It's a little wet out here!

This morning I happened to mention to Dana that being from New Mexico I had never seen a flood. So he took me for a short drive down Highway 24. I thought I 'd share these photo's from our drive just 40 miles west to Brunswick, MO.

Water approaching the road - still hasn't crested.
Pecan Orchard.
The river has risen over its banks and flooding parts of Brunswick, MO.
Railroad bridge normal very high above a small creek.
Flooded farmlands - this corn is between 4 and 5 feet tall when not covered with water.

Gate with Yellow Iris

SOLD

This 11x14 inch oil on stretched canvas is reflective of common scenes from home (yes I am still homesick). Massive adobe walls covered with wonderful stucco provide the framework for massive wooden gates. Weathered by time and the elements, the gates have so much personality. I have to confess and say that this particular gate is taken from a photograph I took of the old church in Truchas, NM.

Anyone who has ever been to New Mexico will understand that the adobe wall longs for the companionship of a hollyhock. And irises, well they are the true symbol of endurance in the rough dry landscape.

Happy Birthday to me!

Today was my birthday - I woke up thinking that I almost missed this one, but I didn't -
Today was a great birthday, I saw my Doctor and he says I'm doing great and I get to go back to work soon and I'm very happy about that.

One more time...

SOLD

I like this much better, and its much closer to the original chapel built by don Celso Baca to honor his mother. Although I couldn't determine an exact date that the chapel was build, Celso Baca is credited for founding Santa Rosa (New Mexico) after he settled int he area in the early 1860's. Unfortunately this little gem has succumbed to the elements. It's remaining walls can still be viewed on State Highway 91 that winds through Santa Rosa on it's way to Puerto de Luna.
This photo dates back to about 1930

Details of the brushstrokes used to render the church.
So, did I save it? I think so - I love it.

Moment's of Genius...but only moments

So I was working on this painting and thought I was nearing the finish line when I took a very good look at it.
Nope! No cigar!

I love the church. It was my moment of genius. My strong artistic moment. I also like the Poplar Trees. But that's it. So it will be back to the easel tomorrow to paint over the foreground. It's just wrong - not speaking the same language as the rest of the painting.

How does this happen to me? Do I get tired, too hot, hungry? Why do I have moments where it's all clicking and then it's like I just go brain dead -

Just Because...