From The Studio - February
Hello and Welcome to my Studio!
I mentioned in my first newsletter that I'm honored to be participating for the second consecutive year in the Autry Museum’s Masters of the American West Show. This exhibition includes the top Native and Western artists working in the genre today and I'm honored to be a part of this wonderful event. While the exhibition opened February 10th, the Art Sale and Gala Evening happens this Saturday, February 24, 2024. I will be traveling there this week to be there in person throughout the entire event. So, if you happen to be in Los Angeles this weekend, stop by and say hello.
I have three large paintings and a miniature in this year’s show. The largest painting is titled Sunset at Chimney Rock ($18,600) and is a 48 x 60.” Chimney Rock is a prominent feature at Georgia O'Keeffe's Ghost Ranch. It can be seen from the main road and if one is standing in the ranch, you can see a trail that will take you up the backside of the main formation. In this particular painting, we are seeing the rock formation straight on and, from this vantage point, you are looking West as the sun sets. When you visit the ranch, you can’t miss this feature. It’s one of the most prominent features of Ghost Ranch. I enjoy the hike and, while it’s quite formidable, it's peaceful when you get to the top. From the top part of it you get a bird’s eye view of the whole valley. I like to sketch and do studies while I'm up there and you never see the same place twice!
My second painting is titled Three Amigos in Cloud Country ($8600) and is a 30 x 40.” This painting was inspired by a cloud formation I saw one summer afternoon while driving through Northern New Mexico. It is uniquely shaped and this type of cloud is referred to as an KH (Kelvin-Helmholtz). It’s also referred to as a Fluctus cloud. It means there is wind up high and this makes the cloud look like a wave train. I was taken by this cloud and challenged myself to see if I could paint it. I added the landscape elements in the foreground and they can be found somewhere in that area. I love the juxtaposition that is found between the cloud and land and it makes for a dynamic composition. The three amigos refers to the horses in the foreground and anyone who knows me knows that I love horses and ride everyday.
My third painting is titled Magic at Shining Rock ($8600) and is also a 30 x 40.” Shining Rock is a reference to a specific area in the Southernmost part of the Colorado plateau and what happens here is that the low angle light catches the top of all the rock formations and causes them to glow at sunset. In this particular area, shining light creates a signature color– a reddish, orange color that is quite a sight and only found around here. People come from all around the world just to see this view. Also, the original land grant of the area is called Piedra Lumbre which is Spanish for Shining Rock.
I also have a miniature for sale, Raw Earth Sky, study ($2400) and it’s an 11 x 16.
While we are talking about new paintings, please save the date for my annual show at Blue Rain Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico as the date has changed this year. I will be debuting my new collection of paintings July 12-26, 2024 and there will be an opening reception Friday, July 12 from 5 to 7pm.
Thank you and I hope to see you out there on the Western Art scene.
Sincerely,
