Nevada this year, is of course consumed by wildfire smoke from the surrounding areas. As I fly into Reno's airspace, there is a smell and a haze that accompanies the real-life realization that climate change is very real and alive in this part of America, and has been. Only being out of the west for about two months, it is very obvious how much this change might not seem realistic. I had a great discussion on my flight from Vegas to Reno with a person who I greatly appreciated their candor and transparency. I really appreciate that there are still people in the world who are looking to connect and discuss things with strangers. I don't feel up to that all the time, but this time it was nice.
As I landed, sweet Betty was there to greet me. Betty agreed to be my host this weekend and put me up in her guest room. I have met her once in my life and felt so supported and fortunate to have her kindness and warm welcome. We went to Red Lobster and talked about her many forceful and incredible pushes to make the world better are still central to her life and mission. The hazy smoke-filled landscape was something of a bummer as it had canceled the events for Plein Air painting. I was determined to do it anyway, but it was a bit discouraging. I met up with the brainchild of the Watercolor event, Colleen Reynolds! If you aren't familiar with this incredible aritst, veteran, and human, feel free to check out her work out here: https://colleenreynolds.com/
It was such a welcome and wonderful relief to see Colleen again, looking happy and healthy. We had dinner with some of her friends at a nice little thai restaurant and I did some night-time exploration/photo taking for references. We got to talk about the world of watercolor and the many different events they had particiapted in. It was neat to hear how much time they put in to their craft and leadership roles with watercolor society groups. Afterwards, I took a stroll around the downtown area to get some photos.
The next day, I woke up early to get some of that sweet sunrise action, despite the very thick smoke in the air. I was hopeful that even through the smoke, I could revisit my favorite view of a the mountains west of town. I settled in an ended up with two different pieces early on, but luckily the smoke started to clear up. The bottom of the two was in the smoke and the top one is after the smoke cleared.
I had a few hours left afterwards and I found a wonderful place outside of town called Kings Canyon Waterfalls--who knew?! It was busy there, as it was a Saturday, but everyone was nice and having a great time. I was able to sneak in another painting just in time to add them to the bins for the event Sunday. Later in the evening, we got to see Tom Howard do a demonstration of his work and methods, followed by a nice get-together at Carson's Piazza Bar.
Sunday, the big event takes place at the Governor's Mansion, just like last year. This time, though, we had a much easier time getting everything set up. We learned a lot of lessons from last year and really knocked it out. Some really incredibly strong work was presented, including some artists from last year. Somehow I ended up with the honor of third place among so much talent and skill. Again, incredibly humbled and very appreciative of the award and I sold all my paintings thanks to some lovely supportive folks.
The last day, Betty and I parted ways but I thanked her and left her a small gift of painting along the way. It took a long 24 hour period of transit to get home, after a little snafu with my original ride. So there I was, at 2am getting a hotel just long enough for three hours sleep before catching the bus back to Madison from Milwaukee. I learned many lessons from this trip, having it been my first from Wisconsin. Its not work it to go to Milwaukee just to save a little on the flights. Second, I will forevermore model any hospitality opportunities for others based on this great experience. Made it back, had a great time, and my heart full of appreciation and love!
