Terri Gay

I'm an almost Arizona native--been here since I was three. I earned a graphic design/studio art BFA at the University of Arizona, then worked nights as a paste up artist until I returned to the UA for a business degree. It opened doors in marketing for retail commerce but I continued my graphics and illustration work.

I kept sketchbooks of travels and outdoor adventures of hiking, camping, rock climbing and more. To stretch my skills, I tackled watercolor since it was portable enough to take outdoors. I was also inspired by Urban Sketchers, an international community of artists who share the joy of drawing and painting in real life and on the web.

Plein air painting lets us enjoy art, the outdoors and each other with social distancing. I was lucky to discover the Sonoran Plein Air Painters (SPAP). They welcome artists to join them at paint outs in the area. Check the events calendar on the website SonoranPleinAirPainters.org. (PS, I’m a board member for SPAP. Good group!)