Monday, July 22, 2013

Artist Hiatus.....

I've been spending the summer on an artist hiatus in New Mexico....exploring, getting reference photos, and ideas for new paintings.

Thought I'd share some images from locations (many off the beaten path) in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, & western New Mexico. There's so much natural beauty, wildlife, history and culture in this amazing area...
Ancient Zuni Indian Pueblo
El Morro National Monument, Ramah, New Mexico
Sandstone Mesa
El Morro National Monument, Ramah, New Mexico
Bed of volcanic ash and new growth
El Calderon, Grants, New Mexico
Sandia Mountain at sunset
Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque at night
Sandia Peak Tramway

Sunset paints the mountains blood red
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Surreal sandstone rock formations
El Malpais National Monument, New Mexico

La Ventana..... the largest natural arch in New Mexico
Tiny oasis in the desert... a Vernal pond explodes with temporary life after the rains,
including tadpoles,  daphnia shrimp, insects, and birds....then within days they may completely dry up.
Pygmy Pinon pine.....tree growth stunted by harsh desert environments
Grants, New Mexico
Gaping cracks in a volcanic lava bed.....some 20 feet deep!
Thousands of yrs ago western New Mexico was a big volcano (that explains the hot weather)!
Ropy Pahoehoe is the name of lava with a thick ropy texture...common in lava fields.
El Malpais National Monument, New Mexico
El Santuario de ChimayĆ³
A religious Spanish Catholic Holy Pilgrimage village near Santa Fe, New Mexico

Ancient Petroglyphs
Petroglyph National Monument, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Ancient Petroglyphs near Albuquerque, New Mexico
Ancient Petroglyphs near Albuquerque, New Mexico
The foothills of Sandia Mountain
Recent rains cause cacti to bloom
Sandia Mountain
Spectacular views of entire city of Albuquerque from Sandia Foothills 
HooDoo volcanic rock formations
Tent Rocks, New Mexico
Deep arroyos carved from wind & water
Slot Canyon, New Mexico
HooDoo volcanic rock formations
Tent Rocks, New Mexico
The Road Runner is a large bird.... over 12" tall
This fellow was curious & tame....allowing me to come close.
Recent rains turns the desert into golf turf green.
Socorro, New Mexico
Gigantic radio telescopes (Very Large Array)
Magdalena, New Mexico
Approaching storm at the Very Large Array
Magdalena, New Mexico
Desert Jack Rabbit......this buck was very tame allowing me to approach close!

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Gotcha!

The slow moving chameleon is a wizard at changing colors......but lightning fast with his spring-loaded sticky tongue.  This sapphire blue chameleon is about to make a meal of an unlucky grasshopper!

Details of Chameleon
Gotcha! is an asymmetric diptych...two piece painting on separate canvases....12x24 and 12x12.  

Monday, July 15, 2013

Earth Art Studio, Sister Bay, Wisconsin

I'm excited to be represented at Earth Art Studio, a fine craft/art boutique way North in Sister Bay, Wisconsin.  Sister Bay in Door County is a renowned recreational area with year round boating, fishing, shopping, and a vibrant art community.  

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Clara's Art.......on Custom Checks!

My artwork is now on custom personal checks, checkbooks covers, and address labels.   They are available thru Check Advantage Artist's Collection in four fabulous animal series! 
 African Safari - Iconic animals of Africa!
 Sea Life - Variety of cool animals from the sea!
Paint Ponies - For Pony lovers only! 
Owls - My trademark crazy colored owls!

Order yourself a set or two!!