New Mexico in the Autumn

In early October, David and I were able to steal away for a few days for a road trip to New Mexico. The purpose of the trip was for research. We are considering applying for a very popular art fair that is held every year during the Albuquerque Balloon Festival but wanted to check it out in advance before we decide to put it on our 2019 show calendar. While it was mostly business, we also needed to recharge our batteries and the mountains of North New Mexico were just what the doctor ordered!

As luck would have it (and sometime it does) our timing was perfect as the cottonwood and aspen trees were turning shades of gold. As we drove the switchbacks of the mountain roads north of Santa Fe that encircle the Taos Ski Valley, ribbons of golden aspens glowed against the deep green pine trees. The same was true of the Jemez National Recreation Area north of Albuquerque and west of Los Alamos, with the added bonus of red rocks that would nearly rival some of those you'd see in Sedona.

Meanwhile, stands of cottonwood trees that were often strongest along rivers and creeks put on a show of their own. Interspersed here and there were deeper yellow, orange, rust and red leaves from various trees and vines getting into the season. And among all of that fall color, incredibly, wildflowers were blooming! Most yellows and even some purples, they added to the beauty. Of course all of these images will be future inspiration for my paintings.

As for our research, we were very pleased with the show and are giving it strong consideration for next year.