Day 4: Taos and The Gorge Bridge

Today we had our gorgeous breakfast of fresh fruit, homemade granola, and homemade blueberry waffles at our B&B. We then got in the Red Monster and set off with our map drawn by several locals last night of all the best destinations.

First, we set off over the famous Gorge Bridge and just kept on driving. While crossing the bridge, Halley said "I feel like I'm in a 3-D movie." It was over 670 feet in the air and so windy!

We drove and drove until we were uncomfortably close to Colorado and had to head back to town after seeing some of the most beautiful things. I have so many new inspirations and can hardly wait to get home and paint with this gorgeous pallate of New Mexico. We saw this adoreable Old Pink School House, which was exactly what it was called. We saw Wind Mountain and a strange community of Earthship where the homes are designed and produced using 100% sustainable and recycled things. It was very hippy and weird. We could only imagine the people that lived in that community.

On the way back into Taos, we stopped by the Millicent Rogers Museum and saw her amazing collection of rugs, jewelry, and art. She was one elegant and classy lady.

We found the most incredible little lunch spot called Orlando's where we had an awesome taco salad and tamales finished with a nice cold slice of avocado pie! Yummy.

We stopped at a roadside outpost and both found dream rugs!

Us on the Gorge Bridge

View from the bridge.

View behind us on our incredible drive.

The Old Pink School House.

Halley's new treasure.

Mine.

Day 3: Roadtrip to Taos

Halley and I set off this morning after a HORRIBLE breakfast in Santa Fe and headed up to Taos. Every map that has been given to us has not led us according to plan, but somehow it always works out perfectly.

We had another crazy adventury in Red Monster and ended up taking the most beautiful scenic route. Upon arrival in Taos, we lucked out and got the last room in the most incredible bed & breakfast. The owner Michael happened to be knitting a baby blanket upon arrival and promised a delicious breakfast in the morning. Sure enough, we received homemade blueberry waffles!

Last night we went out and explored Taos, and made friends with several locals. We had a lovely trout dinner at Doc Martin's followed by wine at the Alley Cantina in the plaza with a silly cover band. We attempted to go see a local reggae band at the Taos Inn, but unfortunately they didn't show up to their own show. Halley's quote, "I saw some reggae looking people oustide. Do you want me to stand in and make you a little extra money?" Haha, unfortunately they turned her down.

Our Journey:

Rickity Bridge over the Rio Grande

Rio Grande

Beautiful Old Tractor

Burial Ground

Teepees!

OUR NEW HOME: Pesada B&B

Day 2: Outfits

We found an epic little St. John's thrift store right across the street from our hotel and found a great new outfit for our journey. I invested $2 in a new blouse and $4 in my new purple skirt. Halley got a great $2 skirt and $2 belt. We also got our rocking Minnetonkas at a local trading outpost. Smiles all around.

Day 2: Dustbowl

During our leisure cruise to Santa Fe we stumbled upon some prehistoric creatures: Dinosaurs?!

Upon arrival in Santa Fe, we checked into a luxurious new home, the Sage Motel. We got several recommendations and went to Maria's and got some delicious authentic New Mexican food and some awesome STIFF margaritas. Then, we set off to explore the town! After making several Sheen jokes (poor, Charlie) while strolling back to our new abode, a few incredible moments were captured (mostly just one: Dustbowl Mom.)

Turns out Halley is the exact mother from the famous image by Dorthea Lange, Migrant Mother, 1936.

New Mexico Roadtrip Day 1

Yesterday Halley and I met eachother in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. Our planes arrived at the exact same time and we set foot into uncharted territory we've dreamed of for years.

Rules of our trip:

Pack a backpack with 7 pairs of undies and jammies.

Only bring the outfit you fly in.

Bring an empty duffle to fill with surprises and outfits we find along the way.

At the airport.

After becoming ridiculously aquainted with the public transportation, we made it to downtown. We spent all day exploring and making all sorts of new friends (and one horrific enemy). We stayed in a perfect little 50's hotel, the Downtown Inn, after sampling many lodging options throughout the town.

This morning (our second day) we woke up, ate fruit tarts (our absolute obsession), bought mocassins, got a sweet new ride, the "red monster", and drove up to Santa Fe.

Here is our first day documented:

Outfits upon arrival:

Coincidently, we both brought our black skinny pants, blank tank tops, beige cardis, "walking shoes", ikat scarves, and army green jackets. Hmmm... don't hold your breath... were we meant to travel together or what?

Let us introduce you to "red monster."

Pigeon with a Spritz of Lime (Pigeon Fingers)

Here's a look at the progress and completion of the painting for my brother Eric and his lovely wife Kristy. Over the weekend they had their housewarming party and Pigeon with a Spritz of Lime (48"x48") was debuted.

Here are the final days of working on the painting:

And... Completed:

And in it's new home!

Painting #2, Part 2

(Personally my favorite section of the painting so far.)

Here is a look at the progress of the painting for Eric & Kristy's living room. It's coming along...

I am really sticking with the gorgeous neutral colors, but slowly incorporating purple, yellow ochre, magenta, and greens throughout while bringing in different textures. It is finally starting to have a little story and conversation created between different spaces/color fields. I can't wait until this layer dries and I get to work on it again!

Painting #2

It has been quite some time since I have posted something new, but I promise that isn't because I am not painting (and I promise I will finish my last painting SOON). My sister-in-law Kristy asked me a few weeks ago to paint her and my brother (Eric) a painting for their living room. They recently purchased their first home and are busy trying to redecorate and fill their space. I did not hesitate at the opportunity, and have been planning in my head ever since. Their colors are warm browns, sage greens, reds, and purples. I am going to visit their new abode next weekend to help polish the painting off... but until then I am playing around, getting their 4'x4' painting well on its merry way.

Here is the process thus far:

And a couple close-ups of the detail beginning to build: