Fine Art Images from the American Southwest

Category: Photo of the Day

Crescent Moon Set Over Cerro Pedernal

Crescent moon set over Cerro Pedernal near Abiquiu, New Mexico. I made this image from the foothills south of Taos. It’s a view I’ve enjoyed many times, though the crescent moon isn’t always present. Without the moon it is still a stunning vista. Cerro Pedernal, is also Spanish for “Flint Hill”, and, as it is known locally … “Georgia O’Keeffe’s Mountain.” Apparently god told Georgia that if she painted the mountain often enough it would become her mountain, or something to that effect. For me it is a peak where native people harvested flint for their tips and points, and a sight that can be seen prominently from many locations around northern New Mexico. Thanks for looking. G

Crescent Moon set over Cerro Pedernal

A Glass Abstract Caught My Eye

Glass Abstract. The dark negative shape caught my eye. On closer inspection, I could see the inside glow cast from the window in the door. I liked the way the pieces of glass in the frame were reflecting different aspects of the scene around me. The upper section of sherds give a good idea of the scene behind me, that is, the top part of the street. The beige sherd on the lower left portion of the frame, leaning forward, reflects the road surface where I am standing. The section of glass with the sky reflecting, was leaning away from me into the room. The right corner gives away the location of a scene long gone, that I spotted from a stop at the nearby intersection. Thanks for looking. G

Glass Abstract

Taos Tipis Sunset

Taos Tipis Sunset, south of Taos, and again this picture is “enhanced” by the continuing forest fire smoke to the west of Taos. I like the atmosphere and the glow it creates in this scene. It’s supposed to rain tomorrow so the natural smoke filter may not be available for much longer. That will be a good thing! Thanks for looking. G

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Wild Iris, Big Dog, Photo Bomb

Wild iris, big dog in a Taos Valley meadow. I had just set up amongst these wild iris, with a view of Taos mountain as a backdrop, when this hound moseyed in to the viewfinder. The pooch decided my camera was worthy enough for further inquiry. It was now for me to protect my lens from a big wet nose and a sloppy kiss. Yes, he had a penchant for the lens, methinks this be his modus operandi. I never did get the “shot” I had in mind at this location. This image, and only this image is what I got that day. Thanks for looking. G

wild iris big dog

Cherubs, Ojo Caliente

Cherubs, Ojo Caliente, and a recliner, and on the stoop was a six pack of empty bottles. I was surprised to see things a little changed when I visited on this particular occasion. Changed? Yes! It was exactly what I would expect to find in rural New Mexico, indoor, outdoor furnishings.  When I’ve visited this location on previous trips it always seemed so unimportant … a building with a mural next to a gas station. However, on this day, a certain charm had come over the place. It had been customized from the owners personal vision. While this may not fly in some more ‘sterile’ neighborhoods, with strict zoning codes, it is perfectly acceptable in this neighborhood, or so it seems.  I want to call this image “waiting for god.”  Thanks for looking. G

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San José de Gracia de Las Trampas, NM

San José de Gracia de Las Trampas, NM. Yesterday on a photo tour on the High Road to Taos the light was stunning in the mountains, Spanish villages, hamlets and in particular, on this old adobe church. High above the Taos valley in the slightly cooler temperatures, the air was free and clear of the waffling fire smoke we’ve seen in Taos for the last few weeks. A popular spot and photo op on the High Road, the church of San José de Gracia, built between 1760 and 1776, is one of the least-altered examples of a Spanish Colonial Pueblo mission church. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1970. Thanks for looking. G

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Highway Sky – Smokey Sunset

Highway sky. Heading south in to Taos, NM on highway 522, the sunset casts an eerie twilight glow over the mesa roadway and reflects off the cloud poised over the Sangre de Cristo foothills. The sun setting behind and through the fire smoke, filtering the light from the west, created this effect. I like the look of the image but the smoke in the atmosphere is getting tiresome. Thanks for checking in. G

highway sky sunset

Cottonwood Rainbows

Cottonwood rainbows. What the magpie in yesterdays image didn’t see. As the rain clouds moved through and the sun played peekaboo behind the clouds in the west, there were two rainbows, then one, and then a brighter one, and then two again. This is another view I had yesterday from the deck in San Cristobal. Thanks for looking. G

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Magpie Rainbow Sunset

Magpie and rainbow from San Cristobal, New Mexico. I love it when I go out to watch a weather event happening and there is a compadre right there with me. This is one of the parents who have a nest in our juniper trees. When the juveniles started calling, demanding attention, this bird took off to take care of their needs. I stayed for sometime longer to enjoy the scene and watch the sunset and numerous lightning strikes. Thanks for looking. G

Magpie and rainbow