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My Pace:
Plein Air Convention, Santa Fe

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Chimayo
Chimayo

Buscando Golondrinas
Buscando Golondrinas

Ghost
Ghost

Georgia's Mountain
Georgia's Mountain

By nature I am a cheapskate, at least when it comes to spending money on myself. But after much arm twisting, Bob convinced me to sign up for the Plein Air Convention (PACE) which was held this year in Santa Fe. Now, I am saying he gave the right advice. So many painting demonstrations to choose from over the 5 day period, and 4 organized paint out opportunities where these same top notch artists wander around and give their guidance. Where else does one have the opportunity to learn from scores of accomplished plein air artists – both famous and infamous???

So I am showing you each of my four paintings, which are the result of this event. Note that I did bring home each one to my studio and gave them a touch up or two. They are:

1. 'Chimayo' was painted during high winds at the Sanctuario. Since I have visited this place before it was special to me. A couple of decades ago I even took some of the 'healing soil' that Chimayo is famous for and gave it to my Mom who had been diagnosed with cancer. (Incidentally, she did stay with us another 20+ years!). This 8x10" painting is already sold as a benefit to SUWA.

2. 'Buscando las Golondrinas' was painted during even higher winds (reportedly gusts of 80 mph) at Rancho de las Golondrinas. This is a sweet historical site from the 18th century. It is full of adobe structures and is cared for by scores of volunteers. I saw a wonderful assortment of goats and sheep, but never saw any Golondrinas (swallows). I imagine they were hiding from those winds… This 8x10" oil is available for a donation to a good nonprofit.

3. 'Ghost' was painted at the Ghost Ranch near Abiquiu during milder winds, but it was cold enough to give us snow flurries. Here is one place where I defied the advice given me by a couple of the wandering artist experts – although I appreciated their attention. I simply felt a different mission than they did which went along with the mystery of this place. This 9x12" oil is available for a donation to a good nonprofit.

4. Georgia's Mountain was painted the morning after PACE. Did I mention that Ghost Ranch was previously owned by Georgia O'Keefe? Well, you can stay in their rustic facilities now, and Bob and I chose to do so one night. I got out of bed early to paint the Pedernal mountain which is visible from the ranch. Apparently Georgia loved this mountain and painted it scores of times herself, so it seemed to me to be a necessary paint. But I had less than 1 hour to do this at dawn, since we had to leave at 7:30 a.m. It was exciting and rewarding and peaceful and warm and NO WIND!! This 9x12" oil is available for a donation to a good non-profit.

Try something new yourself soon. It could be good.

Margie Lopez Read




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