WORD PAINTINGS #144 - GUATEMALA 1991 PART V - TRUTH AND CONSEQUENCES

                                                  BEARERS OF LIGHT 

                         EASTER 1991 CHICHICASTENANGO, GUATEMALA

WORD PAINTINGS #144 (How I came to New Mexico and learned about Art and Life) - GUATEMALA 1991 - TRUTH AND CONSEQUENCES. https://donnaclairwordpaintings.blogspot.com/

WORD PAINTINGS #143 - GUATEMALA 1991 PART IV - INCIDENTS AT COPAN

WORD PAINTINGS #143 (How I came to New Mexico and learned about Life and Art) - GUATEMALA 1991 PART IV - INCIDENTS AT COPAN - https://donnaclairwordpaintings.blogspot.com/
 

ESTACA IN BLOOM - Prints, greeting cards, posters....

ESTACA IN BLOOM (Estaca, New Mexico) - Prints, greeting cards, posters and many other great items now available at Fine Art America! https://fineartamerica.com/.../estaca-in-bloom-donna...

CLOUD PEOPLE - 40"x30" Original Oil

“The images of peace are ephemeral. The language of peace is subtle. The reasons for peace, the definitions of peace, the very idea of peace have to be invented, and invented again.

Children, everybody, here’s what to do during war: In a time of destruction, create something. A poem. A parade. A community. A school. A vow. A moral principle. One peaceful moment.”

—From THE FIFTH BOOK OF PEACE, Maxine Hong Kingston

 

"THUNDERSPIRITS"  40"x30" Original Donna Clair Oil painting - 

 

WORD PAINTINGS #142 - GUATEMALA 1991 PART III - CIVIL WAR

 

WORD PAINTINGS #142  (How I Came to New Mexico and learned about Art and Life) - GUATEMALA 1991 PART III - CIVIL WAR - https://donnaclairwordpaintings.blogspot.com/2024/04/word-paintings-142-guatemala-1991-part.html

WORD PAINTINGS #141 - GUATEMALA 1991 PART II - CHICHICASTENANGO!!

WORD PAINTINGS #141 (How I Came to New Mexico and learned avbovut Art and Life!) - GUATEMALA 1991 - CHICHICASTENANGO  - https://draft.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/7034907808229634019/3441015536756478147

 "A dream is a wish your heart makes when you're fast asleep".  Remembering that day in 1956 when teachers Ms. Schaefer and Ms. Flynn regaled my Spanish class with colorful stories of their trip to Guatemala. Their excitement about spending Easter Sunday in an exotic-sounding place called Chichicastenango was joyful!!! Chills, goosebumps, their excitement was contagious! I said the strange name to myself over and over  "Chichicastenango"  - it needed to be tucked away - never forgotten.  Thirty-five years of  life passed....children, marriages, divorces, recovery. It was possible that our move from Chicago to the alien planet of Santa Fe, New Mexico, trips to Mexico - my life on the horse ranch in Truchas was as far as I would go. There would be no more surprises.   No time for my Dreams of Distant Places!  The name was almost lost to me until that morning in my Taos studio when I heard it again on the radio ad.  Shivers of anticipation. Nothing was holding me back (except for my agoraphobia). Excitement. Yes indeed, my much younger self jumped for pure joy. 

1991 - Walking through the plaza of Chichicastenango on Easter Sunday morning!!! Brilliant colors, clouds of incense, firecrackers -wonderful heart-stopping chaos! Christ was risen.   I couldn't breathe! I couldn't hold enough of the experience in my body. Noise, crowds of strangers , I was transported - five feet off the ground - having the most amazing experience of my life!!!!  A dream fulfilled! Following the cobblestone paths wherever they led I had a day full of adventure.Vendors with their bright weavings propped up on poles leaning against the walls of the houses lining the streets.   Some of the huipils still had a sweet smell of smoke - they had been woven on looms next to their home fires. 

The Cofradia processed to the Iglesia of Santo Tomas. Solemn. All my young girl Catholicism rushed back to life.  How much of their ancient religion was still there, covered by the pomp of these more modern rituals?  Their strong faces mirrored the sculptures in a museum we visited - in  Tikal and Copan. The Mayan culture that had "disappeared" was living and breathing right before my eyes.  The wonder and the mystery is still there.  Their culture survives in secret places - private rituals - heart prayers.  This might seem heretical to both cultures, but I have an idea that their ancient gods and our not so ancient saints are somehow all connected.  It is quite possible we all pray to the same God.

For most of my adult life I had been asleep to the ways of the world....until  Guatemala! Easter Sunday was only the beginning...... 

WORD PAINTINGS #140 - GUATEMALA 1991 - SEMANA SANTA PART I

 

WORD PAINTINGS #140 (How I came to New Mexico and Learned about Art and Life) - GUATEMALA 1991 - SEMANA SANTA PART I - https://donnaclairwordpaintings.blogspot.com/2024/03/word-paintings-140-guatemala-1991.html

FIRST LIGHT - Prints, Greeting cards.....

FIRST LIGHT - A quiet New Mexico morning - waiting for the rain. Prints, greeting cards and many other great items now available at Fine Art America....https://fineartamerica.com/.../first-light-donna-clair...

MAYORDOMO (Spring cleaning)

 

It's that time of the year - cleaning the acequias! "MAYORDOMO" - My painting in honor of friend and long ago Mayordomo of Truchas, Cosme Romero - prints available https://fineartamerica.com/fea.../mayordomo-donna-clair.html

 

A Mayordomo is the official elected to maintain the irrigation system known as the Acequia Madre -- centuries old "Mother Ditches" that bring water from the mountains to the villages here in northern New Mexico. He oversees the spring cleaning of the ditches (as seen in the painting) and manages control of the water to ranches and fields. The original painting "Mayordomo" was completed as an homage to my first Truchas friend, the local Mayordomo, Cosme Romero. I was living at the ranch on Llano Quemado on the outskirts of Truchas.
 

OJO SARCO - 30"x30" WORK IN PROGRESS (UNDERPAINTING) - COLOR NOTES

 2/23/24 - OJO SARCO - 30"x30" Work in Progress - For most of this canvas I just mxed the tube colors with English Distilled Turpentine - very little Underpainting White. COLOR NOTES:  Sky-Portland Grey Cool, Paynes Grey, Warm Titanium White.  Green Trees - Chrome Oxide Green Opaque, Prussian Blue, Cadmium Green Light. Yellow Trees: Cadmium Yellow, Naples Yellow Deep.  Reddish Trees: Mars Orange, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna,

DREAMKEEPER - 12"X12" Original Oil, Framed

DREAMKEEPER (Moonset 11/22/23 -- Llano Quemado, NM)12"x12" Original Oil on linen panel, framed in gold with linen liner

 

Bring me all of your dreams

You dreamer

Bring me all of your

Heart melodies

That I may wrap them

In a blue cloud cloth

away from the too rough fingers

Of the world

Langston Hughes

 

RIO FERNANDO - NEW! 8"x10" Original Oil - SOLD

RIO FERNANDO (New Mexico) - NEW! 8"x10 Original oil on linen panel, custom framed in gold with linen liner, free shipping -SOLD

SANTA FE RFD, 11"x14" Original Oil, Framed - SOLD

First painting of this New Year! SANTA FE RFD, 11"x14" Framed in Gold, free shipping...SOLD

WINTER GIFTS 2023

 To Art Friends everywhere!  The original of this painting, WINTER GIFTS, was "adopted" by some great friends and very prolific art collectors years ago and still resides in a lovely home in Taos. The street in this painting is the main street in Truchas -- I walked to the post office from my little adobe house every day and still keep the memories of that special time and place very close. The woman is the memory I've kept of my little Polish grandmother, Aniela— she carried a shopping bag with her everywhere -- those were her "gifts" her "surprises". The words of Fra Giovanni never fail to inspire and uplift - especially at this time of the year. From my heart I wish each and every one of you all the best of this holiday season -- Hug someone special today! Sincere best wishes, Donna - Taos, New Mexico 2023

"There is nothing I can give you which you have not;
But there is much, very much that while I cannot give it,
you can take.
No heaven can come to us unless our hearts
find rest in today. TAKE HEAVEN.
No peace lies in the future which is not hidden
in this present moment. TAKE PEACE.
The gloom of the world is but a shadow.
Behind it, yet within reach is joy.
There is a radiance and glory in the darkness, could we but see,
and to see we have only to look. I BESEECH YOU TO LOOK.
Life is so generous a giver, but we, judging its gifts by
their covering, cast them away as ugly, or heavy or hard.
Remove the covering, and you will find beneath it
a living splendor, woven of love, by wisdom with power.
Welcome it, grasp it, and you touch the angel's hand that
brings it to you. Everything we call a trial, a sorrow, or
a duty, believe me that angel's hand is there; the gift is there,
and the wonder of an overshadowing presence.
Our joys, too, be not content with them as joys.
They, too, conceal diviner gifts.
And so, at this time, I greet you.
Not quite as the world sends greetings, but with
profound esteem and with the prayer that for you now and
forever, the day breaks, and the shadows flee away."
Fra Giovanni, 1513 AD

DON GREGORIO'S WINTER FIELD - 48"x36" Original Oil

DON GREGORIO'S WINTER FIELD(Truchas, N.M.) - 48"x36" Original Oil on Belgian Linen - framed in Silver with linen liner

GRACIAS A LA VIDA!!!!

 

25 November 2023 (Llano Quemado, New Mexico)

This painting is called "Our Daily Bread" and was completed in 2008....a wonderful day at Taos Pueblo with Santa Fe artist and good friend, Dan Bodelson. We bought that loaf of bread just as she was taking out of the horno and in minutes it was gone - beyond delicious!. Counting my blessings and giving thanks for all these precious memories! Sending my gratitude to Art Friends everywhere - best wishes to one and all - HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! Donna

CLOUD PEOPLE - 40"X30" Original Oil (sold)

 

DISTANT THUNDER (Taos, New Mexico - 24"x36" Original Oil

DISTANT THUNDER (RANCHITOS ROAD - TAOS, NEW MEXICO) - 24"x36" Original Oil, framed in gold with Linen Liner

OJO SARCO - NEW! 8"x10" Original Oil

OJO SARCO STUDY (Ojo Sarco, N.M.) NEW! Study for a larger canvas - 8"x10" Original Oil on linen panel, framed in gold with linen liner

LOS PINONES (Chimayo, N.M.) - New! 6"x8" Oriiginal Oil

LOS PINONES (Chimayo, N.M.) - NEW! 6"x8" Original Oil on linen panel, framed in gold with linen liner

LOS NUBES DEL LLANO (Llano Quemado, N.M) - 8"x10" Original Oil

LOS NUBES DEL LLANO (Llano Quemado, N.M.) - NEW! 8"x10" Original Oil on Linen Panel, framed in Gold w/ Linen liner, free shipping - https://www.ebay.com/itm/155890461744

RIO CHAMA (Abiqiui, N.M.) - NEW! 6"x8" Original Oil

RIO CHAMA (Abiqiui, N.M.) - NEW! 6"x8" Original Oil on Linen Panel, framed in gold with linen liner

ANOTHER NEW BEGINNING!

 

AFTERNOON MOON (Placita, N.M.) 8"x10" Original Oil

AFTERNOON MOON (Placita, N.M.) - 8"x10" Original Oil on linen panel, framed in gold with linen liner,

OJO SARCO PASTORAL (New Mexico) - 8"x10" Original Oil

OJO SARCO PASTORAL (New Mexico) - 8"x10" Original Oil on Lnen panel, framed in gold with linen liner

ROMERO ROAD (Tesuque, N.M.) - 10"x8" Original painting

ROMERO ROAD (Tesuque, New Mwxico) - 10"x8" Original Oil on Linen panel, framed in Gold w/ Linen liner

HOMENAJE A LA VIDA (All Soul's Day) - Original Oil

 HOMENAJE A LA VIDA (All Soul's Day) - This painting of mine was purchased many years ago by Jack Young, the co-founder and original owner of Artisan Santa Fe.....In memory of John, Peter and Kathleen.

WORD PAINTINGS #139 - A MAGPIE FUNERAL ON SANTISTEVAN LANE

WORD PAINTINGS #139 (How I came to New Mexico and Learned about Art & Life) - A MAGPIE FUNERAL ON SANTISTEVAN LANE - https://donnaclairwordpaintings.blogspot.com/
 

GOOD FENCES (Taos, N.M.) - 10"x10" OrigiNal Oil

GOOD FENCES (Santistevan Lane - Taos, N.M.) - 10"x10" Original Oil, framed, free shipping

LOS RECUERDOS (Alcalde, New Mexico) - 10"x8" Original Oil

 

 LOS RECUERDOS (Alcalde, New Mexico) - 10"x8" Original Oil on linen panel, framed

PLACITA - (Placita, New Mexico) 8"x10" Original Oil

PLACITA (Placita, N.M.) - 8"x10" Original Oil on linen panel, framed

THREE PUMPKINS AND A LITTLE BLUE WINDOW (Tesuque, New Mexico) - 8"x8" OriginalOil, framed

THREE PUMPKINS AND A LITTLE BLUE WINDOW (Tesuque, New Mexico) - 8"x8" Original oil  on linen panel

AFTERNOON MOON (Placita, New Mexico) - 8"x10" Original Oil

AFTERNOON MOON (Placita, New Mexico) - 8"x10" Original Oil on linen panel, framed in gold with linen liner - free shipping...https://www.ebay.com/itm/393914302827

RAINY SUMMER DAISIES (Llano Quemado, New Mexico) - NEW! 6"X8" ORIGINAL OIL

RAINY SUMMER DAISIES (LLlano Quemado, New Mexico) - NEW! 6"x8" Original Oil on linen panel, framed

DREAMKEPER (Study) - 12"x12 Original Oil

 

DREAMKEEPER STUDY (Moonset 11/11/22 - Llano Quemado, N.M.) - 12"x12" Original Oil on Linen canvas, custom framed 

 

Bring me all of your dreams

You dreamer

Bring me all of your

Heart melodies

That I may wrap them

In a blue cloud cloth

away from the too rough fingers

Of the world

 

Langston Hughes

SPRING THAW ON TRUJILLO ROAD (Llano Quemado, N.M.) - 10"x8" Original Oil

SPRING THAW ON TRUJILLO ROAD (Llano Quemado, New Mexico) - 10"x8" Original Oil on Linen panel, framed

PUESTA DEL SOL - 8"x8" Original Oil, framed - SOLD

PUESTA DEL SOL (Taos, New Mexico) - 8"x8" Original Oil on Linen Panel, framed, free shipping - SOLD

EVENING LIGHT (Llano Quemado) - New! 8"x10" Original Oil

 

 EVENING LIGHT (Llano Quemado, New Mexico) - NEW! 8"x10" Original Oil Italian Linen Panel,framed in Gold with Linen Liner

WORD PAINTINGS #138 - METAMORPHOSIS

WORD PAINTINGS #138 (How I Came to New Mexico and Learned about Art and Life) - Metamorphosis

CORDILLERA SPRING THAW - NEW! 8"x10" Original Oil

CORDILLERA SPRING THAW (from Llano Quemado, N.M.) - New! 8"x10" Original oil on Italian linen panel, custom framed

TAOS AUTUMN AFTERNOON - NEW! 8"x10" Original Oil

TAOS AUTUMN AFTERNOON (Taos, New Mexico) - NEW 8"x10" Original Oil on Italian Linen Panel, custom framed in Gold with Linen Liner

ACROSS THE CORDILLERA - NEW! 8"x10" Original painting

ACROSS THE CORDILLERA (From Llano Quemado, N.M.) NEW! 8"x10 Original Oil on Italian Linen Panel, framed in Gold with Linen Liner

WORD PAINTINGS #137 - SEPTEMBER SONG

WORD PAINTINGS #137 (How I Came to New Mexico and learned about Art and Life!) - SEPTEMBER SONG https://donnaclairwordpaintings.blogspot.com/
 

WORD PAINTINGS #136 - ART GODS AND LIFE ARROWS

 WORD PAINTINGS #136 (How I Came to New Mexico and Learned about Art and Life) - ART GODS AND LIFE ARROWS https://donnaclairwordpaintings.blogspot.com/

WORD PAINTINGS #135 - "STORMY WEATHER"

 

WORD PAINTINGS #135 (How I Came to New Mexico and learned about Art and Life - STORMY WEATHER!) https://donnaclairwordpaintings.blogspot.com/

AUTUMN FIELDS/VALDEZ - Large Studio Edition Print

AUTUMN FIELDS/VALDEZ - Large Studio Edition Print from original oil painting by Donna Clair on matte premium presentation paper. Hand-signed by the artist. 17"x22" paper size. Enclosed in clear polyurethane envelope and mailed flat - https://www.ebay.com/itm/394772769007.

ADOBE WALLS/SANTA FE - Large Studio Edition Print

ADOBE WALLS - SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO - Large Studio Edition Print from a painting by Donna Clair, on premium presentation paper, enclosed in clear polyurethane envelope and mailed flat -https://www.ebay.com/itm/394772735317

SIESTA IN RED - Large Studio Edition Print

SIESTA IN RED - Large Studio Edition Print from a painting by Donna Clair, on premium presentation paper, enclosed in clear polyurethane envelope and mailed flat - https://www.ebay.com/itm/155684790644

WORD PAINTINGS 133 - WILDERNESS GATE

WORD PAINTINGS #133 (How I Came to New Mexico and Learned about Art and Life) - WILDERNESS GATE

2023 - A peaceful sunny Saturday morning. Waking up from one of my "fugues" again, preparing to start early today.  Always feel a little guilty once I come out of this form of hibernation.  Some might say it is time wasted, but a lot of interior work and healing happens - memories are relived, solutions to problems appear like magic.  Am a little slower to emerge now, but here I am - one more beautiful day to enjoy! 

Working on a large painting called "Cloud People", a phrase I heard many years ago from a Native American friend at Picuris Pueblo. The other word I was "given" for stormy clouds was "Thunderspirits".  After 57 years in these mountains I am still crazy in love with this place.  Of all the houses where I have lived during this time, one stands out loudly. The little Hobbit cottage on the horse ranch in Truchas where I separated from the fast paced social scene of Santa Fe and began my journey to become "real" (still becoming).  Deciding to turn my back on the only world I knew allowed me to change. Remembering a painting I did after my neighbor Mr. Fernandez showed me the summer pasture where he kept his herd of cows.  The little dirt road is called "Wilderness Gate" and leads into the forest. High above the trees are the mountains called Truchas Peaks. Yes, that afternoon I walked into the wilderness, the Unknown, and was forever changed.

Group hike to Truchas Peaks - it sounded like a good idea, but...and there is always that momentary hesitation.....After sitting at an easel for years, I certainly was in no shape to take this trek to the top of Truchas Peak but got caught up in all the excitement of preparation for the hike - I was ready to Trek!!!. We all began the journey together at Wilderness Gate, but the fast pace of my group just left me farther and farther behind. Finally, I knew I couldn't catch up - out of breath and feeling I was definitely ready for that Big Easel in the Sky, I found myself in a clearing surrounded by deep forest beside a small stream very much bewildered and alone!.  Sat down on a log and gave into panic - I did not know how to find my way back to Carmelita's house!

My survival skills were sharply honed in other areas due to crazy family, tumultuous relationships and trying to raise three hungry munchkins.  Finding my way out of the wilderness was not on my dance card. Remembered meeting a longtime Truchas resident then in her 80's.  Her name was Eve Featheringill. Sometime in her 20's she bought a burro in Santa Fe. Packed it up with supplies and trekked through the wilderness alone, following the old mining trails. Finally she reached Truchas and stayed.  Thought of her often during my ever increasing bewilderment.  Imagined she reached some stage of enlightenment during her journey - sadly Nirvana escaped me and I was afraid!

The sun was setting - it was getting cold and I faced the coming night waiting for a bear to swallow me whole!  My shoes were still soaked and my feet were getting numb. Decided to walk downhill beside the stream - logic told me that was the way out - what the hell did I know? As I was headed toward the stream, I heard loud voices and much laughter.  An ebullient group of hikers had reached the top of Truchas Peak and all were in a high state of exhilaration.  Surprise, surprise - there I stood, utterly weak with relief! 

One kind man separated from his group and listened to my story.   I was invited to join them in the walk to the parking area. We all climbed into their car. They dropped me  off at Carmelita's door and the welcoming aroma of enchiladas!

Sent my new "buddies" off with big hugs and kisses -- and much, much gratitude. The kind man who listened to my story sent me off with some profound  parting words  ...."Remember, Donna, find people who walk at your own speed!" Another blessed angel on the long Road of Life!