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After not having been out painting for a while ( for me a while is about a week or two)  I headed up to Sedona to paint. 
This summer has been terribly hot, so I have not gone out as much as I would have liked. 
It turned out to be productive, as I visited two locations, and ended up with two decent pieces, 

This is from the first spot, which is at a trail head, and I have painted there often, but not usually in the morning.

There were several hikers in the parking area, but not terribly crowded, So, I gathered my gear, and headed down the path. I found a small area off of the main path and set up. This particular view lent itself to a vertical format, so that is how I set up. 

When I worked, I had my easel turned   so that it would not be in direct sunlight as it was here.

I could hear conversations as people passed by, but I was far enough away that it was not a problem. I also met some very friendly dogs who just wanted to say hello. This spot started to get warm, as I was right out in the sun. So, I moved down the road to another spot. 

This is from Rachel’s knoll,  a public area that is part of the Seven Canyons golf resort. When I arrived, there were clouds, so the spot I chose; right at the top with a wonderful view- was fine, as otherwise it would have been right out in the sun. 
So, I set up, and got to work. It was wonderful, as I pretty much had the place to myself. 

Well, after framing out my view and getting started, a tour group stopped by...and then another one. 
That was okay...the place is just so spectacular that it should be shared, which was intended for this beautiful place. The visitors just went about photographing and conversing. I even heard snatches of  a lecture about the vortexes, and how they relate to the chakras. Interesting! 
What was difficult, however, is that the light kept changing very quickly, as it does on a sun and cloud day. Also, as noon approached, I was right out in the blazing sun...and could not really shade my surface. 
So, I packed up, and walked around and took a few photos. 

When I got home, I finished this one up in the studio. 

So, not a bad morning’s work.
The beauty is, when I revisit these paintings, I will remember my entire experience...just how warm it was, how the light changed, the bits of conversation, and the sweat That was starting to trickle down my back. All part of the plein air experience.