The Taos Gorge Bridge

This painting of the Taos Gorge Bridge became one of my favorite memories from my fall visit. I am so grateful for the people in my life who bring a little spontaneity. It was near the end of my stay in Los Alamos, which is always bittersweet for me. I was mostly disappointed that I had spent so much time on a commission and had not found the chance to go out for plein air painting since working on the forested lava dome.

On my last day, I planned to stay home to pack and make frames, but my partner wanted to do something together as a family, and I am glad he felt so strongly about it. We decided to take a spontaneous drive toward Taos so they could show me the bridge. It has almost become a tradition now that any drive includes the understanding that I will want to paint. I am relieved that I no longer need to feel guilty about that. It has become expected, and everyone finds their own way to enjoy the time.

When we arrived, the view of the gorge was breathtaking and a little overwhelming. The scene felt impossibly complex, full of depth and shifting light. A canyon is an intimidating subject, and the enormous bridge meant there would be plenty of line work to consider as the sun kept changing everything.

Still, I noticed something positive happening in my thoughts. When I looked at the scene and thought, “That looks complicated,” another voice would answer, “Then simplify it.” I am still learning to let go of the fear of the dreaded “ugly” stage. There were people walking by, and at first, I found myself standing in front of my work so no one could see it. Eventually, I let that go and just painted.

I had about ninety minutes to work, and I could not have been happier with what I accomplished. For the first time, I felt I had successfully simplified a very complex scene. This painting left me feeling proud and excited for what lies ahead in my plein air journey. I know not every painting will turn out the way I hope, but for now, I am content and proud of this one.

Soft Pastel on Sanded Pastel Paper. 90 minute Painting