My favorite photo of the church

Nuestra Senora de Refugio

The beautiful Nuestra Senora de Refugio Church in Puerto de Luna, NM

Nuestra Senora de Refugio Sunset - Puerto de luna, New Mexico

This is another wonderful New Mexico Sunset.
I know, I know - I've been really bad because I haven't been painting...hope this makes up for it a little. October was harder on me than I thought, those of you that read my other blog "The Zen of Paco" will understand.

The Last Sunflowers of the Season

While touring New Mexico we took a trip up to Tres Ritos, New Mexico where as children our father had taken us for vacations. A little further north, and about 25 degrees colder, we arrived at Sipapu Ski Lodge. The ski lodge is the oldest in northern New Mexico and is about 22 miles NE of Taos.

I remember that over 40 years ago this ski lodge had a small roller skating rink where our parents would take up to burn off excess energy. I distinctly remember my two older sisters, ages 15 and 17, performing a dance routine for the crowd to the music of the Venture's "Tequila".

There is no more skating rink there now...that performance may be why...

But this day we were freezing and paid dearly for tiny cups of coffee and walked around remembering those old days with fondness.

Next to the cash register there were these sunflowers. Too beautiful to be over looked.

Rio Grande Gorge

While in Taos we visited the Rio Grande Gorge. Its so amazing. As you can see you're riding along fairly flat terrain when suddenly you find yourself crossing a bridge over an incredible crevice.

We listened for the infamous "Taos hum" but all we heard was the beating of our hearts, the song of the wind and the screeching of my sister as a heavy truck passed over the bridge causing us to bounce slightly and causing her to proclaim she wasn't going another step.

The views both north and south are phenomenal. Its only fitting that this awesome treasure is tucked away up the Taos area.

This last photo was one I manipulated digitally so it would resemble an old linen postcard. Enjoy, we sure did!

Hope this makes up for my absence!

BEAUTIFUL NEW MEXICO SUNSET - ROAD TO PUERTO DE LUNA, NEW MEXICO

Sorry I haven't posted for so long. I have been on an extended vacation to my home state of New Mexico. I was there for several weeks, took over 300 photos and came back with tons of reference material and fresh motivation. Ready to begin again. I love New Mexico! I want to return so please send all your prayers and good thoughts my direction in support of returning to The Land of Enchantment.

In The Garden

I loved this painting!

The Redeeming Quality of Robert

I have been so busy that I missed father's day when I originally intended to post this painting.

I did this painting of my son Andrew and his father, Robert, about twenty years ago and is my only attempt at figures. The photo was taken at my mother in laws little farm in Los Lunas, New Mexico.

A Complete Success and a great party!

Just a few pictures from the bike show. We raised lots of money for The Brick Scholarship Fund.
We had a great time and one heck of a party after words. I would have posted photos of that but no one was willing to be identified.

I'll be back on Monday

I'll be away from my computer for a couple of days. Each year Dana and I put on a bike show with the proceeds going to charity. This year its for The Brick Scholarship Fund. We are very excited and proud to do this for our community. But the real bonus is that its a good excuse for all of us to get together. We will have several clubs represented as well as all of our friends both from Moberly and all around. We always have a great time. This is just a small sampling of our group. The photo was taken a few years ago, you'll notice my son Andrew on the end of the row, right side. His girlfriend Jamie is standing to my right (your left). Everyone else are the very best friends a person could have. I love them all.

So I'll be too busy to check back but guess what? When I return on Monday, June the 11th, it will be my birthday! YEA!!! And a big one too. Somewhere between 49 and 51..can you guess! With one major exception the first half of the century has been great, can't wait to see what the next half holds.

Not a good idea!

See, this is why you don't drink and drive...even if it is your birthday!

No name for this one...

Another oil on watercolor paper

The colors in this one took on a life of their own. I mean it, they tied me to a chair and ran amuck across the paper. You believe me don't you?

Don't click to enlarge without safety goggles...

Oldie but a goodie...

I have to be honest and say that I don't have much heart yet to post too much. So I have decided to show you something I did a million years ago. This was oil on watercolor paper. Interesting effect but not enough forgiveness in it for someone as inexperienced as I was (and still am). Once I put a color down it had to stay, no do-overs.

I need do-overs!

Sean Kelly Hart and his son Tyler

Dearest friends and family, I will be away from my blog for the rest of the week. My 28 year old step-son passed away this morning in his sleep. He had a heart condition and was in the process of being evaluated for a possible transplant. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
Labels: Sean Kelly Hart and his son Tyler

The Patio

This is a painting I did while attending the Scottsdale School of Art in Scottsdale, Arizona (well that was redundant wasn't it?)

This was a week long workshop with Ray Vinella. I loved studying with him and had the good fortune to do it twice. Google his name sometime, he's my favorite artist.

Lara LaVonne Jordan

This is the very first colored pencil drawing from my sister, LaVonne. Isn't it great?

She did this as a birthday present for her husband Dave. I think she has so much talent and I have encouraged her to keep it up. This is new to her so please feel free to leave words of encouragment in the comments sections.

Brass Bowl

SOLD

Small 5 x7 inch study of my grandmother's brass bowl.

Underconstruction!

I realized several things today.

#1 Although it was a good use of time to paint in my office on my lunch hour it's not the best idea. First of all now my desk has paint on it and my room smells like chemicals but mostly I learned that even though you sign out unless they see you get in your car and drive away fast they still bang on your door.

#2 I quickly figured out that my previous "Estebans" were large, 24 X 36 inches, and there was more freedom to swing my brush and give him the curved brushstrokes that his world is made of. This smaller version , 8 X 10 inches, was very constrictive. I like the opportunity to create smaller pieces that are done quicker but I'm going to have to adjust my process.

This little Esteban is under construction. Poor guy, one leg is painfully skinny. I'll post him again when he's done.

Back from Bike Week

Well we had sun but as you can tell by the way I'm dressed it wasn't very warm. Doesn't matter, the sun and clear skies were a blessing. We had a great time riding but now its time to get back to work.

Headed for sunshine!

Just wanted to let you know I'll be gone for almost two weeks. I've had as much of this cold weather as I can stand. Tomorrow we leave for Florida.

The picture I posted was taken on one of our beautiful Missouri fall days but that was so long ago I can barely remember what it was like. By the way , did you know you can't get Jack & Coke at a winery? Who's idea was that anyway?

Now back to the present - we have had ice in the drive way for over a month. I'm freezing!

So tomorrow we all head out for Bike Week in Daytona.

A week in the sun (I hope). I really need this - its been a tough winter.

I'd say I'll take pictures and share them with you but..you know how it goes..what happens at Bike Week...never happened! Ha!

See you when I get back.

"Choices Made" - Esteban Series

I have been busy lately preparing for a trip I hope to be taking next week. So since I have nothing new to post I thought I'd share a couple of paintings from a series I did some years ago. My "Esteban" series was one of my favorites, as a matter of a fact, I intend to do some more before long. They are so different from my other work but so much fun.

This particular painting from the series is my very favorite. Its a commentary on a relationship that took an unexpected turn. Simple but still it tells the whole story.

These two painting seem to defy time as they have recently taken on a totally new meaning. Especially "A View From the Top" shown below.

A View From The Top

o

Again, from my Esteban series. This particular painting was my son, Andrew's, favorite of anything I had ever done. Here you go son -

The Old Home Place

9x12 inch oil on canvas

One day we were riding down back roads when I spotted this long abandoned property. I loved the red roofs peeking out of the over growth.

Currently being offered for auction on eBay.

Marigolds and Blue Kettle

12x16 Oil on Canvas -

This blue enamel kettle was an unexpected gift that rocked my world. Its funny when you get something you would have never thought of purchasing yourself and you end up loving it. I actually wore this kettle out. Lots and lots of tea…

Currently auctioned on eBay.

"Creamer"

"Creamer" 4x5 inch oil painting on canvas

I collect serving pieces with either cherries (my favorite) or strawberries along with the occasional raspberry decoration.

This little creamer is one of my favorites. I know, I know, I seem to have a lot of favorites.

This piece is currently being auctioned on eBay -

Yellow Bowl

SOLD

8x10 Oil on Canvas

This sweet little still life was literally a part of my kitchen preparation for dinner. The yellow stoneware bowl is one of my favorite dishes. Placed against the red of the plump tomatoes it called out to be painted.

This painting is currently being auctioned on eBay.

Warm Adobe ~ Cool Shade

SOLD


This painting was done in the 90's and was juried into the New Mexico State Fair Fine Art exhibit. I kept it in my personal collection but several years ago it sold (thanks eBay) to a couple in Santa Fe, New Mexico.





I think that's funny! This portal in located on Canyon Road in Santa Fe. Its sort of cosmic you know, like it was meant to find its way back home.

Found another "Pink" one

Almost forgot about this one. Look close - the walls are textured.

SOLD

COme Around Through the Back

SOLD

This was one of my all time favorites and I was lucky enough to have it purchased by someone I thought a lot of. Its always nice to see you work go off to a new home but its especially rewarding when its someone you admire who wants your work.

My "Pink" period

Acoma Ladders - SOLD

Acoma II - SOLD

Acoma I - SOLD

In the 1980's I went through a "pink period" which sold quite well for me. Now that I look at the pictures I remember how much I liked these. Hum....I think I might revisit these now with a slightly more mature skill. It might be interesting to see what happens.

Hollyhocks

SOLD

Bright bold hollyhocks leaning against a plastered adobe wall are a common site around New Mexico in summer.

Bougainvillea

SOLD

This was a study done in Scottsdale while I was attending the Scottsdale School of Art.

What makes this funny in a very sad and expensive way is that I had gone there to attend a workshop given by an artist I had just discovered by the name of Ray Vinella.

Little did I know until I got there that Mr. Vinella lived in Taos and regularly taught workshops in Santa Fe, just 60 miles from where I lived at the time.

Never mind, I loved Scottsdale and loved the class.

Winter Trees

This little painting was my first attempt at plein air painting.

This piece was done...hum..I'll bet this was done at least 15 years ago. I was driving along the Turquoise Trail when I pulled over and set up. My son was with me and he played in the arroyo and chased rabbits while I painted.

I have always been sentimental about this piece and have never had the heart to part with it.

My new adventure...

Hello! Today I launch my new adventure into the blogging universe. I'm looking forward to sharing my work and reading your comments, and I hope you have many.

In order to establish my sea legs, or cyber legs as the case may be, I'm beginning by posting some oldies but goodies. These are painting I did years ago but have remained favorites for different reasons.

Some I still have but some have sold long ago. Have a look, notice the progression as time passes.....and wish me "Bon Voyage"...