Tuesday, July 12, 2011

La Garita

La Garita is the closest I can get to the mountains in the smallest amount of time. It consists of many ranches and a small general store that serves great lunches for an incredibly low price.  There is also a church standing alone at the base of the rock ledges which are basically the gateway to the mountains to west. I don't know the history of this church- wish I did, but I know that there is a coalition working to restore the church to it's better days.  I've heard that the inside is something to see so I will have to explore a little the next time that I make the trek to La Garita

Standing Alone
12x16

La Garita
9x12
The painting above is not too far from the church.  In the late afternoon, I drove up a rocky dirt road, bouncing all of the way to get to this spot.  It was a nice view.  The drought conditions in the San Luis Valley are clearly evident in this painting as the grass is yellow, not a beautiful green as I have seen in years past.

6 comments:

Jo Anne Neely Gomez said...

I love both these paintings Susan, so simple but so inviting and natural looking.

Susan McCullough said...

Thank you JoAnne! They flowed pretty nicely while painting except for the dive bombing swallows at the church!

admin said...

hi, my name is andre and i love art very much.
i just visit your blog and find out that your blog about painting is very nice.
i do also have a blog.
my blog is about crafts and handmade things that maybe you also like.
please visit my blog and leave a comment.
perhaphs we can exchange link if you don't mind?
i guess it will be good..
thx.

eldon warren said...

I like both of these but the little church is one fine piece of work.One of my favorites.
E

Susan McCullough said...

Hi andre- I checked out your blog- nice!

Susan McCullough said...

Hi Eldon- I liked the church too- it was a challenge because the walls on the north side of the church were catching light and shade at the same time- I tried to portray that but it took a while.