Pete Farrow Art
Capturing the vibrant light and historic architecture of the Southwest through plein air and studio oil paintings.
The Artist’s Perspective.
Through the lens of plein air painting, I seek to capture the fleeting dance of desert light across Tucson’s historic architecture. As a member of the Tucson Barrio Painters, my work is a dedicated effort to preserve the character and soul of the American Southwest on canvas.
Tucson Barrio Paintings
Red, Hot and Blue
Start with a vision of vibrant colors in the morning light. Then add in
an intriguing corridor between two buildings and the image is
irresistible. Image size is: 10″ x 10″
Shadow Dance
Summer Solstice brings this curious display of cactus and shadows to
life: Quite a visual dance that occurs only for a short time each year. Image size is: 20″ x 16″
Simpson Street Morning
Fascinated by the long shadows produced by the quality of light
around the solar equinox, I was compelled to capture these shadows
as they stretched across the adobe wall. Image size is: 30″ x 40″
Shadow Rhythm
This view is inspired by the light effects of the solar equinox when
shadows of things become bigger than the things themselves. Image size is: 30″ x 24″
Jim’s Market
This leftover of a neighborhood grocery store remains in the Dunbar
Springs neighborhood of Tucson. Its sign offers up an invitation to
come get those simple things that sustain you. Image size is: 11″ x 14″
Barrio Classic
The name “Barrio Classic” says it all. Image size is: 20″ x 16″
Turquoise Gem
On a narrow street, south of downtown Tucson, is sited this adobe
home. Lit by strong winter light, this scene caught my eye for its
simplicity and color. Image size is: 12″ x 12″
The Old Bakery
The absolute glow of the sunlit front wall attracted me to paint the
old bakery. A remnant of a simpler time when the bread you bought
was made down the street. Image size is: 10″ x 10″
Desert Landscape Paintings
Nearness of You
On a rainy winter day as I was driving, I was listening to Melissa
Kilgore’s version of The Nearness of You by Hoagy Carmichael. At
the same moment I saw two saguaros growing up next to each other
and surrounding each other with their arms. At that moment I knew
I had a great title and the makings of a great painting. Image size is: 20″ x 16″
Gates Pass Vista
This scenic vista was recently painted on Paint Arizona Day when
more than 300 artists painted plein air statewide. I hosted the
Gates Pass Overlook site. Image size is: 12″ x 24″