"Winter White" © #Canyondechelly #laurawambsgans

This painting is all about the contrast of the tree dressed in it's winter white coat against the shadowed stone wall behind.  It was an exercise in exploring high contrast and enabled me to decide whether this idea might work for a larger painting.   I have lived with this little guy in the studio for a few weeks and instead of growing tired of it, every day I become more fond.  So it's passed the test of time and a larger composition within the same story of contrast is painting waiting to be painted.  

Oil on Linen,  11" X 14"

"Sacred Stone Walls" © #canyondechelly #navajoreservation #laurawambsgans

Deep in the depths of the Canyon de Chelly, other then the tracks in the sand, time seems to have stopped a 1,000 years ago.  Imagine a hawk soaring above, calling out as the shallow water snakes it's way along the cliffs, this is what you experience.  

Oil on Canvas,  24" X 30"

"The Rangers Rocks" © #canyondechelly #desertpainting #navajoreservation #laurawambsgans

Last spring when my friends and I went painting in Canyon de Chelly our Navajo guide, Irene explained to us that this is the spot where some of the scenes for the recent Lone Ranger movie were filmed.  It was easy to envision a tall white horse running between the canyon walls.  

Oil on Canvas,  16" X 20"

"Ancient Canyon Walls" #CanyondeChelly #desertpainting #Navajo #Laurawambsgans

I am still painting some Canyon de Chelly scenes, for many reasons.  Learning how to paint the canyon cliffs and figuring out an easy approach to such a large scene has been very valuable.  While painting each painting it brings the experience of being down in the canyon into focus again and I am able relive each moment.  

Oil on canvas,  16X20

"Canyon de Chelly, Early in the Morning" © #canyondechelly #landscapepainting #laurawambsgans

This spot is one of the south rim overlooks at Canyon de Chelly.  I painted there with the PAC6 painters, setting up in the dark and watching the dawn light hit the canyon walls, announcing a new day.  

Oil on canvas, 16" X 20"

"Canyon de Chelly" © #canyondechellypainting #navajoreservation #laurawambsgans

Last weekend I was showing paintings at the Sierra Madre Annual Art Festival and had a great show.  While unpacking the truck, writing thank you notes and all the stuff we do to wrap up a big show I slipped in another painting of Canyon de Chelly.  Next week I am off to Carmel California to paint in the annual plein air event.  It's going to be a huge shift from painting the Southwest Desert to the Northern California coast.  I am looking forward to wearing a jacket and painting cypress trees.  

Oil on Linen 20" X 24"

"Shallow Water Shadows" © #canyondechelly #oilpainting #laurawambsgans

The first time our Navajo guide drove up the shallow wash water we were surprised that the water was used as the road.  We traveled across the shallow water as much as on sand.  The reflections of the canyon walls and the lit trees against the backdrop of the shaded cliff was just stunning.  I thought I would give it a go at painting the scene.

Oil on Linen,  18" x 24"

"Junction Overlook, Canyon de Chelly" © #canyondechelly #painting #laurawambsgans

Canyon de Chelly is often called the "sacred canyon."  After painting on the edge of the canyon for a week I agree with this name.  Hawks soar, small squirrels scurry and in general life moves on without considering all that people at home seem to be distracted with.  Cell phones do not work, the television news seems distant and home feels like a globe away, not just a days drive.  Truly, I can't wait to return to this sacred canyon.  

Oil on linen, 18" X 24"  

"Canyon Morning" © #canyondechelly #desertpainting #Navajoreservation

Oil on Linen

Last week I had the luck to go to Canyon de Chelly to paint with 5 other Southern California painters, Marian Fortunati, Debra Holladay, Sharon Weaver, Linda Brown and Nita Harper.   Canyon de Chelly is a National Monument located in the north east corner of Arizona and part of a Navajo reservation.  We experienced wild weather from a desert dust storm, to 33 degree mornings to perfect sunny days on the reservation.  

Here is a photograph of Nita and Linda painting along the South Rim of the canyon.  The views were endless and painting the canyon is easy.  You can find spots to paint out of your trunk or you can hike a bit, depending on your comfort level.  

Nita Harper, Marian Fortunati and Sharon Weaver in the 3rd seat.  

To explore the canyon floor hiring a Navajo guide is necessary.  We used Canyon de Chelly Tours, Leon Thomas Skyhorse is the owner and Irene was our guide.  She couldn't have done a better job, making sure we made it to all the best spots for painting.  We were riding in a Suburban with the 3rd seat and rotated seats clockwise with each stop so everyone had an opportunity to see well.  Irene told us that clockwise is the Navajo way and she was surprised we came up with the system as none of the other groups had ever suggested it.  Although we spent the night outside the canyon in the Best Western and Holiday Inn, we felt like Irene was able to give us the canyon experience that people talk about after camping overnight in the canyon.  

If you ever have the opportunity to see or paint Canyon de Chelly, go for it!  

"Canyon Lands" ©

Painting the red rocks of Canyon de Chelly, while on break from framing and packing paintings for delivery on the 18th, I was reminded how much I miss painting in the field. Time for a painting trip!

Oil on Canvas, 16" X 20"