I made my first purchase of original artwork this evening for a Christmas present for my wife–and I.
The purchase was made online from a fellow Philmonter, Dawn Chandler. “late autumn afternoon, ute park, new mexico” is a watercolor triptych measuring 5 x 2 for each panel. The paucity of color and the subtle figure-ground are traits that only another resident of northern New Mexico could appreciate. I like the careful use of tone to underdo the iconic subject as much as to underscore the enigmatic ‘structures’ in the foreground.
From Dawn:
“There’s something very special to me about that watercolor triptych of Baldy from Ute Park that you are considering. One of the reasons it appeals to me so much is because the palette is toned down and yet it captures so well the mood and feel of autumn (perhaps my favorite season). I remember well the afternoon when I took the photo that that grouping is based on: I was returning to Taos after a day of PSA work at the Ranch and was in need of a wintery scene for the PSA Christmas card. There was fresh snow on Baldy, and as I came through Ute Park, the late afternoon sun was cutting through the fields there in a line of light, and illuminating a row of trees. I was there at just the right moment to capture the light breaking through and hitting those trees.”
From another email…
“[…]This is one piece that I have been tempted to keep for myself…The “quietness” of the piece calls me….I enjoy the way the central shape suggests a tree or grouping of trees, but also suggests a small house…and I guess I like to image myself living there….”
Merry Christmas
