"A LITTLE PEACE"

"A LITTLE PEACE"

8x10

SOLD

This painting gets its inspiration from a photo on my recent trip to Chimayo. I'm not even sure exactly where we were but we came upon this little church with a side courtyard and these beautiful crosses. There were more crosses on the ground but I left them out because they didn't really fit the composition I wanted. I am almost finished with this size canvas (unless I buy more!) and will be moving on to a larger size, hopefully today. I hope you all have a wonderful week. You kow where I'll be!

"FALL IN THE JEMEZ"

"FALL IN THE JEMEZ"

8"X10"

This painting will be featured at my show in November. I took a wonderful photo a few years ago and I paint a rendition of it for almost every show that I have. I love the orangy-red hills and the fall colors of the aspens. I am finishing up all of my 8x10s and tomorrow I hope to start work on my 30x30 Taos with flowers.

Wilds 1

This painting is the first in my series of "Wilds" for Artfest. It is a wild and crazy field of yellow coneflowers, possibly stretching and reaching for the sun. I'm headed to work out and then it's back in the studio. Today I will be starting a new painting - a 30x30 Taos Mountain with sunflowers and wildflowers in the forgeound. I will post the progress tonight. Enjoy your day!

"SANDIAS"

"SANDIAS"

8"X10"

SOLD

This is a small painting of the back of the Sandia Mountains.
I am trying to work on Artfest paintings in this order: one medium, a few smalls, one large, a couple of ornaments, a few smalls, etc. Hopefully, that will keep it fresh for me. I have so many ideas I want to paint and I know there won't be enough time. There never is! But truthfully, some of the best work usually comes in the last days before the show. Knock on wood! If you fall in love with a particular painting, please email me for purchase information. Tomorrow: what I like to call the "wilds", those crazy masses of flowers.

Beginning

First one of many for Artfest. I just felt like painting a wild mass of flowers.

"THE ALL NIGHTER"

"THE ALL NIGHTER"

10"X10"

SOLD

I shot this with my digital because it's too large for my scanner, so the quality is not perfect. I just wanted to give you an view of what I've been working on. The famous Frontier Restaurant, the open-all-night hang out for all of the Uiversity of New Mexico kids, as well as all of the rest of us. The best breakfast burritos and cinnamon rolls - to die for. The restaurant is owned by art patrons, so art is ALL over the walls. It's great.

I'm starting Artfest painting today!! My subjects include sunflowers, landscapes, churches, dancers, flowers, quaint little villages, canyon women, and much much more. I'm also hoping to get some ornaments painted, even though they are more work than paintings! I will keep you updated on progress, plus throw in some daily paintings when I can. Keep watching...

"SUNSET AT ALGODONES"

"SUNSET AT ALGODONES"
8"X10"
I had a craving to get back to landscapes today! This is from a photo I took in the evening at an event in the little village of Algodones. It sits about fifteen minutes away from Albuquerque on the way to Santa Fe. I couldn't do the photo justice but I love the colors and I love playing with skies. Hope you enjoy. Please see the Paypal link below for purchase information.
I'm starting my first Artfest painting today - it's a 20"x20" massed bouquet of flowers; full of different shades of purples and creamy yellows. I will post progress and commentary on these works that I'll be doing as it helps me to see the progress too!

Buy this painting on PayPal
Price: $99.00 plus $10.00 s/h
Or, send me an email

"CANYON DANCER"

"CANYON DANCER"

8"X8"

SOLD

This is my happy dancer. I don't think she has a care in the world, she's just enjoying the music and having a good time. I am working on a commission for the Frontier Restaurant today then it's on to Artfest paintings. Oh, and I have a new daily painting "SUNSET AT ALGODONES" that will be posted as soon as it dries. I just felt like painting clouds! Enjoy your weekend. I saw five beautiful balloons over my house this morning - Balloon Fiesta is almost here!

"THE PARADE DANCERS"

"THE FLOAT DANCERS"

8"X10"

SOLD

My next painting in the series of folklorico dancers. Ths actual photo was a little washed out with lots of distractions, including a cinder block wall as a background, even though the float was rolling along the street. When I finished it, I felt like something was missing but didn't knwo what. I finally realized that the original sky color was a very pale blue, almost white. Iy needed warming up, so it got a nice warm orange glaze. Now I love it.

"CEREMONY"

"CEREMONY"

10"X8"

SOLD

"ABIQUIU CHURCH"

"ABIQUIU CHURCH"

8"X10"

SOLD

IMAGES OF CHIMAYO

A very spiritual place. We lit a votive candle and prayed for everyone we know
A beautiful wood carving
A shrine with crosses, rosaries, a strand of red chiles, and a shawl with flowers.

More images below:

SANTUARIO DE CHIMAYO

Chimayo: there are actually two pigeons on the roof
Lake Santa Cruz near Nambe and Chimayo
Running stream, field, and mountains in back of the church

My day trip was so relaxing and fun! I took about 160 pictures and I'm bummed because I forgot to take a video. But oh well - another day trip in October when the leaves are turning.

I haven't been to the church for about 9 years and it has changed. They have a big new parking area, new upgrades, a new chain link fence that was filled with handmade wooden twig crosses, and new outside seating and stations of the cross. We went inside the church, lit candles, said prayers, and scooped healing dirt from the hole in the floor. It was a good day.

To read the story of Chimayo, click on the link below: http://www.evanderputten.org/special/newmexico/chimayo.htm

"ABIQUIU CHURCH" wip

"ABIQUIU CHURCH"

work in progress

I told myself I was going to finish this yesterday but I took Labor Day seriously and did absolutely no labor! Today I am headed to Chimayo for a lovely day trip, so that leaves me tonight and part of tomorrow. I am shipping this out on Thursday/Friday so it better be finished!

Thurday starts my "WEEMS ARTFEST" deadline countdown. I have lots of canvas, lots of ideas. Now if I can just bring what's in my head to life on the canvas. I'm looking forward to a really exciting show this year. I'm trying to include some of my one-of-a-kind hand-painted ornaments. They take forever to paint but it's worth it. I may have 20-30 for the show. Anyway, enjoy your day! Hopefully I'll get home with great pics and video of Chimayo and surrounding areas.

work in progress

"CURTAIN CALL"

10"X8"

SOLD

This is a work in progress, I hope to have it completed tomorrow. I should also be finished tomorrow with my commission of the Abiquiu church. And on Tuesday, guess where I'm going? Santuario de Chimayo, the beautiful church that I've painted so often! I think it's been about 9 years since I've actually been there. I'm not taking paints, just going on a day trip, but I am taking my camera - for photos and maybe a video or two. I'm sure some of those photos will become paintings for Artfest. Enjoy your Labor Day!

"PROUD HERITAGE"

"PROUD HERITAGE"

10"X8"

SOLD

These costumes are a little different. Very colorful but in a more linear way. They definitely remind me of Mexico or maybe Guatamala.

I'm thinking the dancers just finished a performance and they're resting again an adobe wall, maybe waving at some of their family or fans. I wanted to background to be very neutral so as not to compete with the beautiful skirts and blouses.

Grower's Market

Just a touch of what I saw today at theLos Ranchos Grower's Market. I will post a new dancer painting tomorrow morning...

Abiquiu and Labor Day

This is a photo of the church in Abiquiu. I'm working on a painting for someone right now of this beautiful church, which I WISH I had seen in person (that's my next trip - that and Chimayo). I ran errands ALL day today and came home too tired to do anything, although I did make sure I rode the bike for 25 minutes and applied ice to my knees.

I am getting up really early tomorrow to go to the Farmer's Market and see what goodies I can find. I also hope to clean my studio, finish up two paintings over the weekend, and do a little "playing" (what my favorite cousin and I call driving around looking at houses, antique stores and whatever else we can find).

Then on Monday I start painting nonstop for Weems Artfest. I will try my best to slip in a daily painting as often as possible. I'll be sure to show some of those Artfest paintings from start to finish, so you will get a good look at my process.

Also, my painting for the Balloon Fiesta was picked up today. They will be selling giclees (basically really nice prints on canvas) of the painting at Balloon Fiesta park all during the Fiesta. They will be $25. If any of you would like one, let me know, because we're trying to figure out a way that I can also sell them from my blogsite.

I saw the first little yellow leaves on the ground today and I know fall is just around the corner. I love fall and winter - to me they are a time of renewal and warmth. Family and Friends. Connection and Coziness. I must be feeling nostalgic because I just want you all to know that I treasure all the friends I have made on this site and I love the comments, the feedback, and it makes me feel so good to know that what you think I am creating is worthwhile. Enjoy your long weekend. Love,

Dee

"GOLDEN ASPENS"

"GOLDEN ASPENS"
10"X8"
We've had a couple of cool mornings here, which leads me to believe that fall might just be around the corner...hopefully. I always think of northern New Mexico at this time and can't wait for the aspens to turn that beautiful golden color. I don't paint aspens very often. I've done a few in my daily paintings and I usually paint one large painting for every show I do. The lining on the trees is intensive, let me tell you. A 40x30 painting takes weeks. I hope you enjoy. Tomorrow I will be posting a finished commission of the little church in Abiquiu, NM, where the renowned artist Georgia O'Keefe lived and painted.

Buy this painting on PayPal
Price: $99.00 plus $10.00 s/h
Or, send me an email

"BLANKET FLOWERS"

"BLANKET FLOWERS"

8"X10"

SOLD

"AROUND THE WORLD TWIRL"

"AROUND THE WORLD TWIRL"

8"X8"

SOLD

This is the next painting in my series of folklorico dancers. This dancer was walking at the state fair and just twirling away to the music!

"MOONGLOW"

"MOONGLOW"

8"X8"

SOLD
A finished commissioned painting.

"TAOS FALL"

"TAOS FALL"

8"X8"

SOLD

A commissioned painting of a beautiful fall day on the Taos rim.

I NEED A TITLE!

My Balloon Painting

12"x9"

It's finally done. I love it. I think it's whimsical, playful, colorful, and it shows a lot of New Mexico: the Rio Grande River, chamisa, cottonwoods, sunflowers, the Gazebo at Old Town, the Hyatt Hotels downtown, the Sandia Pueblo, the Sandia Mountains, a beautiful valley landing-take off field, and our starry New Mexico nights. And balloons! Now I just need a TITLE. Help me out!!

"WAITING"

"WAITING"

SOLD

It's Balloon Time!

Rough Sketch for Balloon Painting

12"x9"

This is a rough sketch for my Balloon Fiesta painting. This painting is being purchased by the Balloon Fiesta and made into giclees to sell during the firsta. It has a lot of elements in it; flowers, the river, balloons, fields, cottonwoods, the Hyatt hotel downtown, the Sandia Pueblo, the Sandia Mountains, the gazebo at Old Town, an old adobe with Ristras, a moon rise and stars. Wish me luck, I think I will need it!

WAITING: work in progress

WAITING: work in progress

SOLD

The latest in my series of dancers. These dancers are in a park, waiting in the wings to perform. I hope to complete this one tonight. I just thought I would show you the process. Normally, I work all over the painting, making sure it's cohesive and the colors have a nice contrast. With my dancers, I have been painting the background first and leaving the best for last - the dresses!

"FALL COLORS, PLACITAS"

"FALL COLORS, PLACITAS"

10"X8"

SOLD

I love the colors in this piece; soft, muted, and warm. It's from a photo I took in Placitas last October. We've had some rain here the last couple of days and cooler temperatures, so I know fall is just around the corner! I hope you enjoy this one because it came together for me nicely.

Tomorrow I have three commissions to finish up and a ballon fiesta painting to complete. I also have another underpainted folklorico dancer painting. I will finish that and post it tomorrow too. It will be a busy and hopefully, productive Monday.

Buy this painting on PayPal
Price: $99.00 plus $10.00 s/h
Or, send me an email

"PLAZA DANCERS"

"PLAZA DANCERS"

8"X10"

SOLD

This is the next painting in a small series of folklorico dancers. I am really not used to doing figurative work, so they are harder for me and take more time. But I do love the colors and the sense of movement. I actually went down to the local dance studio and they gave me several photos plus a list of their performances, so hopefully I can get some shots of my own - there's one coming up this Sunday that I'm going to try to attend. Hope you enjoy!

"TAOS HOLLYHOCKS"

"TAOS HOLLYHOCKS"

10"X8"

oil

An oil I painted in Taos on my weekend trip. I was sitting out on the patio and these hollyhocks were right up against the adobe wall. I barely got the last brushstroke down and it started pouring rain. I love the immediacy of oil, the thickness, yes, I guess the mess too. I will be sneaking an oil painting into the blog every so often, just to try to hone my skills. I hope you like it.

Buy this painting on PayPal
Price: $99.00 plus $10.00 s/h
Or, send me an email

BACK FROM TAOS

Arroyo Seco: I want to live in this little village!
El Salto Peak and sunflowers by where we stayed

Well, I'm back. I had a nice quiet relaxing weekend. Actually, it was a little too relaxing, all I did was lay around and sleep. It came a huge rainstorm on Saturday, so hard that my brother-in-law's car almost got hit by a big boulder rolling down off the mountain. The air was fresh and cool too. I did one little oil painting of hollyhocks and that was it.

Tomorrow I start back to work. I'm trying to exercise in the morning and work in the afternoon. I never can stick to any kind of schedule, but I'm going to try 12pm-5pm and see if I can do it. The artist in me just hates deadlines and anything to do with a schedule. We'll see.

I'm going to try to get some daily paintings done this week and then I start painting for Weems Artfest. I am also painting an 8x10 for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta that they will make into little giclees and sell. So, it's gonna be a busy week.

"MY MADRID"

"MY MADRID"

8"X10"

I painted this scene a couple of weeks ago in oil on location in the cool, hip village of Madrid, New Mexico. I also took photos, most of which were pretty spectacular. This one however, was not. It was overexposed and after I printed it, I got paint all over it. BUT, I always think of Madrid as colorful and beautiful - a really fun place to go on a day trip. So, I improvised and embellished. And I consider this acrylic version, "MY MADRID," the real one because this is how I see it. Colorful, kind of like a circus, and somewhere you just go to hang out, shop, and get away for the day.

I will not have a new daily painting post until Sunday night or Monday. Enjoy your weekend!

Buy this painting on PayPal
Price: $99.00 plus $10.00 s/h
Or, send me an email

Tom's Churches

Corrales Church
Santuario de Chimayo

"THE DANCERS"

"THE DANCERS"

8"X10"

SOLD

I decided to try something a little different! This is a painting of dancers from the Mexican Folklorico group performing at the New Mexico State Fair. I've always loved their brilliant ruffled costumes and have wanted to paint them for quite some time. I wasn't sure what the finished piece would look like, but I love it. I just painted what I saw, not what I thought they should look like. If there's a request for more, I may paint a whole series!

"LTTLE CHURCH IN THE CANYON"

"LITTLE CHURCH IN THE CANYON"

8"X8"

no longer available

This little church is so cute! It's short and squat compared to a lot of the bigger and more ornate churches in New Mexico. The view is from the side, the front door is around the corner on the right. I think I would be happy going to Mass here, especially down in this little canyon among the flowers.

"CHURCH AT GOLDEN"

"CHURCH AT GOLDEN"
8"X8"
For those of you who remember, I've painted this church twice and it was white. When I went to paint the Turquoise Trail a couple of weeks ago, I missed the turn off road, because this church sits high up on a hill. When I drove up the little bumpy dirt road, I was surprised to see that it had been replastered a soft adobe color, although parts of it were still white. There was also a chain link fence around it. I don't know if they have Mass there on Sundays, but it's probably to keep vandals away. I was sad because I couldn't get up close, but the shots I got were nice. This is a beautiful little church and it has the most wonderful crosses and little wagon-like structures around it. Click below for purchase information:

Buy this painting on PayPal
Price: $99.00 plus $10.00 s/h
Or, send me an email

"MOON WATCHERS AT CHIMAYO"

"MOON WATCHERS AT CHIMAYO"

8"X8"

SOLD

This is painting #2 of "Tribute to a Beautiful Earth," the series we're working on with www.dailypainters.com. I have always felt a deep connection to my Canyon Women. They are simple, I usually paint them in threes, and they are always watching, working, or nurturing. I feel like these women have probably done a good day's work, now they are resting and supporting each other - maybe they have come to the church because it's near their home and when they saw the full moon coming up over the mountains, they just stopped to breathe a moment and take it all in. I know, in my own life, I need to pause every once in a while, stop what I'm doing, and just enjoy our beautiful earth and everything she gives us.

HELLO EVERYONE,

It seems that Blogger has blocked everyone's blog (at least everyone I know) to check for threats of spamming. I'm using this post as a test to see if everything's back to normal.

"BEAUTIFUL CHAMISA"

"BEAUTIFUL CHAMISA"

8"X8"

SOLD

Tribute to a Beautiful Earth - Day 1

I almost forgot about the month-long tribute that we're doing on www.dailypainters.com.

All of the daily painters (myself included) are creating daily painters about our beautiful, magical earth. These paintings can be about conservation, the environment, people, places, things, etc. My idea for tomorrow's painting is my canyon women holding up our fragile earth as a prayer to the Gods, Spirits, whatever we might call the Divine. I am happy to say that I absolutely love being alive, that we are all incredible contributions to the world, and that I don't do enough to live simply and lightly. Stay tuned...

Plein Air Painters of New Mexico

"PAINTING THE LAND OF ENCHANTMENT"

Opening Reception with Artists:

TONIGHT

5 - 9pm Friday, August 1, 2008

SUMNER & DENE GALLERY

517 Central NW

Albquerque, NM

842-1400

Anyone who lives in Albuquerque - please come on down tonoght and see this wonderful exhibition of 120 paintings painted in plein air by 60 extraordinary artists in 6 days of intensive creativity!

I will be there myself at 5pm, so come down and have a look at my plein air work (not my usual style), and day hi!!