Cottonwood in the Chama River Valley

"Cottonwood in the Chama River Valley", 16" x 20", oil

Painted from a reference photo taken several years ago in the Chama river valley north of Abiquiu, NM. This is a lone, huge cottonwood standing sentinel over the lush valley, as seen from the rutted, dirt road that leads to the Christ in the Desert monastery.

On the Mesa

12" x 16", oil, On the Mesa

The painting above was done on location in Ghost Ranch, NM in October 2009. We had a marvelous view from the mesa above the main Ghost Ranch valley. There was almost a 360 degree view and painters spread out and set up looking in every available direction. The painting panel was cracked when it was shipped home so I was glad to be able to use it as a study.

16" x 20", oil, On the Mesa II

This is the larger work I created yesterday based on the study done en plein air in October 09. I love to work on large sized canvases so creating a larger work is very satisfying. As I re-interpreted the original study I was able to again experience the view, mood, emotion, and even the smells associated with that fine October day in northern New Mexico.

The change in seasons and the daylight savings change has brought new energy and light to nature and to my soul. I was inspired to paint yesterday. I took one of my on location studies from last October at Ghost Ranch, NM and painted a larger version of it. This is the first time that I have tried that strategy and I really liked the process and result. I plan to do the same to several of my small plein air studies in the coming weeks in preparation for my show at Cameron Village Library in July, 2010.

The reminds me - I need to visit the room where my paintings will be displayed and take some measurements. The room and wall size will dictate the size of paintings that I complete for this solo show.

Along the Chama River

In Oct 2009 the High Desert Painters spent a week in northern New Mexico painting on location. Several of us set up along the banks of the river. The sun was beginning to set and the light and long shadows created a peaceful and colorful scene.

Earlier on that day, Janis Loverin and I had set up our easels (above) with a view of the cliffs and the Chama river.