Winter tree against blue sky in sketchbook. Click on image to view larger.
The other week my DH and I went overnight to Silver City, NM which happened to be holding their chocolate fantasia event — 31 chocolatiers made their specialties and there was a treasure hunt through art galleries, antique stores, restaurants and the like. Such fun!
I got in some outdoor painting (plein air) for the first time and it really made the day memorable.
Yes, the sky really was this blue, if not even bluer! lovely winter New Mexico sky. The tree was made again with the credit card technique, and done in a small watercolor sketchbook. The paper isn’t nearly the quality of buying good watercolor paper by the sheet, but it’ll do, pig, it’ll do!
Artsy patio door at the Copper Quail Gallery, Silver City, NM. Click on image to view larger.
This is my favorite art gallery in Silver City, NM. The Copper Quail Gallery has a great collection of jewelry, woven clothing, paintings, photographs, woodworking, metal working. The artists take turn in the store and are really friendly and open to talk about their work.
Interesting, artsy way to recycle glass bottles and keep the birds from resting on the wall. Copper Quail Gallery, Silver City, NM
Sketch while a passenger, with watercolor wash later. The beautiful rust colored cliffs at Hurley, NM. Click on image to view larger.
Peach roses earlier in the week. You will see these in a painting I’m sure some day!
I came home inspired and ready to paint, draw, excited about the coming artsy year!
Rachel Murphree Watercolors 