. Between Tucson and Tubac, AZ, is a very distinct, bare-boned, steep rock formation known as “Elephant Head” which rises in stark contrast to the desert grasslands and tilled farmlands bordering the Santa Rita Mountains. On the edge of Madera Canyon, it is seen from miles around. I have hiked and painted in the Madera Canyon area many times. It is during the low-sun, winter months, when recent rain has left reflecting pools and puddles, that dusk’s last blaze of color and long shadows along with an early rising moon make this setting a show-stopper for a myriad of painting ideas. For sale. $3900. Available at K Newby Gallery & Sculpture Garden, 15 Tubac Rd., Tubac, AZ 85646-4217, 520-398-9662, Toll free: 888-398-9662, www.newbygallery.com/artist/darcie-peet/ www.darciepeet.com

6. Still lingering storm clouds from the previous night’s, winter rain catch the dawn’s sun in a kaleidoscope of color above the Canada del Oro Wash. Edging Catalina State Park outside of Tucson, AZ, the broad wash is running full of water reflecting the sky hues above and creating mini-islands of sand and grasses. What fresh aromas fill the air across the desert after a rain ! For sale. $2900. Available at K Newby Gallery & Sculpture Garden, 15 Tubac Rd., Tubac, AZ 85646-4217, 520-398-9662, Toll free: 888-398-9662, www.newbygallery.com/artist/darcie-peet/ www.darciepeet.com

7. Golden Gate Road meanders through Saguaro National Monument West, which is almost like driving through a desert botanical garden there are so many shapes, sizes and textures of desert plants. At sunrise, a scatter of leftover storm clouds catch the colors of the rising sun and cast bold sun-shadow patterns before the sun gets much higher. For sale. $1900. Available at K Newby Gallery & Sculpture Garden, 15 Tubac Rd., Tubac, AZ 85646-4217, 520-398-9662, Toll free: 888-398-9662, www.newbygallery.com/artist/darcie-peet/ www.darciepeet.com