Artist: Anita C. Blythe (B. 1956) Title: Afternoon at the Taos Gorge Medium: Oil Painting On Canvas Panel Size: 11" x 14" Unframed Framed: 13" x 16" Approximately This vibrant plein air painting titled *Afternoon at the Taos Gorge* captures the stunning landscape of the Rio Grande Gorge under a bright, expansive sky. The artist skillfully uses bold, expressive brushstrokes and vivid colors to convey the dramatic depth of the gorge, with deep blues and purples accentuating the shadowed cliffs and crevices. In contrast, the surrounding terrain is painted in warm, earthy greens and yellows, emphasizing the high-desert vegetation and rugged beauty of the region. Soft, wispy clouds drift across the sky, adding a sense of openness and tranquility to the composition. This piece beautifully encapsulates the grandeur and awe of one of New Mexico's most iconic landscapes, making it an inspiring addition to any collection of Southwestern art. "Rio Grande Gorge Morning was painted on location - en plein air at the Rio Grande Gorge in Taos, New Mexico. Painted in oils with a palette knife, alla prima. This is the view from the Rio Grande Gorge rest stop. It is easy to pull off the road and take in the beautiful vista. This is a favorite place of mine to paint. The Rio Grande Gorge is in Northern New Mexico. This area of the state was recently made a National Monument : The Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. It is comprised of rugged, wide open plains at an average elevation of 7,000 feet, dotted by volcanic cones, and cut by steep canyons with rivers tucked away in their depths. The Rio Grande carves an 800 foot deep gorge through layers of volcanic basalt flows and ash. It is a location I have painted many times. Each time it is challenging - but, I enjoy the challenge." Anita Blythe