Taos Mountain Stream

Taos Mountain Stream
10"x 8", Oil, Linen on Panel

A life-giving stream in the high desert mountains gives the feeling of tranquility, peace and thankfulness. 

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Terlingua Cemetery

"Terlingua Cemetery", 11"x 14", Oil

This cemetery, located in the West Texas town of Terlingua, is probably the most interesting one I have ever seen. Most, if not all, of the headstones and grave markers are handmade and there seems to be no grid or order to speak of.  I wanted to call it charming but quirky is more like it. On your way to Big Bend, take a little side trip and visit Terlingua.

The Best Painting Panels Ever!

Over the years I have tried a lot of different canvases and painting panels. I've also purchased a variety of linen which I then cut and mounted myself. This used to be meditative but has since become more of a pain.  I've experimented with different gessos, most of which were either too thin or too absorbent and are a completely different feel and result from that of painting on linen. 

My style is more of texture and dry-brush techniques and, thanks to Matt Smith, my long search for the perfect panel has finally come to an end. SourceTek offers a variety of premium artists panels, my choice of which is their Premium Line Claessens #66 Oil-Primed Medium Weave. It is the one on the far left of the image below. As you can see, they also offer and oil-primed linen in a fine weave and acrylic primed in medium and fine weave. Do check them out as this is just a sampling of what they offer. You are sure to fine your perfect panel here too. 

SourceTek Premium Artist Panels

"Rooster"

"Rooster"
 12"x 9", Oil on Board

Somewhere in all my notes lies Rooster's given name but somehow I think this is the one he prefers. He was a great model and a pleasure to paint.

Autumn in Abiquiu

Autumn in Abiquiu
9"x 12', Oil, Linen on Panel

Georgia O'Keeffe once said, "If you ever go to New Mexico, it will itch you for the rest of your life".  I can certainly attest to that!

Near Mora

Near Mora
9"x 12", Oil, Linen on Panel

One of my favorite drives home from Taos is on the road that goes through Mora, New Mexico.

Near John Dunn Bridge

Near John Dunn Bridge
12"x 9", Oil, Linen on Gatorboard

The light was perfect when I came across this spot near the John Dunn bridge. This is a block-in of 99.9% transparent colors. The light in New Mexico is so amazing that it really calls for transparents to capture the glow. I made the decision to leave it as is and call it done. I'm so glad I did.

Autumn Gold

Autumn Gold
12"x 9", Oil, Linen on Panel

We don't get a lot of fall color in Texas other than at Lost Maples where the Uvalde Big Tooth maples grow. We timed this trip just right and it was one of the many occasions I have been very thankful that cameras are now digital. I could paint for months on the photos we took on this trip. 

Following the Rio Grande

Following the Rio Grande
12" x 9", Oil, Linen on Panel

One year my husband and I followed the Rio Grande from El Paso, Texas to Taos, New Mexico. This route added hours to our trip but it helped us bypass a lot of desert and see something green all along the way. I can't remember exactly where this particular scene was but someday I will go through all of the photos and get it narrowed down. The best I can do right now is say it was somewhere south of Albuquerque and north of El Paso. 

Taos Aspens

Taos Aspens
9"x 12", Oil, Linen on Panel

I think aspens are one of the most beautiful trees in the mountains regardless of the time of year. We were there just before they came into their fall color. I've had a great life and now have a very short bucket list. One thing very near the top is that I would love to spend 366 days in Taos and paint the area in all seasons. (366 days is not a typo!)

La Chiripada

La Chiripada
9"x 12", Oil, Linen on Panel

La Chiripada Winery is located in Dixon, New Mexico. The name means "stroke of luck" and it was indeed a stroke of luck that Chris Morel selected it as one of our painting locations in September. The owner visited with us while we painted adding to the many wonderful memories of the day.

La Chiripada Winery is located in Dixon, New Mexico. The name means "stroke of luck" and it was indeed a stroke of luck that Chris Morel selected it as one of our painting locations in September. The owner visited with us while we painted adding to the many wonderful memories of the day.

Taos Hollyhocks Juried In!

'Taos Hollyhocks", 10"x 8", Pastel
I just received news that my painting, "Taos Hollyhocks", was juried into the 2018 PSNC "Pure Color" Online Show! A big thank you to juror, Jen Evenhus! The exhibition will open September 1 and run through September 30 at  www.onlinejuriedshows.com.

The 30 in 30 Challenge is Complete!

Taos Gorge Overlook Collage

I am writing this post on the final day of the 30 in 30 Painting Challenge. This collage depicts thirty 6"x 8" paintings in oil, all in different palettes and on various painting surfaces. You can see all of the paintings individually on my blog either here or on my website, sekulastudio.com

I would very much love to hear which are your favorites. It is easier to post a comment on the blog on my website than it is here. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I am beginning to phase out the one I have on blogger and concentrate everything here. Yes, that is a big endorsement for Fine Art Studio Online (FASO).

I will be sharing what I learned from the painting challenges in an upcoming post. But for now, spring is calling and I must go outside and greet her!