Backlit Tyuonyi Cottonwoods

5″ x 7″ Gouache
Framed in light wood floater frame.

Piece from the Pathways & Precipices ~ An Artist’s Return to Awe and Wonder Series inspired by experiences and transformations from Bandelier National Monument Artist Residency for month of November 2022.

11/5/22 ~ I set up beside a stone bench on the Main Pueblo Loop Trail between Tyuonyi (Qu-weh-nee) ruins and the Talus House and accessible cavates (excavated caves). I turned my back to the north wall and captured the delightful scene of Tyuonyi ruins with its backdrop of golden cottonwoods. Early November still paraded the vivid yellows of the cottonwoods along Frijoles Creek. The afternoon sun angled over the southern canyon rim backlit them dramatically, making the location even more magical.