MARK ASMUS oil painter
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"El Prado Day Care Center"
16" x 20" oil $800
This scene repeats itself regularly on Route 64 north of town. We all know that cows have a maternal instinct but identifying this behavior took me awhile. One, or possibly two, mothers volunteer (or are assigned?) to watch all of the calves in the herd. That leaves the other cows free to concentrate on more important business, like eating. This raises other questions. Do the "baby sitters" get compensated in some way? Is the job performed on a rotating basis? This behavior warrants further study.
"Valerio's Farm"
16" x 20" oil $800
This farm on Route 240 in Ranchos comes as close to Old Macdonald's farm as anything I've seen in Taos. The sheep, cows, chickens, ducks and whatever all share the same field and appear to be the best of friends. This farm, owned by Delfino Valario, is recognizable for the sign from the old Blue Skies Motel, later the Jack Denver Motel, located on the Paseo. The small grain bin has a shape that I find very pleasing to paint.
"It's All About Us"
13" x 20" oil $700
Most landscape paintings of the Taos area focus on the expansive views, the incredible sunsets, the epic gorge, etc. Not this one. These bovines have taken center stage. They're even staring right at you wondering whether you've brought them a bale of hay. This paintings is all about them!
SOLD
"Grandparents Are The Best"
24" x 30" oil $1200
I remember only one set of my grandparents but I remember them very fondly. That's probably because I was their only grandchild and they spoiled me rotten. This little girl is being taken by her grandparents to meet the little girl in the distance for a play date. Grandparents are the best. If you don't believe it, just ask the grandchildren.
"Grandparents Are The Best"
24" x 30" oil $1200
I remember only one set of my grandparents but I remember them very fondly. That's probably because I was their only grandchild and they spoiled me rotten. This little girl is being taken by her grandparents to meet the little girl in the distance for a play date. Grandparents are the best. If you don't believe it, just ask the grandchildren.
"Powwow Taco"
16" x 20" oil $800
There is no excuse for going hungry at the Powwow. I made the mistake of filling up on a Frito Pie before running into these cowboys who were enjoying Navajo tacos. A Navajo taco is mutton and green chilies wrapped in fry bread. They told me it's advisable to have a couple of Tums standing by when you eat one. Next year I'm having a Navajo taco from Yazzie's.
"One Last Sip"
15" x 22" oil $860
It's a great day to be a cow. One by one these cows have left the pond and are headed back toward the barn to be fed. But one lingers and the others look back to see if she'll follow. Not yet. It's still early in the day. The shadows are not yet long and the colors are brilliant. But, if there is food at the barn we all know she won't hold out for long.
"Run-off"
16" x 12" oil $600
Every spring snow melt swells the Rio Hondo to overflowing and 2010 should be no exception. El Nino conditions are predicted in the Pacific for the winter of 2009-10, so significant snow should accumulate in the Sangre de Cristos. The Hondo, and the other rivers around Taos, should be roaring come April.
"Powwow Observers"
24" x 30" oil $1200
It's difficult to describe the palette of colors on display during last year's Taos Pueblo Powwow procession, a veritable kaleidoscope of hues. The procession is being observed not just by the cowboy in the shade but by his dog and the magpie. Although I have frozen the scene in time, it's doubtful that the dog and magpie would stay still with the amount of commotion going on.
SOLD
"Lobo Road Sunset"
16" x 20" oil $800
When I first moved to Taos in January, 2007, I rented a house on Lobo Road in Des Montes. The house faced west with a view across the Troy Ranch toward the Tres Orejas, the Tusas Mountains and ultimately the Pedernal, about 70 miles distant. A lot of wine was consumed watching sunsets during that month. I drive back to Lobo Road every once in a while just to enjoy the view.
"Lobo Road Sunset"
16" x 20" oil $800
When I first moved to Taos in January, 2007, I rented a house on Lobo Road in Des Montes. The house faced west with a view across the Troy Ranch toward the Tres Orejas, the Tusas Mountains and ultimately the Pedernal, about 70 miles distant. A lot of wine was consumed watching sunsets during that month. I drive back to Lobo Road every once in a while just to enjoy the view.
