Desert Grace

This is an oil painting completed in my studio from a plein air study. I painted the study next to the Chama river in New Mexico. I was captivated by the grace with which the soft mountains enveloped each other, as if holding a loved one. I was so captivated in fact, that while painting I didn't notice a bear crossing the river towards me! Once I noticed, I moved to offer it some space and left with an unfinished study. As a result, the study carried with it a magical loose quality that I sought to maintain in this finished piece. I feel that it captures the grace of one of the most beautiful places in the world as well as the charm of my chance encounter with a wild creature. This painting was fun to create, and it became a celebration of the dreamlike quality of being enchanted and delighted by nature.