A Plateau by Algodones, NM (5/31/15)

"Algodones Plateau"  Acrylics on Canvas - 8x10

I'm totally drawn to any mountain scene no matter which state or country it's in. This was done from a photo from a private facebook group called, "Let's Paint New Mexico" as part of a challenge. When I saw this photo for the first time, I knew this was going to be fun to paint! The shot was taken by a fabulous artist, Dee Sanchez, who lives near that area. Algodones is a small village about 15 minutes north of Albuquerque and 30 minutes south of Santa Fe. I've seen the area when driving to Santa Fe or Taos and it's worth driving there if you have the time.

Our Lady of Guadalupe - 5/25/15

"In Honor of Mary, Our Mother" - 11x14 - Acrylics on Canvas

This painting was done as part of a challenge (Let's Paint New Mexico) from Facebook. A small group of talented artists choose to paint an image posted by the admin, in any medium and size. I love this page!! Everyone who has participated has posted such beautiful artwork and I'm proud to be a part of this wonderful group. I also get inspired to paint certain subjects that I've never even thought about before, sort of like this one here.

I was about to give up on this piece as I have no patience for 'still life' subjects. But, since I was waiting on another painting (oils) to dry, I'd thought I'd finish it. I've always been drawn to landscapes, architecture and the like. I also like to draw or paint animals. But, I think one of the reasons why I don't normally paint still life subjects is because of the time to set it up. Other than getting your palette & easel set up, which can be a little tiring at times, I would think that setting up a still life can ruin the 'mood' of painting. However, since this piece was done from an image, it wasn't quite so bad. Even though it's not the same as painting from a live scene, where the colors and lighting are more accurate, it was still an interesting piece to do!

During the month of May, it's been a Catholic tradition to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary. Also known as 'Our Lady of Guadalupe,' she has become a national symbol in Mexico. If you're interested in learning more about 'Our Lady of Guadalupe,' here are some facts...  click here

Sketching Blazer's Mill House (5/18/15)

I had this urge to sketch this Blazer house, which is located in Mescalero, NM. I love to sketch or paint old buildings, especially if it has a history behind it. And the older the building is, the more fun it is to draw or paint it!! The sketch was done in pen & ink (no pencil) and then completed in watercolor.

Apparently, there was a gunfight at the Blazer Mill's and it supposedly involved Billy the Kid Outlaw Gang. The house is an adobe & stone structure and can be seen from US 70 on the Mescalero Apache Reservation, southwest of Ruidoso.

If you're interested in the story and history about Blazer's Mill, click on the link below.
The Gunfight at Blazer's Mill

Hangin' at Hondo Iris Farm - 5/14/15

Today, my friend, Patsy Blasdell, and I decided to go to the Hondo Iris Farm and just paint! Wow, what a wonderful, glorious day!! Overcast at first, but there was enough natural light for perfect painting. I always look forward to going to the Iris Farm every year. I always feel so alive every time I come here. But, for some reason, this time was different. Maybe because of the rain we've been having lately. Or maybe it's because they're having a really good season. Or perhaps, it was both!! The whole area was just blooming with all kinds of flowers, lush green grass and irises of all colors everywhere!

Patsy, who is also a wonderful art teacher, set up her professional french easel in one corner of the field. I set up my mini easel on a picnic table by the river. Facing the gallery, I could see practically everyone coming in to take in the aroma and beauty of the glorious field of flowers. As soon as I set up my palette with a few colors, I started to paint away. Somehow, the time got away, that I felt like I had been meditating for hours. I heard people talking or laughing in the distance, but none was quite disturbing. Other sounds included the flowing river nearby, birds singing and the wind blowing in from the south. It was a very peaceful day and I felt so relaxed afterwards. Above is my piece I had been working on - work in progress! Hope to come back here again soon. This is a must place to visit if you've never been!!!

Alice Seely - Owner of Hondo Iris Farm & Gallery