I frequently trail run and paint in the The Wheeler Peak Wilderness Area, near Taos, NM. The energy expanded running with a pack full of painting materials along with the concentration of painting in the mountains, creates a focused meditation that is non-pareil.
Yesterday, I completed a painting from a session near Wheeler Peak which is pictured below. Titled, "Massive-Mini Me, A Self-Portrait," (oil on board, 48 x 24) was started during an 18 mile trail run with full pack and completed in the studio after a month of drying time. I hope that I effectively conveyed the power and massiveness that these northern New Mexico mountains emit. I do indeed feel "mini" whenever I'm in the midst of these geological wonders filled with spiritual power. The related video can be viewed on my YouTube Channel.
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| "Massive-Mini Me, A Self-Portrait" Oil on board 48x24 |
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| Trail run photograph |
This past September I was a presenter at the Taos Pecha Kucha event (video will be made available soon) where I spoke about the power and transformative nature of trail running and painting. We all know that regular strenuous exercise boosts brain functions but, I also found that by combining intense activity with painting, that the components required for me to create: passion and pragmatic thinking, became linked on a subconscious level.
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| En route from trail head |
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| Up to the Peak |
The combination of all this trail running and painting has led me to a feeling as if color is exploding from the inside out, and has provided me with much peace and wellness.
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| Pueblo Bonito |
Recently, I spent three days in the incredible and inspiring Chaco Canyon. There, I wondered at the architecture, roadways and pottery that the Puebloan peoples who lived there from 850 to 1250 A.D. created. It is an area not to be missed. With so much to see and experience, three days was not nearly enough time and I barely squeezed in a run and paint session to Pueblo Alto.
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| On the ridge below Pueblo Alto looking south. With blocked-in painting |
I will be posting a three-part blog series about my experiences at Chaco Canyon including how to pack for a camping, trail running and painting along with the finished painting. Until then, see you on the trails and in the studio.
