Date Harvest

These past three weeks we've had a plentiful harvest of figs, dates, and sunflower seeds. Mano y Mente artists have had the opportunity to pick and munch on all three. Here is a handful of dates that we will eventually dry and eat. Date trees grow well in Tularosa's warm climate. As you can see, there are plenty of more dates where these came from.

Sunset in the Rearview and an Open Road

(Image: the former Mano y Mente landscape painting vehicle still knows how to stage a great photo. Both the moon and a snippet of the sunset make an appearance.)

_____________

http://www.newmexico.org/explore/scenic_byways/index.php

The above link sends you to the New Mexico Department of Tourism's informative website. It lists scenic Land of Enchantment byways. Here are the first five great suggested byways, click on their website link for the next twenty.

Abo Pass Trail - The Abo Pass Trail is a unique route which showcases the natural beauty of the Salt Missions area.

Billy the Kid National Scenic Byway - Come celebrate the history of the Wild West on Billy the Kid Trail.

Corrales Road Scenic Byway - Travel Corrales Road, shaded by cottonwoods and offering breathtaking views.

Dry Cimmaron Scenic Byway - A multi-state route traveling through Colorado, Oklahoma and New Mexico.

El Camino Real National Scenic Byway - Travel the Royal Highway of the Interior Land.

Landscape Spotlight: Clouds

Clouds, Blue, and Light: a powerful combination


(Second Image: Jose Hernandez, "Desert after Rain," 2006. Oil on Canvas.)

The slightest change in the sky dramatically alters the desert landscape. Deep blue mountains turn flaming pink when the sun is low on the horizon and white tumbleweeds turn into large dark masses when draped by a cumulus shadow. There are fewer trees in the desert that reduce the broad view of New Mexico's sky. Therefore, you see "cloud ranges" in addition to "mountain ranges" far into the distance.

Above we see a photograph of clouds in Tularosa with a white lining of light. The following image is of an enchanting desert landscape painting with moody clouds painted by Jose Hernandez. Jose was born and raised in Mexico and moved to Tularosa over a decade ago where he continues to create dramatic art. His clouds and desert scenes are spot-on and communicate the same feeling of awe one gets standing under the big sky in a New Mexican desert. Each session Mano y Mente invites one local Tularosa artist to share the studio with the national and international artists in residence who both paint and live on site. Jose is one such artist.

Ode to the Sun's Departure - Three Rivers

After a long day of landscape painting Fall 2008 artists say "Hasta La Vista" to the hot New Mexico sun and greet a Three Rivers sunset with a dose of well-deserved exuberant festivity to reward all their hard work.

Light through the sands

Except when the wind or a desert beetle is whirling past a concentrating artist's ear ... White Sands is the quietest place on earth.

Landscape Spotlight: White Sands Monument

Mano y Mente artist in residence program visits a variety of stunning landscapes throughout the course of each session. Every other week during a session we will post an example of how different past/present Mano y Mente artists have been inspired by a particular landscape. This week we have chosen White Sands Monument.

Above Image: Fall 2007 artist Jennie Booth, "Red Ant," Oil and Wax on Paper. (double click on image to enlarge)

Jennie often weaves colorful symbol throughout her artwork. About this piece she states that the red ant symbolizes hard work, the agave symbolizes existence in spite of adversity (tears) in this climate, and the whirlwind (which whirls feet, hands, radios, and scissors) represents her coming to Tularosa from the "small" town of New York City. Behind the main figure you see the Sacramento Mountain Range and the big, beautiful, blue sky that New Mexico is known for. See more of Jennie Booth's captivating art at www.jenniebooth.com .

Striking Tularosa Doors

Wandering the recently shady, green neighborhood streets of Tularosa it is hard not to notice the striking beauty of many doors. Blue door paint alongside pinkish adobe stucco is a popular color combination.

www.manoymente.com

www.manoymente.com is updated each session to include current applications and an overview of the program. The website was changed to its more "illuminated" format in October 2007. Check it regularly for additional details and "hidden hoppers."

New Session, New Artists

Mano y Mente began its Fall 2008 session on September 6th. In the next three months, as in past sessions, we will venture to many a landscape all over this region of southern New Mexico. We will unfold our easels, shield ourselves in large hats from the sun, and interpret dramatic landscapes. Here are some of the artists from past sessions creating work in different geographic settings. Included is a photo of studio productivity from Fall 2007.

In Bloom

Birds, bees, and FLOWERS have been good to Mano y Mente this September. 'Tis tempting to be lured out of the studio by the colorful mayhem ensuing from this year's rains.

Studio Morning, Sunny Sunday

Introspective 10 a.m. at Mano y Mente. Quiet one-on-one time with an eager easel.