Roadmap Or Hike To a Painting™

Among my favorite places, Blue Lake, is nestled below the Spanish Peaks high up in the Sangre de Cristo mountains of Southern Colorado.

The view from 10,000 feet

My wife and I had the pleasure of owning a cabin, see below, in Southern Colorado for 15 years.  As a member of the Plein Air Artists of Colorado, I was fortunate to paint the breathtaking scenery of the region.   A centerpiece of that area is the Spanish Peaks Country, the painting below showcases the West Peak at 13,600 feet above sea level.  Our cabin sat atop Cuchara Pass at 10,000 feet just below West Spanish Peak.  A true high country getaway, this area is breathtaking in any season. 

Blue Lake In High Summer

West of the Spanish Peaks, just below Trinchera sit Bear and Blue Lakes, which are only accessible about six months of the year.  The road in my painting was laid in as asphalt, but this is really a rugged mountain road.  There is a spot where the trees thin out and the lucky few, who find this road, get an unparalleled view across the valley to West Peak.  Blue Lake sparkles below and that  view of the peaks just takes your breath away.  I was fortunate enough to come upon this seen one afternoon, as a huge thunderhead dominated the sky.  Since there was little activity on this Forest Road, I was able to pull of the sides and simply set up my easel right there.  Plein Air Painting in the mountains is typically more strenuous, offer requiring me to shoulder a back pack painting kit and hike  to a perfect vista, not so that day.  The parking spot and opening in the trees offered an ideal vantage point of this panorama.  After setting up my easel, I did some sketches and color studies to define my composition and there was little doubt regarding my center of interest.  One of my early painting instructors used to say that each painting needs composition elements, similar to a movie, you need a star, co-star and supporting cast.   That cumulus thunderhead is clearly the star, but West Peak is vying for at least co-star billing as well.  Before starring to paint, I also took some photos for later reference, when I was back in the studio. 

Roadmap To A Painting or Landscape Travelogue 

Anyone who has read my BLOG, knows that I always add a travelogue starting from Santa Fe including directions, where to eat and other points of interest.   There are two options for this journey, but I will just include the freeway version that begins on US Interstate 25 North of Santa Fe. Continue North through Las Vegas and Raton, New Mexico, and cross Raton Pass.  At the top of Raton Pass, you will cross the State line into Colorado.  The first town in Colorado is Trinidad, where Bat Masterson was once Sheriff. Take exit 13B toward Highway 12, know as the Highway of Legends and head West.  This is an incredible drive that earned it's name because there are stories of Native Americans, Mountain Men, Settlers and many others that took place over a few hundred years, but certainly in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century.   There are beautiful sites, charming villages and lakes along the way as you trek up and over Cuchara Pass.  Continuing North on Highway 12 the road meanders down the Western slope of the range.  Be on the lookout around 2 miles from the Pass for the turnoff to Bear and Blue Lake.  There are many stops worth making in this area, and it is about a four hour drive from Santa Fe.   A great idea is to continue just a few miles further on Highway 12 to the wonderful town of Cuchara, Colorado.   There are two restaurant in town worth stopping for a meal and break:  The Dog Bar or  The Timbers.  After a rest and a bite, you can head back up to Bear and Blue Lakes to see a different perspective on this Mountain area.  From there you can head back to Santa fe or further North on Highway 12 to La Veta, where you can explore its shops, galleries, restaurants and several places to stay the night.  For those who want to try the two lane route head North to Taos,  NM and Fort Garland, CO, then E on 160 and S on Hwy 12.    Have fun!

For More About Jack Mc Gowan, please visit  www.jackmcgowan-artist.com