New Mexico 2007 Sketchbook, Part One: Taos
Last month we went with some friends on a wonderful trip to Northern New Mexico to explore and relax. And to sketch, of course. I pulled out my sketchbook on a number of occasions in Taos; I could happily draw there for days. [continued below]
I have been to New Mexico several times and I love it. There is something unique and captivating about the colors, shapes, and light of the high desert and the towns there. And the food: oh my!
On our way out of Albuquerque we had the most amazing green chile cornbread at the Gruet Grill. The restaurant does not look memorable from the outside, but all our food was wonderful. I’m still dreaming about that cornbread.
Then we headed up to Taos for a couple of days. There the sky churned with alternating sun and dark storm clouds, adding drama to the views of the mountains beyond. We got caught in two torrential downpours: the biggest I’ve ever seen. Luckily for us they didn’t last long as we had no umbrellas. And, I managed to keep my sketchbook nice and dry.
The little sketch of the Chama River, carving it’s way through the valley, was drawn from the car. I noted the colors in ink right on the drawing for painting later. I rather like the effect: similar to what I did in the museum on my New York trip.
My standard paint colors covered most of my needs in New Mexico (for adobe walls and buildings: various combos of Perm. Rose, Burnt Sienna, and Raw Sienna, with sometimes a bit of Ultramarine or Perm. Alizerin Crimson). But trim and other details on adobe buildings is often a warm bright blue so I took along some Manganese Blue as well.
See Also:
- New Mexico 2007 Sketchbook, Part Two: Santa Fe
- Santa Fe 2008 Sketch Grids
- Santa Fe 2008 Sketchbook
- Other Travel Sketchbooks
Related Topics: Landscapes, New Mexico, Travel Sketching
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May 12th, 2008 at 7:48 am
Your site was found while searching for travel journals.
You really have a talent for sketches for documenting travel experiences. Since I do not have that talent, I document travel experiences with a camera. The problem is that I do not keep a travel journal to elaborate on the images
November 9th, 2007 at 7:19 pm
These paintings of Santa Fe are just wonderful, Martha. I thoroughly enjoyed them and your blog (I added a link to your site!). My husband and I were headed off for a vacation in Santa Fe and Taos a few years ago, but I fell and broke my ankle the day before we were to leave. The vacation was cancelled and life has prevented us from rescheduling. After looking at your paintings, I think it needs to go back to the top of my list. I look forward to seeing more of your work!
November 8th, 2007 at 6:25 am
Oh Martha, I can’t tell you how much fun it was seeing your images of “my neighborhood”. This part of the country is so full of artistic expression.
Next time you are here, I’d love if you looked me up !!!!!
November 4th, 2007 at 5:50 pm
Oh Martha, you have been one of my inspirations since i started expressing my art. Your pallette is fantastic, what I have come to recognize as uniquely yours. Your drawings and sensitivity to place are amazing. And your pdfs…I carry them around in my art bag and read them over and over. Sure hope there will be more in the future. Blessings!
November 3rd, 2007 at 2:11 pm
the Southwest is a sketching paradise, isn’t it? your drawings show those captivating colors and light very well
November 3rd, 2007 at 12:05 am
very very nice, as usual. i really love the historic window picture, that’s really pretty.
November 2nd, 2007 at 8:46 am
Wonderful paintings! The colors and compositions are great.
October 19th, 2007 at 8:43 pm
Wonderful, as always. I think my favorites are the brewing storm and the first one of the river. My mouth started watering at your description of the chile cornbread. Yum! Last night my next door neighbor brought me some homemade enchiladas (they’re from Mexico City) and at the first bite I was transported to Mexico and I’m still marveling over their deliciousness. There’s nothing like really memorable food and beautiful scenery.
October 19th, 2007 at 2:58 pm
Oooh I love the window!
October 19th, 2007 at 10:26 am
Beautiful sketches MArtha! I love the view on the brewing storm through the entrance/opening and the shadows on the ground…and I love the emblem of the Gruet grill!
ronell
October 19th, 2007 at 5:35 am
Oh Martha! I used to live in New Mexico – what a wonderful place, especially in the fall. You paint it beautifully here – now I’m so homesick!
October 19th, 2007 at 5:21 am
Martha, you certainly captured the feel and the colors of the area. Love your sketches! They are beautiful and interesting.