Monday, July 6, 2009

Sans Cicadas, New Mexico Sings

Oh, how I love New Mexico. For weeks after returning from a trip there, I look out of my own windows and tell myself that this place is actually New Mexico. I mean, it's the same region and the ancestors traveled these parts as well, calling it all one land. Then I get a bit snippy. What is it about NM anyway? There aren't any saguaros--no cholla or ocotillo, and the few prickly pear cacti look hassled by the junipers. Oh, but I do love the chamisa and the junipers on the hills and, of course, the light. There is something else I've noticed about New Mexico. It almost seems impossible to take a bad photograph. If you ever get a chance to travel to the region, don't worry about composition or light, or subject (just make sure it's daytime). The enchantment always shows up when the photo is reviewed. Amazing. Here are two photos of the rainbow over the hills east of where we stayed and the butte to the northwest. Doesn't it seem like New Mexico poses for visitors, never disappointing? We had a fun time, an exhausting time, and a tiring time on this adventure. We all got lots done. My boy worked on a math problem that required quiet. Mr. Artyfice painted an oil painting, and I painted a watercolor. I challenged him to switch media just to see how we'd fair. Today, the cicadas are buzzing outside, telling me to keep cool in the dark of our cave-like adobe/straw bale room. But, in New Mexico, there was a cacophony of bird song that soothed and delighted us during our stay.
  This is the watercolor that I was surprised I could do. It's approximately 4" x 6" of the butte to the northwest of our casita.

18 comments:

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Melinda,

You are so goood. I love the painting and your description of what it's like when you come home. We do that every time we travel. It's like our cells need convincing that it's okay to live where we are.

xoxoxoxoxBarbara

Melinda said...

Hi Barbara,
Yes, I agree. We need to know that our homes are as nice as where we visited...or we might leave! Hmmm. It's good to know you feel the same.

Thank you! I was shocked that I could watercolor since I've been concentrating on oils so much lately. Watercolor is so challenging.

loriann signori said...

Hi Melinda! What a beautiful little watercolor! New Mexico is an amazing place. Welcome home.

Janelle Goodwin said...

You make me want to go to New Mexico! Lovely watercolor, Melinda!

Elliot said...

i miss new mexico. though this last weekend was pretty nice too, got a lot done.

Edgar said...

It's really no fair that you have all that talent, Melinda. It means you get all the good paintings to take home.

Melinda said...

Thank you, Loriann! I know you know all about the beauty of a New Mexico day.

Melinda said...

Hi Janelle,
Thank you! If you ever get the chance to go, I think you'll enjoy it immensely.

Melinda said...

Hi Ell!
Thanks for stopping by. Yes, it was really nice to get away. I'm so glad you were able to concentrate on your math.

Maybe we can go somewhere else this summer to get away from this heat!

Melinda said...

Look who's talking, Edgar! You painted a really good oil and then a lovely watercolor...C'mon. You don't paint as often as I do, right? So, keep trying to work and all will be well.

Let's go on another paint out, in a cooler environ, soon, k?

Linny D. Vine said...

Another beautiful and delicious Melinda creation! New Mexico is definitely on my wish list...thank-you for your artist's eyes description.

Anonymous said...

Such a charming watercolor. I love the colors you used. They are so subtle.
Jean

Melinda said...

Thank you, Linny! Hope you can travel to New Mexico someday. It's a bit hot in the south, but up by Santa Fe, it's always pleasant.

Melinda said...

Thank you, Jean. I appreciate your kind comment. I don't consider myself a watercolorist, but I love the medium. Your work is inspirational!

Karen said...

I'm overcome with a ridiculous nostalgia by your post. Whenever I close my eyes and think of N.M. I can hear the wind in the pine trees up in Angel Fire and hear that crunching sound as one walks across a mesa...it is magical there, isn't it?
You've got there here in this gem-like watercolor.
So glad to hear you got to paint there recently!

Melinda said...

You've described New Mexico so well. It is magical and I think you've probably left a part of you there just as I have.

Too bad we can't have two homes, yes?

Jeffrey J. Boron said...

Wonderful photo's Melinda...the word enchanting seems to fit just right! Oh oh you've got me dreaming of New Mexico again...

Jeffrey

Melinda said...

Sorry, Jeffrey...New Mexico has a long reach, doesn't it?

Just remember to wait until it's cooler weather. It's really hot right now, even in southern NM.

Wish I could make up to your neck of the woods.