I was commissioned to paint this uncharacteristic pastel painting of fruits and veggies! It certainly was a challenge, a thrill, and a different sort of landscape. Finally, I got to use the most intense colors in my collection of pastel sticks!!
This little painting went remarkably fast! I must be getting the hang of this. Anyway, this scene was near Los Alamos this past winter. I love painting snow because almost none of it is really white and I can work with blues, pinks, purples and yellows that I don't normally work with.
This little painting is inspired by the last of the sun's rays touching the red rocks and green valley in Sedona a few weeks ago. I wish I could describe the sounds, the feel of the air, and the grandness of the views in all directions! What a beautiful place.
This is a little painting I created from a morning hike in the Sandia mountain foothills. The previous day's storm was clearing and there were spectacular scenes in all directions. I love the way the rocks are piled up in these mountains! Sometimes it's a puzzle how some of the rocks look like they should fall over with the slightest breeze, but they never do.
Last Friday morning I was prepared to dash out the door in anticipation of the latest storm breaking up. I had a hunch the skies would open up and the scenery would be dramatic. I went on a hike in the foothills near me and wasn't disappointed. This is the first of what could be several paintings from that one morning!
Wow, the memories flooded back making this painting. There were so many scenes like this on the hikes in Switzerland this past fall. After months of being back, I am starting to think it couldn't have been THAT beautiful, but it was.
This little painting is from an area I painted before (on the road heading towards Los Alamos). I think people who drive it daily don't consider it a scenic route, but I can't think of a spot along this road that isn't scenic!
Although I pursued wildlife science and environmental communication as a career, creating art has been a way for me to capture the natural places I love.
Upon moving to Albuquerque in 2001, I quickly became infatuated with the wide open spaces and clear sunlight and eventually switched to art full-time. With soft pastels, I am able to capture the rich colors and dramatic lighting that I find in the New Mexican landscape.
I hope my paintings will not just be a record of beautiful places, but an expression of the affection I have for these special areas. By sharing the beauty of the outdoors, I hope to inspire others to appreciate the importance of nature...whether it’s a sweeping wilderness or a special corner of a backyard.