The End of 31-Mile Road

Our adventures continued when my partner’s dad suggested a place he thought I might enjoy. The three of us often went hiking and exploring together, and this time we set out along 31-Mile Road, which leads into the Valles Caldera from the north side. At the end of the road we were met with a sweeping valley that seemed to stretch beyond sight.

Sometimes plein air sketching brings a flood of doubt. Should I stop here? Should I have painted back there? What if something better is ahead? On this day the choice was clear. The landscape itself seemed to pull me in, and I did not resist. I felt more at ease, and decisions about color came naturally.

This sketch, along with my aspen on Elderberry, feels like one of the most accurate I have made. I was proud of it, and it reminded me that days like this are the ones I would like to hold onto forever.

Micron pen, watercolor, and pastel pencil on Rives BFK. About 1.5 h sketch.