Welcome to
Collectors Corner!
Ed Sandoval Gallery's Newsletter
119 Quesnel Street, Taos, NM 87571
edsandovalart@gmail.com
(575) 770-6360
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During most of December, it didn't feel like the holiday season because it was so warm and dry. We ran around in t-shirts buying presents and counted down the days, but the lack of snow made everyone feel ... off. Finally, we woke up to a winter wonderland, but our rejoicing was short lived as it melted during the warm sunny days that followed. |
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Luckily, January hasn't approved of December's "snow stinginess" and has let loose twice so far! The first time, I think we got about 7-8 inches at our house, and less than a week later, we got at least 10 more. I heard the ski valley got nearly two feet during this past snowstorm. Lots of happy skiers up there, which was a nice thought as I dug out our cars and shoveled a path to "the circle of trust" where we still feed our lone coyote each night. Thankfully, our plow guy shows up and does our driveway, which is long long long. |
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We always need and celebrate moisture in all of its forms, plus it is absolutely beautiful to see all that white against our blue sky. Happy Happy New Year from snow-covered Taos! |
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I wanted to take a moment to celebrate the life and accomplishments of John Nichols, Taos resident and author of The Milagro Beanfield War (July 23, 1940-Nov. 27, 2023). If you live here or follow New Mexico news, you probably heard of his passing and read all kinds of praise and tributes for this talented man. I thought about doing a story last month but didn’t want to focus on sadness during the holidays. So now, I’ll say a few words.
Way back in the day, I got to know John because Juanita, his ex-wife, worked for me in my gallery. John came over from time to time, and we'd chat. Ironically, years before – back before I had ever met him – I was living in Truchas and lucky enough to witness John’s novel coming to life as a movie. Robert Redford came to our small mountain village to film on the property next door. I had my own construction company then (as well as painting) and was invited on set to help with some props, and they even used my horses in a few shots.
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Village of Truchas (Photo by Bobak Ha'Eri - Source)
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Riding My Horse near Truchas (circa 1988) |
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I began spending a lot of time with the actors and crew. The character of Amarante Cordova (played by Carlos Riquelme) fascinated me. He’s the old, deeply spiritual man who used to be the sheriff and still wears his tin star proudly on his chest. Humble and devout, every morning after rising out of his bed in his extremely rustic adobe home, he says, "Thank you, God, for letting me have another day." He then spends his day taking his pet pig, Lupita, for walks in the countryside and talking to and playing chess with his best buddy, who happens to be an invisible saint: Coyote Angel. |
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Everyone thinks Amarante is crazy because they look over and see him sitting at a chess board by himself, carrying on a conversation with an empty chair, but they just can’t see Coyote Angel. I was captivated by this character, by his humility, grace and ability to see the unseen and beyond. He reminded me of all the people I had known as a boy growing up in nearby Nambe, and it was strange, but as I watched gentle Carlos play this humble character and heard his words, I felt like those boyhood loved ones (like grandma) were there with me. Carlos and I talked for hours, often about angels. After that, I started talking to angels too. We should all talk to angels. |
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Coyote Angel & Amarante (Source)
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Robert Redford Filming (Source)
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I began painting scenes from the movie, especially Amarante, and even Pablo Trujillo who would bring his guitar to play and sing for the cast and crew on breaks. The more I thought about it, the more I saw the history, culture and spirit of New Mexico embodied in an old man. The concept of El Viejito was born: the little old man on a continuing journey of life, respected for his deep wisdom and enduring faith, living a simple life in harmony with nature, quietly appreciating all the blessings surrounding him and loved by all, including animals and angels. I started painting this figure and found my true voice as an artist. |
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"Amarante" (Painted in 1991) On Exhibition at the Millicent Rogers Museum |
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"Milagro Sunset" 24x30 (Painted in 1999) |
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"Pablo Trujillo" 38x48 (Painted in 1990) |
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I owe a huge debt of gratitude to John. His beloved character entranced my imagination and helped my artistic journey to evolve. Now El Viejito ambles around the mountains, valleys, forests, fields and villages of New Mexico, alone or with a companion, and often with a bottle of wine tucked away in his pocket. Always on the move, he is urged forward by his curiosity and boundless love for each sight around every bend in his rural world. Thank you John for your love of New Mexico and your authentic characters, who continue to delight and inspire us. For more info on John and his works, click HERE.
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To inquire or request a high-resolution photo, contact 575.770.6360 or email edsandovalart@gmail.com. All available original paintings are located HERE.
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"Beyond the Horizon" (36x45) |
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"Mystical Christmas Eve" (30x40) |
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The Taos Pueblo's Christmas Eve bonfires are always magical and spiritual, but this year it felt transcendental. Watching the firelight reflect off the centuries-old adobe, and following the sparks as they flew up to merge with the stars above, I was transported out of time and place. It was as if all of us were connected to one another and the cosmos, sharing an authentic, spellbinding moment in history and culture for which we simply had no words to describe. Once again, I was compelled to paint that mesmerizing experience.
My painting, "Mystical Christmas Eve" (30x40) shown above, is special to me, so I've decided to donate it to an upcoming museum exhibition and fundraiser. “La Luz de Taos” refers to the exquisite light here in northern New Mexico that has inspired generations of visual artists. The gala weekend celebrates the enduring history and work of The Couse Foundation, which owns and manages the Couse-Sharp Historic Site. It also raises funds for The Lunder Research Center, a new 5,000-square-foot museum dedicated to the Taos Society of Artists and their inspirational legacy. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO.
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Last Chance to Order a 2024 Calendar |
THANK YOU to everyone who ordered a 2024 calendar! We ordered 450 and only have about 50 left after sending them to people in 34 states! Wow, that's amazing to me. The longest distance award goes to two people in Maine.
As a reminder, the paper is upgraded (more like card stock), but they're still the same price as last year: $49 ($39 for the calendar plus $10 for USPS priority shipping w/ insurance & tracking).
Threee Ways to Order:
- To use any credit card – email edsandovalart@gmail.com and I'll email you an online invoice.
- Send check to Ed Sandoval Gallery, 119 Quesnel St., Taos, NM 87571
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Use Paypal in our website's online store HERE.
NM Residents: add $4.25 tax per calendar.
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For the holidays, people often ask for small items they can give as gifts, so I posted six small Giclees I had ordered and enhanced on Facebook. Two hours later, they were all spoken for!
I realized that I drastically underestimated and ordered and enhanced 10 more. These four still remain if you are interested, with the same holiday deal: shipping is only $20 (UPS - insurance & signature confirmation).
Top Left Going Clockwise:
- "Spirituality of Black Mesa" (10x16) $400
- "Winter Reflections" (9x12) $280
- "Enduring Old Adobe" (12x12) $360
Please email edsandovalart@gmail.com.
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DID YOU MISS A NEWSLETTER? PAST NEWSLETTERS HERE.
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Would you like to be a featured collector?
If so, please send your personal story and photo(s) to edsandovalart@gmail.com.
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Contact
Ed Sandoval Gallery
119 Quesnel Street, Taos, NM 87571
www.edsandovalgallery.com | (575) 770-6360 | edsandovalart@gmail.com
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