Red Rover, Red Rover, Send October on Over

North Scottsdale, 2024 (photo by M. Pinkus)

​It's almost spooky season, and I can almost smell it in the air. We don't have a traditional fall season here in Arizona, but there's something magical about this time of year despite the lingering warm weather and lack of fallen autumn leaves. Thunderstorms and muddy monsoons mark the transition from summer to fall. I've only ever lived in Los Angeles and Mesa, so I'm not really sure what the conventional change of seasons is like, but you can't deny that the Southwest has its own variation.

​There's a special scent to the air, especially after a rainy period, and there's an actual word for it: petrichor. The official dictionary definition is "a distinctive, earthy, usually pleasant odor that is associated with rainfall, especially when following a warm, dry period." If you've never experienced this intoxicating, natural aroma, I suggest you give the Southwestern states a chance during this time of year.

​To celebrate the season's change, I plan to do a few giveaways, auctions, and special sales in October and November. I've been secretly painting some fall-flavored, pumpkin-spice-enriched oil paintings and ink drawings for the occasion. Here's a little preview of one of these pieces:

Untitled Mini Pumpkin Painting, 11"x 14” (2025)

​Don't forget to save the dates for the gallery debut of my painting "The Crawling Pears" at the Herberger Theater on November 7th, as well as the Arizona Artists Guild Winter Fair on November 8th. It's been a while since I've had any art events to look forward to, so I'm really excited for those dates to approach, and I'll be sure to have some fun surprises to share with all of you too.