Autumn in the Jemez

"Autumn in The Jemez" 2010

Original oil, alkyd on 8x6 panel
SOLD

Last October I came back to New Mexico from a trip out East, just in time to catch the height of the fall colors. Rather than work in the studio that day, I drove up to "The Jemez", located an hour away, north and west of Albuquerque.

The Jemez is a truly spectacular area which includes the Jemez Pueblo, the Jemez Mountains, and the Village of Jemez Springs. The scenery is fabulous, winding along NM 4, with mountain and valley views, red rock areas, large rocky outcroppings, Spanish mission ruins, Soda Dam, and much more. (You can visit this website to see other photos: http://www.jemezmountaintrail.org/whattosee.html)

After driving around to just take in all the beauty of the place, I ventured into one of the trail parking lots, found a good view near the stream, and set up my easel.

It was a gorgeous day—short-sleeve weather, bright sun with occasional fluffy clouds lazing across a deep blue New Mexico sky, and the cottonwoods all decked out in gold and yellow leaves.

Surrounded by so much loveliness, I wanted to include every aspect in my little plein air painting. Too much for a 6x8 inch panel! So I honed it down to this single vista and worked up the basic composition and color on site. With the help of a few photographs, I added the details and finished up the painting just this weekend.

Thanks for taking a moment to visit my blog. I hope you enjoy a wonderful day.
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Text and image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.