Art by Mary Rochelle Burnham

Marjorie West, 24x30" Oil, On Loan from Collection of Mr. and Mrs.Dennis West  Margie West World Traveler - Volunteer Margie West and I share common roots, as we were both born and raised in Michigan. When Margie moved to Scottsdale, she became a buyer for Paddock Pools and then worked as vice president of procurement for Southwest Ambulance. Upon moving to Sedona, she spent 17 years at the Sedona Fire Department before retiring. When my husband and I decided to find a winter home in the Sedona area, we bought the house next door to Margie and her husband, 'Cap', in Oak Creek Valley. Margie is the chair person for the Welcoming Committee and the first neighbor we officially met. She is one of the reasons why we decided to go back to MI and sell our home and become full time residents of Arizona. Margie also works as a volunteer for the Care Committee. She exemplifies a person with a caring heart but she is much, much more. She is witty, smart, sharp as a tack, a wo...

Portrait of Margie , Oil, 24x30  SOLD I just recently finished this portrait and wanted to share with you my process. Margie is a wonderful person; sophisticated, charming, warm and vivacious! During the photo session, we took photos throughout the house and deck. Margie is photogenic and all the photos looked portrait worthy. Then we decided on a change of outfit and Margie invited me into the bedroom. I loved the warm lighting from her nightstand and the cooler lighting coming in from a window in which hanged a stained glass piece. Margie was all excited to put on her attire that she was taking on her cruise through the Panama Canal. We both giggled like a couple of girls playing 'dress up'. We both knew we had a winner! Well, while Margie and her husband left for the cruise, and I got started on the portrait. I began sketching with a brush and paint thinned with mineral spirits. I am most concerned with placement of the elements and not a lot of detail. N...