Artistic Relief Print of Two Birds - the Common Grackles

New Mexico Garden of the Gods is a wonderful site along the Turquoise Trail. I had no idea it existed. One day my husband and I were driving the long way home from Santa Fe to Albuquerque and spotted some really cool rock forms.

North of Los Cerrillos there were these really unusual outcroppings of stone, and a sign that said "New Mexico Garden of the Gods."

“Stop!” I said. “ I must see these!” --Instantly appreciating these natural sculptures were already art.

My desire to participate prompted me to bring out my sketchbook and camera. My Kevin is very patient, waiting while I worked. It was a scorcher of a day with a nice little breeze. It was fortunate to get all the information I needed to make a print.

Upon further research, the outcroppings are referred to as upturned fins of Dakota Sandstone. This is a continuation of a wall that spans from Canada to Mexico. This occurred when the Rockies were pushed up some 65 million years ago. These formations were part of that shifting.

New Mexico’s Garden of the Gods is not as big as the one in Colorado Springs, but still beautiful nonetheless. This print was inspired by that day. The deep blue southwestern sky and the contrasting orangey-pink rocks and sand are a sight!

If you are traveling that way, or find yourself wanting of some great scenery, I highly recommend a trip out there.

Thank you for reading and I hope you find the print does the place justice.

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