Canyon de Chelly

After picking up my good friend, Lilli Miles at the Albuquerque Airport, we headed to somewhere Lilli or I have never been to before, Canyon de Chelly (pronounced d'SHAY).  I have always heard that artists have loved painting in this beautiful Southwestern canyon, and after being there I know why.

Tunnel Overlook

Our first stop after arriving at Chinle  (the town outside Canyon de Chilly), we settled into out Hotel, and had time to take a drive into the canyon.  This was one of the first vista points we saw.  The late evening light on the canyon walls were magical.  So Beautiful. 

"Canyon morning vista"

My first painting the next day here at the canyon.  

 Spider Rock

White House Ruins

The second day we were there, we took a tour with a Navajo guide inside the canyon.  It was so beautiful and primitive.  The Navajo still live and farm in the canyon, and raise sheep as they have for centuries.  The jeep ride in the canyon was very interesting but very rocky as there are no roads anywhere, mostly driving on the dry river bed of the canyon floor.  We were able to see the beauty of the canyon walls from below, and the ancient  ruins and petroglifts up close.

                                        

Painting in progress...

"Vista from White House overlook"

I had a great spot while painting this painting in the late afternoon. 

Meditating stallion at Antelope House Overlook.

  

This horse was standing on the edge of the rim.  He just stayed there the whole time we hiked around the area.  He did not seem to be bothered by us walking nearby, or by the sheer drop to the bottom of the canyon.  

Here I am the next day painting not far from where the horse was standing.  It was mid morning and there was nowhere to paint in the shade, but the view was so beautiful, I had to paint it.

  "North rim morning vista"

"Tunnel Overlook evening vista"

My last painting, from a great three days at Canyon d Chilly.  I know I will be back here again.  These paintings and others will be exhibited in July at the Banning Center for the Arts, in a solo show, "Red Rock Splendor"  Enjoy the art, any questions, drop me a note or give me a call.