Fine Art Images from the American Southwest
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Chevrolet truck with a view of Ute Mountain. Find an old truck, with a view out the windshield, stick the camera in the cab, get it all framed up, include the prerequisite spider of a crack in the windshield for full authenticity. The nice condition of the cab interior finishes it off. And yep! … there you have it! Thanks for looking. G
Red barn San Luis Valley with Ute Mountain. The barn was very red all over, and now sits there hosting hawks, owls and the occasional photographer, and fading to a wonderful patina fitting of all old barns out there.
Ute Mountain twilight, heading home from Colorado, south to San Cristobal, NM this evening. The sight of Ute Mountain is a beacon on the horizon. It acknowledges, that at this point, it’s only forty minutes to home. Not far now!
Ute Mountain emerges from the clouds after last weekend’s snow storm. Ute Mountain is north of Taos on the road to Colorado and often appears protruding, fin like, moving through the clouds. It also creates it’s own weather system. I’ve often seen rain and snow falling solely on the dome of this extinct volcano, a major geological feature in the Taos Volcanic Field/Plateau. Here’s another image of Ute.
Adobe Route, Free Climbing Pigeons. “I got this… I got this!” at the St. Francis Church Ranchos de Taos, NM. I’m guessing here… perhaps they were eating seeds they discovered in the mud or bits of gravel for their crop. One thing I’m certain about, as I watched them work their way up the building, flying would have been the easier route to take. Thanks for looking. G
Greetings from New Mexico. This week, a few images of the northern lights as seen from our village of San Cristobal, in the mountains of northern New Mexico.
When I first saw the northern lights last night it was through the trees at our house, so I drove five minutes to this vantage point for a view of our valley and what looked like a sunrise/sunset. Shot on the iPhone.
I had a thought to photograph the little chapel in the village against the aurora sky, not one hundred percent sure that it would align.
A car came by and highlighted the church.
Tonight viewing should be even more spectacular, clear skies permiting.
The image below was shot in our neighborhood in October last year.
On another note: I want to take a moment to remember my friend Harry Vedoe, who had a profound impact on my life and on the many adventures I’ve had in the backcountry and wilderness over the years. Harry and I were friends for almost 40 years. Rest in glorious peace, Harry.
Harry passed away at age 96 peacefully in his sleep on October 28, 2025.
RIP Harry, or then again, bike, hike, ski, and climb on, or take another road, my dear friend.
As always, thanks for looking. Check out the sky tonight, it should be good viewing for the Aurora Borealis. G
Greetings from New Mexico. This week, wild horses. For the last three weeks, I’ve been in the landscape of a Georgia O’Keeffe painting, exploring the areas around Abiquiu, and Ghost Ranch, NM, five times, and again tomorrow. I never tire of it, but it’s time for a change and to head out in search of wild horses, sandhill cranes, hawks, and elk. A change of scenery and subject is always good for the soul and the portfolio.
The following two images were taken in spring.
These two were trucking along foraging in the fields near Monte Vista NWR.
Hawks are plentiful, and this time of year, in old snags and on power poles.
I doubt it will snow on the peaks before next week, but horses are always fun to spot. Here’s a band on the plateau with Blanca Peak in Colorado.
As always, thanks for looking. Have a great week. G
My photo essay on the San Luis Valley, in the form of a PDF to download.
If you’d like to read more, here’s a brief account of the area.
The Taos Volcanic Plateau and the San Luis Valley are remarkable landscapes in the southwestern United States, known for their unique geological features and diverse wildlife.
The Taos Volcanic Plateau, located in northern New Mexico, is a striking expanse formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. This plateau is characterized by its rugged terrain, with ancient lava flows, cinder cones, and volcanic peaks, such as Ute Mountain and San Antonio Mountain. The Rio Grande Gorge, a dramatic canyon carved by the Rio Grande, slices through the plateau, providing a stunning natural spectacle and a vital habitat for various species.
Adjacent to the plateau, the San Luis Valley stretches across southern Colorado and northern New Mexico. This high-altitude valley is one of the largest in the world, flanked by the Sangre de Cristo and San Juan mountain ranges. Its vast, flat expanse is dotted with wetlands, grasslands, and desert shrublands, creating a mosaic of habitats that support a rich array of wildlife.
The wildlife in these regions is as diverse as the landscapes themselves. The Taos Volcanic Plateau and the San Luis Valley are home to numerous bird species, making them popular destinations for birdwatchers. The wetlands and riparian areas attract migratory birds such as sandhill cranes, which stop over in the valley during their long journeys. Raptors, including golden eagles and red-tailed hawks, soar above the open spaces, while songbirds flit among the shrubs and trees.
Mammals also thrive in these areas. Mule deer and elk roam the grasslands and forests, while smaller creatures like coyotes, foxes, and rabbits are common sights. The plateau and valley provide critical habitat for more elusive species as well, such as bobcats and mountain lions, which find refuge in the rugged terrain.
The Taos Volcanic Plateau and the San Luis Valley are not only geological and ecological treasures but also cultural and historical ones. Indigenous peoples have lived in these regions for thousands of years, and their deep connection to the land is evident in the rich cultural heritage that persists today.
Together, these landscapes offer a glimpse into the dynamic interplay of natural forces and the resilience of life in a challenging environment. They remind us of the importance of preserving such unique ecosystems for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.
