Sandia Foothills Trail #2

Sandia Foothills Trail #2
9 x 12 pastel on sanded paper mounted on museum board
$300 unframed

There are so many wonderful trails in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains near Albuquerque. They start at an altitude of approximately 6500 feet and some go to the top of Sandia Peak at approximately 10,700 feet . That's a hike that takes the better part of a day if you are in top physical condition. Not a senior like me; I stick with the lower elevations and still get out of breath. Parking is close to the trail-heads (with signs warning to look out for rattlesnakes....but they are harmless if you don't bother them.)

This particular trail is called the Pino Trail and is accessed from Elena Gallegos Park and Picnic Area, about 10 minutes from our home. It's a 4.5 mile trail, lots of flora and fauna, and it is beautiful; takes your breath away in more ways than one. Coming down the trail back to the parking lot, you get stunning views of Albuquerque in the valley below. It's located in what is known as Albuquerque's Open Space, land set aside for enjoyment of the outdoors in and around the city. If you would like more info about ABQ's open space, click here.

We walked this trail with my daughter when she came for the Balloon Fiesta last October.

More open space trail paintings coming up soon.

In the Jemez

In the Jemez
9 x 12 pastel on UArt sanded paper mounted on museum board
$300 unframed

Jemez Springs is about an hour from home, in the Jemez Mountains. The drive to reach it is wonderful; part of it is through the Jemez Pueblo where there is a very nice visitors' center and museum, and across the roads the residents set up booths selling food and hand made native crafts. Further up the road is access to the Jemez River, and then further along is the town of Jemez Springs, with the river, hot springs, funky restaurants with some really good food, and of course, nearby are the trails going into the forest. This painting is just a sample of the kind of beauty to be found in this area.

If you are interested in knowing a little more about this area, click here for the link to take you there.

Ken and I have both been busy with our painting and pottery, so more will be coming soon.