The Shield

There is a dramatic slab of rock atop Sandia, the peak that fronts Albuquerque, called the shield. I caught this dramatic shot of it several years ago and have painted it in pastels more than once, using various styles and colors. When I happened upon the bent and dusty old print, I knew I had to paint it in gouache. I enjoy the swooping shapes, but it's the light and color that makes this tiny painting seem to glow.

Just for scale, here it is in its little bag.

October Sunflower

The canvas paper gave this just the texture I wanted. I think Vincent would get this painting, don't you? I was thinking of the famous pot of sunflowers he painted--a different variety, but related. The purple and blue ground did it for me, and I decided the sun struck petals told the tale of sun and shade.