Join Us for the Placitas Holiday Faire November 21st and 22nd

Join us for the Placitas Holiday Faire in beautiful Placitas, New Mexico, Saturday and Sunday, November 21st and 22nd.  My husband and I will be inside the San Antonio Mission Church (directions shown above) and have my small paintings, prints, cards and some holiday decorations and his metal art including some very unique handmade recycled lamps available for purchase. Speaking of my husband, please visit his new website at http://www.metalartt.com to get a preview.

I am in the process of updating my website at http://www.neelygomez.com to reflect the latest news and available paintings though please keep in mind that it is a new website and still a work in progress. I hope you will visit often as I update and add new features and improve it overall.

Catching up with Paintings Completed in October & November & Road Trips

Besides the paintings done for the "Let's Paint New Mexico" Challenge Show at Essence Gallery and Boutique in Old Town Albuquerque in December I did a few other paintings during October and November which I will post below. The last couple of months have been busy for me though I've totally enjoyed all the inspiration, continued networking with other artists and beauty of traveling, taking photos of and painting New Mexico.

To the left is my original oil painting on 10"x8" canvas "Storm Rolling In". A dear friend who came to my opening reception as Featured Artist at Essence Gallery and Boutique in Old Town gave me a photo of a landscape she said reminded her of me and my love of painting landscapes. The photo she gave me was actually quite dark though this painting turned out to be quite a bit lighter.


To the right is my original oil painting on 10"x8" canvas "Brilliant Sunrise". I love sunrises and sunsets and this one along with the landscape came totally from my own thoughts and imagination after traveling many different parts of New Mexico. There are still many places I want to go and explore in New Mexico and having the luxury of time brings with it a wonderful opportunity to explore whenever and wherever I choose. I would like to interject here that I do none of this traveling alone as I have a wonderfully loving and supportive husband who enjoys exploring too.

In between paintings we enjoyed a visit from my nephew and got to take him to Old Town, the Valles Caldera via the Jemez Mountains and Soda Springs and we also enjoyed a day trip to northern New Mexico and Mora returning through Holman Springs, Sipapu, and Chimayo.



Below are some pictures of some of the highlights and beauty on those trips.

Visitors always seem amazed that New Mexico has such beautiful mountains, rivers and lakes. My husband and I are always happy to give them a different idea and image of New Mexico each trip they make to visit us.

Continuation of Let's Paint New Mexico Painting Challenges for Upcoming December Show at Essence Gallery & Boutique

To the left is my oil painting submission for Challenge E for "Let's Paint New Mexico" on 10"x8" canvas. As a participant in the "Let's Paint New Mexico" group of artists, we are all given a photo and each artist does their own interpretation of that photo into whatever medium they choose. These particular photos and challenges began with the intent of the administrator, Dee Sanchez, presenting 12 photos as challenges and after 27 different artists joining each artist selecting their best three artworks to be displayed for sale at Essence Gallery and Boutique in Old Town Albuquerque for a December show. To the right is the card announcing the opening and show printed up by Essence Gallery & Boutique.

Challenge F for LPNM is still in process as it is Folklorico dancers and though begun is not finished yet. I skipped around while doing these challenges and know that as I do each one it is definitely a challenge for me when the subject is not one that I am experienced at or feel proficient in. I am certainly enjoying the challenge of them all and made a commitment to completing every one.

To the left is Challenge G "Front Porch Greeting" an oil painting on
10"x8" canvas and to the right is Challenge H an oil painting on 10"x10" gallery wrapped canvas "Sacred Red". Landscapes have always been my favorite to paint although these challenges have helped me to also enjoy painting figurative work and other subjects and building up my confidence as well as improving the quality of these unfamiliar or less frequently painted subjects.

To the left is my acrylic painting on 5.5"x8.5" sketch paper "Long Day of
Shopping" submission for Challenge I of LPNM and to the right "Distant
Glow" my oil painting submission on 10"x8" canvas for LPNM Challenge J. Below these two on the left is my mini mixed media (pastel and acrylic) painting "Red Mini Surprise" on 4"x4" canvas my submission for Challenge K. and to the right of that is my acrylic painting submission for Challenge M of LPNM "A Little Piece of Heaven" on 10"x8" canvas. I decided not to paint Challenge L as it was stated that the photo was not actually taken in New Mexico and it would have made for thirteen paintings instead of the twelve included in the challenges. So I was very busy the month of October painting these challenges and the only one remaining to be completed is the folklorico dancers for Challenge F.

Featured Artist at Essence Gallery & Boutique in Old Town Albuquerque - October 2015

To the left is a photo my husband took of me and Essence Gallery and Boutique owner, Jillian Maresco, during my "Featured Artist" show during the month of October 2015. We had a wonderful artist reception and opening in Old Town Albuquerque Friday evening October 3rd with music and light refreshments, sales and quite a few in attendance. Here are some of the pictures taken of my paintings, prints and cards displayed and sold during that time. Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque was one of the best they've had in many years being able to lift off for mass ascension every morning during the event. Many visitors to Old Town Albuquerque and the whole area made it a very exciting month to be featured artist. Many thanks to Jillian for a beautiful display and presentation of my art in her gallery.

If you are in the area and get an opportunity to visit Old Town, visit the gallery. It is located almost opposite the intersection of Romero and Church in Plazuela Sombra. Entering the plaza it is to your left in Suite 1. Wonderful jewelry, clothing, accessories and cards and prints are available as well as a variety of artwork by various artists. Although I have now removed some of the art I had displayed during my "Featured Artist" show there are still quite a few original paintings and cards and prints available for purchase at the gallery. Thank you so much for your continued support and encouragement.

Please Join Us at Essence Gallery and Boutique in Old Town Albuquerque Friday October 2nd 5-7pm

Latest Painting and One Week til My Featured Artist Opening and October Show

To the left is the beginnings of my newest painting of San Felipe de Neri Church in Old Town Albuquerque I've named "Weathering the Storm".  It is an oil painting on 24x30 gallery wrapped canvas.  To the right is the second photo showing the progression of the painting. The third photo is the completed painting

This painting along with nineteen others will be delivered to Essence Gallery and Boutique in Old Town Albuquerque this weekend for placement and my opening as "Featured Artist" at the gallery one week from today, Friday night, October 2nd from 5-9 pm.  Ten of my paintings were already on display at the gallery so with these being delivered thirty of my paintings will be displayed for my opening.  My art will be exhibited there through the month of October. I invite anyone in the area to come join us at my opening next week for some light refreshments and viewing all the other art on display in this beautiful gallery. It is with a great amount of thanks and humility that I say I am very honored to be represented in Old Town by Jillian Maresco and her Essence Gallery and Boutique.

Let's Paint New Mexico Challenge C for Essence Gallery & Boutique Show in December

I've been busy trying to keep up with the "challenges" from "Let's
Paint New Mexico" for the December exhibit to be held in Old Town Albuquerque at Essence Gallery and Boutique.  To the left is the photo sent me for Challenge C for that show and to the right is my oil painting "Ristras for Sale" on 10x8" canvas. Sorry about the glare on the left side, trying to get a photo up as quickly as possible though I think you will get the idea.

Next to the left is Challenge D and to the right my oil painting "Gorgeous
Gorge" on 10x8" canvas, which I actually painted out of order and before I realized the above Challenge C came first.

Here, with my completed Challenge C are the beginnings of Challenge E and G (I somehow did not receive Challenge F until after I'd started on these two ... so hard keeping these straight and in order).

I received the next 4-6 challenges from LPNM though am putting those on the back burner until I get paintings done for my October 2nd opening as "Featured Artist" at Essence Gallery and Boutique in Old Town Albuquerque. I began a new 24x30" gallery wrapped oil painting yesterday and am very excited about doing it. If you are in the area and can stop by Essence October 2nd for some light refreshments and viewing some beautiful artwork we welcome you to join us. Balloon Fiesta begins the next day on Saturday and Old Town is bustling with visitors and there are wonderful shops, restaurants and festivities going on all over the area. I will try to keep you updated though it's time for me to paint, paint, paint (smile).

Let's Paint New Mexico Challenge B - Photo and My Oil Painting Submission

To the left is the photo I received as a participant in "Let's Paint New Mexico" for their Challenge B. Each participant the creates their art piece in whatever medium they choose.  Although my first love is oil painting, I do enjoy using watercolor, acrylics, pastels and pen and ink and experimenting with all kinds of "mediums". I think oil painting is my first love because that was what I used in my "lessons" with my instructor, Mrs. Alice Goodman.

To the right is my oil painting "Blooming Chamisa" on 10"x8" canvas and
my submission/rendering of Challenge B. I can see a bit of improvement in my painting as I've always struggled with certain parts of paintings, in this one I feel like I did get the essence of the chamisa and am happy about that. I've also always wanted to "learn to do impressionistic painting" and sometimes feel like I miss the mark though a comment by another artist friend was about this being a beautiful example of impressionistic painting.  What a wonderful compliment and it helped me to make one of my first postings in the impressionist painting page on Facebook. A little at a time I am finding the encouragement, support and inspiration I need to enjoy the artistic life that I have begun living.

My Paintings Available for Purchase at The Range Cafe in Bernalillo & Upcoming Events

First I will post to the right, my submission for "Let's Paint New Mexico" Challenge 12, an oil painting on 8"x10" canvas "Taos Mountain Treasure".

Two of my paintings are now available for purchase at The Range Cafe in Bernalillo, New Mexico.

The first shown here to the left is my original acrylic and oil painting abstract "Bright Contrasts" 15"x12" canvas mounted and framed.

The second is shown to the right and is my original 10"x8" oil painting on canvas "Fascinated by the Teapot" beautifully framed in gold.

I've been busy getting ready for my upcoming opening as Featured Artist at Essence Gallery and Boutique in Old Town Albuquerque for the month of October.

I am also a participating artist with "Let's Paint New Mexico" and they will be having a show at Essence Gallery and Boutique in December to showcase the works of almost 30 artists who are given photos that represent New Mexico as "challenges" and create their own rendition from that photo as submissions. Shown to the left is the first challenge submission, "Trumpets, Hollyhocks and Roses" oil painting on 16"x20" canvas.  After finishing this Challenge A oil painting I realized that they asked for a smaller painting so this painting may end up being in my show at Essence Gallery in October and if I have time and resources I may paint a smaller version for the December show of LPNM artists.

My husband and I will also have a booth set up this year again at the Placitas Holiday Fair in November, me with my artwork, cards and maybe small giclee prints and my husband with some recycled lamps and metalwork.

Please visit my new website at http://www.neelygomez.com with a reminder that it is a work in progress and not completed yet.  We are working on getting the shopping cart and retail end of it working so that you can purchase securely from the website.  Until that feature is complete please contact me directly if you are interested in purchasing art directly from me and I can send you an invoice to purchase securely and privately.

New Paintings and Getting Ready for Opening/Exhibit in October & MORE

I've been busy since being asked to be the "Featured Artist" at Essence Gallery and Boutique in Old Town Albuquerque by the owner, Jillian Maresco.  We've talked about sizes, subjects and new paintings needed for October's happenings at the gallery.

I'm also readying paintings already finished for hanging and took the painting shown to the left to the gallery already after having it framed in a custom floater frame. The comments I received have been wonderful and that it has received lots of attention and interest and the owner is encouraging me to do more paintings like this "but HUGE" (hahaha).  These are things I (or any artist) love to hear!  the other painting shown to the right is a 20"x16" on wood panel original acrylic "New Mexico Color" just back from framer that will be available for purchase at Essence Gallery later today.


The painting shown to the left is the first of the paintings I am
going to be taking to the gallery just before my opening and exhibit in October.  This one is an original oil painting "Sandia Sunset" on 24"x16" canvas, needing only preparation for hanging.  Honestly I have always wanted to paint the Sandia Mountains above Albuquerque though very intimidated as Wilson Hurley was the master of painting these mountains so it took the encouragement of Jillian to just try, in my own style, painting them.  I'm so glad for her support and encouragement and so far my first gallery experience has been wonderful. Thank you Jillian.

More exciting news is that "Let's Paint New Mexico" will be having their own exhibit at Essence Gallery and Boutique coming up (more information to follow) and I am among 24 other artists who will be participating in that. We have already received our first photo to paint our own "rendition" of in any medium we choose and each will be in that exhibit coming up.  So, as you can tell, I am going to be one very busy and happy painter the next few months.  We shall see how good I am, also, at keeping all my online presences updated. THAT has been a huge challenge for me and I still have not updated my biggest online presence at www.neelygomez.com

Time for an Update & Announcement/Information

Since my last update June 15th I had been thinking I needed a drastic change with my hair so to the left is a photo I took before I went to Studio N in Corrales and had Nicole cut my hair and the photo to the right is my "after photo". In the background of the photo is my first seascape oil painting of a Peter Ellenshaw painting my art instructor, Mrs. Alice Goodman of Beaumont, CA, owned. It has been a little over a month with my new hairstyle and although most times it feels like me I'm still getting used to it.

My husband and I took our 32 ft fifth wheel up to Jemez
Falls Campground in the Jemez mountains about 45 minutes from our house and got a permit to drive the back country of the Valles Caldera.  I was very inspired, as I always am, by the beauty of this pristine imploded volcano. The photos shown are two of many I took of that beauty.

Artwork inspired by the Valles Caldera and done while we were on our RV trip are shown here.  Left is an 8"x10" acrylic on canvas "Valles Sunset", to the right is a small abstract on 7"x5" Canson watercolor card "Abstract Shell Mountain Cloud", also my small 7"x5" on Canson w/c card acrylic "Summer Storm".

We had some wonderful family time for Fourth of July weekend when our daughter, nephew and a friend drove over for the weekend and we got to go view the "Killer Heels" exhibit at the Albuquerque Art Museum.

We've had a return of the monsoons with much needed rain and cooler temperatures and hummingbirds, hawks, woodpeckers, a roadrunner, lizards and a wonderful variety of birds visiting our backyard and the multitude of flowers we have popping up everywhere.

Here are pictures of some "just for fun" projects I did
as gifts for friends in keeping my creative juices flowing in between a very busy time for me.  Pics to the left are of a box I hand painted for a dear friend's birthday and to the right are a birdhouse I started way back in November or December for another dear friend.  It was fun trying to paint things for each that I thought they would love and appreciate. They both loved their gifts.

The most recent painting I did is an original oil painting inspired by a sunset I saw while in Corrales, NM after having dinner with a friend.  This was one of those days that was very hot and as the sun started to go down a monsoon rain was fast approaching.  I call this 10"x8" original oil painting on canvas "Stormy Sunset".

My great news is that from the artwork I have at Essence Gallery and Boutique in Old Town Albuquerque at 323 Romero St. NW, Suite 1, two paintings have sold within the last month. The first "Pedernal from the Rio" pictured to the left to a couple from Albuquerque and "Nature's Blazing Sky"
to the right by partners from Orlando, FL.  When I took two paintings in yesterday to replace the two sold I was asked by the owner if I would like to be their "Featured Artist" for the month of October. Of course I said yes and am quite honored and grateful that October is Balloon Fiesta and one of the busiest times in Albuquerque.  I'm also grateful to owner, Jillian Maresco, for all the love and attention she puts into her beautiful art gallery and representation of myself and my artwork.  I hope all that can will put the opening on their calendar and come and support me (and maybe buy some beautiful artwork) or if you can't make the opening my artwork will be at the gallery for the month of October.  Come visit Albuquerque and the Balloon Fiesta, it is well worth the time and expense.