I saw this image a couple years ago while driving north and west of Albuquerque. Usually mid-day light is not very inspiring, but this scene had a lot going for it and I enjoyed trying to capture the stark light of noon.
The summer before last was spectacular for monsoon rains. Usually the rains come in the afternoons, but that year it even rained in the morning. This image is an early morning shower over the Sandias.
The tram to the top of the Sandias is said to be the world's longest. I'm not sure if that means one of the spans is the longest or the whole length altogether. Either way, you a fantastic views on the ride up and also from the top. This view is looking southwest, over Bear Canyon Arroyo and into the distance.
For a long time I avoided paintings New Mexico sunrises or sunsets because I thought people elsewhere would think I was making them up. But, having a sunrise or sunset with every color of the rainbow is not unusual. This one is for real!
Driving east on Tramway Road is my favorite way to come home. Often the highest parts of the Sandia mountains dominate the view, but every once in a while, the best scene is looking north towards Piedra Lisa trail This day it looked like winter was in the background and spring was in front.
This late day light shone on the Sandia's in my neighborhood last Fall. Earlier that day, I had driven up to Taos and back, but this was the best scene of the day!
This is one of my favorite scenes in the Sandia mountains. The sun is going down, the clouds block out much of the late day sunshine on the ridge, but one patch of the beautiful glow is left. It is a magic moment!
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.