Author: Ralph Sellers

The American Crow has held a place of reverence in many cultures throughout the southwest and beyond.  The crow was associated with the mysteries and magic of life, and was considered a sign of luck.  I’m not sure if they have brought me any luck, but I always enjoy seeing these highly intelligent and inquisitive birds. They do seem to possess a quality that sets them apart from other creatures. And of course, their closely related cousins, the Raven share this mystique.

The American Crow in watercolor.

The Datura  (Datura wrightii), or also commonly known as Jimson Weed, is a very showy plant with its large white blossoms catching the eye of even the most unobservant passerby.  It achieved its sacred status due to its hallucinogenic properties. It was used by native cultures throughout the southwest, but is known to have caused many fatalities as well.

Unfortunately, the wildflower season has passed again for another year here in the valley of the sun, but I did manage to create quite a collection of photographs during the winter months. They are waiting to be transformed into a series of watercolor paintings.

Jimson Weed in watercolor.

Nature often reflects the human element, as in the female Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis). It seems the bright and flashy gets all of the attention, while the subtle and no less beautiful, is often ignored.

In truth, I think our values are often misplaced. It is indeed sad to have eyes and minds that cannot see.

The female Cardinal in watercolor.

This is a portrait in watercolor of my daughter Cora that I recently finished.

It’s hard to beat the winters in Arizona. Having grown up in the cold and snowy Ohio winters, I definitely appreciate the warmth and sunshine here. There are endless picture post card views virtually out my back door…well, only a few minutes away. And, of course, lots of inspiration to paint the beautiful scenery. My […]

via Winter Sunshine — natureartlife

It’s hard to beat the winters in Arizona. Having grown up in the cold and snowy Ohio winters, I definitely appreciate the warmth and sunshine here. There are endless picture post card views virtually out my back door…well, only a few minutes away. And, of course, lots of inspiration to paint the beautiful scenery.

My latest watercolor.

I would not normally post photographs, but having such a lovely day yesterday I felt compelled to share. The temperatures finally descended into the seventies after a front brought rain and inspiration to once again venture out into the beautiful Sonoran Desert.

The crossing of Queen Creek was uncertain as it is hard to judge the depth of the muddy water, but I survived, and in truth, it was a delight to see the long dry wash once again flowing with life giving water.

The trail would eventually take me to one of my favorite spots where I could sit in the silence of the Sonoran Desert. It brings me peace to sit in the solitude of the wilderness. There is no distraction other than the welcome songs of the occasional passing bird announcing his presence, or the rustling of the cottonwood leaves dancing in the afternoon breeze.

A more perfect place I cannot imagine. The primeval beauty of this place cannot be sufficiently described by the mere placing of ink to paper, but rather it must be seen, and more importantly…felt.

It has been far too long since my last post.  As we all know, life often gets in the way of our best intentions.  Not to say that I was being distracted in a bad way. I had a couple of portraits to do for some special people and a tee shirt to design.

Anyhow, I just finished my latest watercolor last night and it is of a very special place that I visit often…except in the summer that is, which thankfully is finally behind us now. Time for a trip to the desert this week with the cooler temperatures.

‘Morning Light’ in watercolor

Perhaps it is anticipation of the cooler weather ahead, or the pristine beauty of a very rare desert snowfall.  Either way, I felt motivated to post this watercolor from a couple of years ago.

I am guessing there are not too many snowmen built in the local area.

Ruth and Snowy in watercolor

Even though I didn’t know him well, I still considered him a friend. His passing has left the world a darker place and he will be missed by all that knew him.

I am sure many of you feel the same as me. I wish there were more people like you in the world. Leroy, a true gentleman.