Artist Spotlight: Sunset at Quarai

About the Artist

My husband and I lived in New Mexico many years. We moved to the Mountainair area in 2008. My professional background was in education—first as an educator and then an administrator. I sought to create an environment for students where they were immersed in learning, seeing connections throughout all the subjects, and embracing the purpose of “needing to know” about all that was around and available to them. I work in oils, often adding texture to my paintings with gesso and palette knife; and in watercolor, the more ethereal medium. Landscapes have become my main focus but I also enjoy florals and portrait painting. I continue to grow and learn through online classes with outstanding artists. Art is my way of honoring God’s creation. I paint in my art studio. The windows give me views of the beautiful Manzano Mountains to the west and on the east I see captivating views of the Estancia Valley. I was accepted into the Cibola Arts Gallery collective and have served on the Board of the Manzano Mountain Art Council. We are blessed to live in this beautiful area of New Mexico with its glorious sunrises, sunsets, mountains, trees, and an amazing history of those who came before us. One of my favorite places is Quarai, the Salinas Pueblo Monument north of Mountainair in the village of Punta de Agua. To me, it is a sanctuary of peace, a monument reflecting the praise and worship of an earlier people. The Native American population was not always treated well by the Spanish priests who used their labor to construct the missions, but I choose to focus on the beauty of their work, the use of materials, their craftsmanship and perseverance. In this painting, I wanted to capture the peace that I feel there, the beauty of nature surrounding it, and the glorious skies that shelter it. I hope “Sunset at Quarai” reflects that appreciation.

Price $1,095.00