A trip to Taos

Coni and I decided to deliver our miniature paintings to Wilder Nightingale for the Hearts and Stars show and drove over on a beautiful but chilly day. We met up with Patrice at the gallery
and considering the fact that everyone had brought their painting gear, decided to paint for the day. We were supposed to meet Kemper at the gallery at around 11:00 and I was planning on waiting for him but Rob decided to call Kemper to see if he was coming- good thing since he was at the top of the chairlift ready to ski down the slope. He said he would meet us in about 45 minutes so we went to Cafe Loca to eat-- great place- thanks Rob! We kind of settled in and I was thinking how maybe we really didn't have to paint after all- it was sooo comfortable in Cafe Loca.

But then Kemper called and of course I said let's paint! We ended up painting a small church off of Kit Carson - right down from Wilder Nightingale- cool church with the mountains as a backdrop.

Here Coni and Patrice are discussing Coni's painting--

Kemper is concentrating- very seriously working- we were a rather quiet bunch during painting time- I was because I haven't been out in awhile and didn't feel exactly in sync.

The final result- by the time I finished the sun was out in full force and shining on my canvas, The support was underpainted in orange which gave it a warm feeling- and it was a pretty nice day- just wore my Carhartt vest so it was a great way to get started with a new season. We will be attending the show on Saturday- should be fun!

The Heart and the Eagle

I have been trying to figure out how I will approach a commission in the works- a commission to paint the Heart and the Eagle that is a landmark in the san Luis Valley located on the Sangres. Last night I drove to the east range so that I could get some pics of the Heart and Eagle at sunset--

You can see the landmark on the very right side of the mountain--

Here is a closeup- you can see the eagle in the dark blue- trees and the heart is white

A view from far away- I guess I will have to find out exactly how much of the mountain to portray in this painting. As the sun starting to set the coyotes started howling all around- it always gives me a slight chill- why do the coyotes howl at sunset- does anyone know the answer?

Red Chevy

I will be entering this small 6x8 painting in the Hearts and Stars art show at Wilder Nightingale in Taos. I did this painting from a picture I took while at Creede Colorado- it was sitting rather forlorn at the road towards the mining areas.