TULIPS, BUNNIES AND QUENTIN TARANTINO

Deb, Mike, Sue, Doug and Coco in Sedona 

Tulips, Bunnies and Quentin Tarantino

For the first time in four years, Doug and Sue went to separate destinations after leaving Sedona. Doug and the RV headed for Santa Fe, NM to attend the annual Plein Air Convention, followed by teaching another plein air workshop - all in all, a very busy schedule. Sue and Coco went with Deb and Mike back to their home in Henderson, NV. 

At first, it felt strange not travelling together. Doug missed partnering with Sue to navigate on the road.  He also had to rediscover where everything is kept in the trailer because Sue always has the answer to: "Hey Babe, where do we keep the ...?". Sue and Coco missed Doug too, but.... well, being in a real house for a bit when on the road is always a plus.

“There's no retirement for an artist, it's your way of living so there's no end to it.” - Henry Moore 

The Plein Air Convention was a 5 day event where Doug attended a number of demonstrations and networked with other artists. They painted at various locations, including Ghost Ranch, once the home of famed artist Georgia O'Keefe.  Albert Handell was one of the featured artists at the Convention and Doug enjoyed spending time with his mentor and friend.

Morning Showers, Ghost Ranch 

Ghost Ranch Vista

After the conference, Doug taught a three day plein air workshop at the studio of Bonnie Berget, an artist friend. The workshop was very enjoyable and productive for all. One unique location they went to was a ranch dating back to the 1800's. It also has served as a movie set for many films. In fact, when they arrived, they learned that Quentin Taratino had just been there the day before scouting locations. Fortunately, there were no gun battles (smile).

"A tulip doesn’t strive to impress anyone. It doesn’t struggle to be different than a rose. It doesn’t have to. It is different. And there’s room in the garden for every flower."  - Marianne Williamson

While Doug was painting, Sue and Deb hopped on a plane and headed to Seattle to visit friends and to attend the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival.

Just after World War II ended, a Dutch tulip grower named William Roozen moved to the Skagit Valley in the state of Washington where he started a tulip farm in 1950. In 1955, he bought the Washington Bulb Company, the leading grower of tulips and other flowers in North America. It was from Roozen's farm that the Roozengarde public tulip display was born. In 1984, seeing the continued interest in the flowers, the local Chamber of Commerce stepped in and held the first official Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. At first, it was just three days and eventually grew into a month-long April event, as it is today. The photos below are only a small sample of the indescribable variety and beauty of these harbingers of Spring. A definite Bucket List item.

 

...... and what about Coco? Well, she had a blast staying in Henderson with Mike and chasing bunnies in the backyard with her cousin, Baxter.

"Time flies, it's up to you to be the navigator" - Robert Orbin

After two weeks apart, Doug, Sue and Coco were reunited in Zion to gather more memories and adventures for our Blog.