"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"

"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" © #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"  

"Navajo Land" ©

Headed from Durango Colorado to Canyon de Chelly Arizona we crossed into the Navajo reservation.  These rocks were a common sight along the highway.  I loved watching the light change, the weird shaped rocks and distant mesas.  This little 9" X 12" painting will never be a studio piece but I had good time figuring out how to create the illusion of separation between the formations.  The Navajo land is open range, so we had to keep an eye out for cattle on the road.  Here is a little photo so you get the idea....looks like she is trying to hide behind the sign.