Early Spring in Chimayo

A visit to the Chimayo Santuario never fails to quiet and strength the spirit. On the way to Taos via the High Road, the High Desert Painters stopped at Chimayo. The trees are just beginning to green in early May 2010.

near Abiquiu, NM

In early October 2009 the High Desert Painters spent a week painting in northern New Mexico. We had the opportunity to paint in this new location which was high up a cliff looking down on the Chama river. The view was spectacular and powerful.

Near the Monastery on the Chama in NM

It's cold, dark and rainy in NC tonight, as I write this, but when I look at these photos taken in Oct 09 I can still feel the warm sun, smell the fertile air, and wonder at the play of light we experienced during this late afternoon. The High Desert Painters were painting along the Chama river in northern New Mexico when I took these photos. You can see the long shadows as the sun wanes in early evening. The perfect hour to be painting outdoors -- the Golden Hour.