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!
About a month ago, I stood at this spot looking south as the sun sunk lower in the sky. The temperature was dropping in pace with the sun and it struck me the moment felt like the first moment of Fall.
These rocky cliffs are the first noticeable change as you travel from Arizona into New Mexico on Interstate 40. I always feel like I have arrived home when this scene comes into view!
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.