Featuring the work of Martha Rea Baker

Martha Rea Baker is one of my talented guest artists in the book and the first of these I'll feature on this blog. I feel that Martha evokes in her paintings everything I love about Northern New Mexico.

Martha lives in Santa Fe, NM. Here's what she has to say about how living in this inspiring area has enriched her work:

"My move to Santa Fe has influenced my work through texture and light. I am intrigued by the rich history and culture of the area and enjoy developing my paintings and collages with multiple layers. My personal vision is revealed through subtle textures inviting discovery. The process becomes a metaphor for “life”. All of our past experiences, one building upon the other like the layers on the canvas, weave a rich tapestry. My wish is to engage and challenge you, the viewer, to uncover the veiled mysteries."

I'm fortunate to have one of Martha's Chronos series featured in my new book, Wabi-Sabi Painting with Cold Wax. Here are a few more of her work evoking the passing of time and layers of life. I hope someday to see some of her work in person. I also hope someday to work in this large a format and with something approaching Martha's vision.

Slate     Oil/Cold Wax on Panel         24' x 24'

Chronos VI       Oil/Cold Wax on Panel      30' x 30'

You can see more of Martha's work on her site. Thank you again, Martha, for being willing to contribute to the book!

Back from New Mexico

I can't believe it's been so long since I posted here! We recently took a wonderful road trip to New Mexico. Highlights involved visiting our friends Don and Donna in Albuquerque and then taking what's known as the "High Road" to Taos. The high road is full of little, lovely towns which are loaded with art and artists. One of our favorites is Hand Artes Gallery in Truchas, NM. We admired the work of many artists who show there. A favorite from previous visits is Sheila Mahoney-Keefe. Check out the Hand Artes site to get a bit of the magical flavor of the art and of the Southwest that inspires the art.
 

Check out my other blog, Wabi-Sabi Art Workshop, to see more about the inspiring trip! 

Moab     Oil and Cold Wax on Panel   10" x 8"

While in Taos, I visited with Leighanna Light and Tom Ashman, fellow art retreat instructors and very fine artists. Leighanna and I will be offering a workshop at the Mabel Dodge Luhan House in Taos in 2014, The dates are May 17-23. I'll have lots more to tell you about this dream come true soon. I'll also post more very soon about my 5-day workshop coming up in December at Hacienda Mosaico in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, another dreamy venue.

New Mexico Inspiration

 

Santa Ana: Patron Saint of Grandmothers

 A couple of New Mexico inspired retablos--thanks to Mary Stilwell for the title of the piece below.

Our Lady of Perpetual Errands