"On the Mesa" oil 11x14

Usually I experience northern New Mexico during the autumn months; for example, the painting above was painted in October at Ghost Ranch. However, this year, for the first time, the High Desert Painters will visit Taos in May during the Spring season. It will be very exciting to see the difference in the landscape, colors, and light! The rivers will be swollen and the foliage will be new and bright pastels instead of golden autumnal. I expect the color change will be a challenge for me and I will need to remember to adjust my palette accordingly.

Crested Butte, Colorado

My family and I vacationed in Crested Butte, Colorado a few weeks ago - what a gorgeous town and area to visit. The vacation was primarily for skiing but I did manage to get into town late one afternoon, specifically to take reference photographs for future paintings. The town is a historic mining town and it is very "paintable"; everywhere you look there's compositions and character.

I visited Shaun Horne's gallery named Oh-Be-Joyful Gallery. I've been following his career and it's a class act. The gallery is wonderful and his large, plein air work is very well done.

Here's a photo of us on the Crested Butte Mountain!

Winter Light

"Winter Light" oil 11x14

The combination of a late afternoon warm sunshine on a cool wintry scene in northern New Mexico allows a delicious blend of rich colors.

Taos paint out in May 2009

Even though it's only February we're beginning to plan the next High Desert Painters' plein air paint out trip. Our next paint out will be Taos, New Mexico and its environs which we will visit during the week of May 3, 2009. We should enjoy some wonderful spring color in the high desert!