New Year

Well, it’s been another six months since I’ve added a post here, but I swear I’m trying to do better. I’m so grateful for all of the opportunities that came my way in 2024 that kept me so busy and helped spread the beauty of New Mexico. It looks like 2025 will be even bigger and better, with several new projects already in the works, and this is just the first week of the year! I can’t spill the beans on any of them yet, but I can hint. Think: magazines, shoes, purses, and albums…more to come!

Changes

I don’t know why I stopped my blogging practice. Maybe life took over. Or Instagram. Probably it was a combination of many things that drew my attention away, but lots of things have changed since I last wrote my last entry, so I think I’m going to try to start making an effort to work at this again.

One of the many changes since I last wrote is that I’m doing more painting than photography now. There are several reasons why, but the most important one is that it just feels right. I’m trying to let my intuition guide me and it’s really been leading me deep into painting, so I’ve been following. And it’s so much fun! I’m sure there will be more to come on that subject…

This painting is called “Moonlight Stroll” and it’s part of the Animal Friends Collection. Enjoy!

— Kate

"Conversations" My New Collection of Paintings

I am very pleased to announce my new collection, “Conversations.” I’ve been working hard on this new collection all year, and I am really pleased with the results. It is my hope that you will find something that speaks to you. — Kate

“In the Moment”

We’re all always having conversations. Whether with ourselves or with others, there’s always some kind of chatter going on. Sometimes that’s a wonderful thing, like chatting with a friend over coffee. Other times, it’s not so great, like when your brain is giving you negative feedback. These recent paintings have been the topic of conversations with someone in my head. Are these voices my intuition, my higher self, my grandma? I have no idea.

“Dancing at the Crossroad, with the Pink Buffalo”

When I first heard them, they were mere whispers and I didn’t pay much attention to them. But, as I’ve grown more accustomed to them and started listening to them, they’ve gotten stronger and louder. I don’t know who it is in there, guiding me along, but I’ve found that if I listen and follow the instructions, the work flows better and the end result is something that reflects exactly what I was trying to say, but even better. They also include conversations with people I’ve known who for whatever reasons, are not in my life anymore. Through my artwork I find I can say all the things that have been left unfinished. It’s a very healing process. This work has flowed with both ease and struggle, as all worthwhile pursuits do. My hope is that they may speak to you and help spark your own conversations.

Classic

Next Friday will mark the one year anniversary of my ‘Print of the Week’ project. I want to thank all of the many collectors who have supported my efforts to bring joy and beauty into people’s lives at affordable prices. The ‘POW’ project will end next Friday to make room for my next exciting project, a new collection launch (stay tuned!). This week and next week will be the last two offerings, so if you haven’t purchased one yet, this is it, your last chance. So on that note . . . Here’s the newest ‘Print of the Week’ . . . “Classic”

Old cars and trucks are everywhere in New Mexico. In front yards, in back yards, in front of stores, and driving down roads, old cars bring a certain pleasant surprise to life out here. Whenever I see one, I have to stop to check it out, and of course, take pictures. I’m really drawn to the very old ones, without updates and modernizations. They almost seem to have their own individual personalities! I like to imagine that they enjoy the attention and having their portraits made! — Kate

Wet Aspen Leaf

Fall in New Mexico is nothing short of glorious. The Aspen groves turn the mountains a beautiful golden yellow as the weather changes from warm to crisp. The unmistakable scent of Pinon wood fills the air as people start burning fires in their fireplaces. I took this image on the Santa Fe ski mountain on a wonderful fall day just after a short rainfall.

Of course, I took many photos of the mountainside full of golden Aspens. But as I went through them all while editing, it was this one that stood out for me. It just says Fall to me! This image was also chosen by Save Water Santa Fe to represent the important issue of water conservation in the high desert. — Kate

The Station

I’m switching it up a little this week, to celebrate two years of being cancer-free.

Picking just the right image to hand color is really fun, but actually painting the print is even better! I had so much fun with this one!

This one is a print of the original, and instead of the usual 5 prints available, there will be 10! Better hurry, these will go fast! — Kate

Rancho de Taos Church

This iconic church has been the subject for many artists, including Ansel Adams and Georgia O’Keefe, and it’s easy to see why. I love the curved and flowing lines, the big and bold buttresses, the way it changes as the light changes throughout the day. I can’t visit Taos without making at least a short stop here to say hello to this beautiful sculptural piece of architecture. — Kate

Santa Fe Station II

When I tell people I’m an artist, the first question is usually, “What kind of art do you make?” Sometimes it’s a struggle to find the answer. Am I a painter who shoots photos? Am I a photographer who paints? I don’t like to be categorized or put into a box. Who does? We are all versatile humans who are capable of doing many things well, not just one. The truth for me is that I’m an artist. I always have been. I’ve used many mediums to express myself, and hopefully will continue to grow and learn new things as long as I’m around. One of the favorite mediums I’ve used is pixels. I’ve been painting with pixels for over 30 years! (Long story, ask me about it someday!) With this image, I combined a photograph with painting on my iPad. The light, the beautiful, clear blue skies, the old iconic train station all come together with the joy and gratitude I feel to be here, right now. — Kate

"You Know You're In Santa Fe When . . . "

I’m sure everyone who has been here can fill in the blank with some great stories. Here’s one of mine. I was sitting in my car on Canyon Road one day, after spending some quality time looking at art in a few galleries. Just as I was starting the car, I looked in my rearview mirror to see if I could pull out and instead of cars coming up the hill, there were people on horses! Several of them! There was no time to get my camera ready because they were almost on top of me, but I did manage to get this shot with my iPhone as they ambled by, just inches away from me. To me, it kind of epitomizes living here, where it’s not unusual to see coyotes on the state capital lawn in the middle of the day, or people taking a casual stroll with their horse on a street filled with high end art galleries. Life is a little more laid back here, just the way I like it! Do you have a favorite “only in Santa Fe” moment? - Kate

Magnolia Blossom

I may be living in the American West these days, but my Southern roots run deep. No matter how comfortable I am here, I’m often reminded of where I come from, mostly in the form of various comments made when I speak. Yes, my southern drawl is still very apparent whenever I open my mouth! I am trying to learn to accept and appreciate being different. So, in honor of my Southern roots and embracing all of our beautiful differences, today’s Print of the Week is one of my favorites from my mother’s Magnolia tree, her pride and joy. — Kate

Church, Rancho de Taos

This church, made famous by Georgia O’Keefe, Ansel Adams, Paul Strand and many others, stands in an almost hidden place at the south end of Taos. It’s become something of a pilgrimage to shoot here, which makes it hard to get an image that looks like yours and not a knockoff of some other artist. I love coming here because of its monumental scale, the way the light hits it, and the hand applied adobe walls that show the love and tender attention the parishioners give this beautiful building. I hope I’ve done it justice. — Kate

Coming Home

This image began when I decided to try a different route on my way home one day. The road was deserted, which was a good thing, since this image presented itself and stopped me dead in my tracks. I love how the little cloud was centered above the hill, like a gift for being present and noticing the beauty around me. There have been lots of requests for this one, so you better move fast if you’re interested.

— Kate

Restless Spirit

This handsome guy waited patiently and quietly while I took my landscape photos, but when my attention turned to him, he became restless. He was pacing up and down the fence line and very determinedly keeping the other horses away. It was hard to get a good shot of him because he wouldn’t hold still for me. He was finally distracted for a second and I saw my chance. I think he struck a beautiful pose. — Kate

Another Old Truck

Old trucks are so common around New Mexico, and I’m always attracted to them! This one was a surprise for me as I was meandering through a Santa Fe neighborhood. It has so much character and such a wonderful patina. And those colors are just luscious! I’d love to have it in my driveway! — Kate

Cerro Pedernal

We’re back in Abiquiu again this week for the Print of the Week. This is the mountain that O’Keefe painted many times and called ‘hers’. Her ashes are even scattered here. One day I decided to try to get closer to it and see it from other angles. It was an adventure. I wandered for miles on a rough dirt road. I found a beautiful hidden valley, saw elk tracks, got way up on the mountain next to Pedernal where there was snow and I thought I’d be stuck forever, and I discovered that it doesn’t have a huge mesa at the top like I imagined. It has a very narrow rock ledge at the top and then drops back down sharply. In my quest to find something different to shoot at Pedernal, I discovered that Miss O’Keefe had it right all along. The iconic front side and silhouette is her best side after all! — Kate

Hidden Gems at Georgia's

Back by popular demand . . . So many of you commented and requested, so here it is, available for the first time! This is one of my favorite images from O’Keefe’s home in Abiquiu. It was cool and rainy that day, and these blooms had fallen over, but the colors were so rich and saturated and the white streaks just popped, so I had to take a picture. I’m so glad I did. — Kate

Chimney Rock, Ghost Ranch

There are beautiful scenes everywhere you look at Ghost Ranch, but Chimney Rock is probably one of the most photographed. It was a cold, damp and grey that day, but it didn’t dampen my spirits. I felt lucky to be on a special tour, riding down roads that are normally forbidden to visitors. That’s how I was able to get images much closer and from different vantage points than usual. This scene really made me feel like I had traveled back in time. I hope it does for you. — Kate

Summer Scenes

The lure of a beautiful summer evening in Santa Fe brings people outdoors for music, friends, and food. This lovely vignette reminds me to relax and enjoy all the quiet whispers of life flowing around me.

— Kate

Open Road

There’s no question as to the allure of the open road and the unknown adventures that await. It might seem scary, but when fear takes a back seat to wonder and gratitude, amazing things happen. This image reminds me to stay open, and welcome spontaneity and adventure into my world. — Kate

Surprise!

Inspired by the land, the light, and the colors of New Mexico, this happy painting emerged as a surprise gift to me this Spring. There are lots of emotions expressing themselves here, mostly gratitude and joy for finally being in a place where my soul can sing. For the very first time ever, I’m thrilled to announce that it’s available as a limited edition print.— Kate