MARK ASMUS oil painter
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Landscapes II
Click image to enlarge.
Click image to enlarge.
"Everyone Needs A Grandmother"
8" x 10" oil $375
This is one of the essential truths of life. Think back to your childhood and your grandmother. Was she not the most wonderful person in your life? Gifts, goodies, lots of attention and all without the discipline of your parents, right? And, if you're a grandmother yourself, isn't this exactly what you do for your grandchildren? Yup, everyone needs a grandmother. Grandfathers aren't too bad either.
"A Sagehound Saunters Into Seco"
9" x 12" oil $400
The Taos Sage Hound, rarely seen wearing a collar, can be found throughout northern New Mexico. Its origin is unknown but widely believed to be a cross between the Golden Retriever and the Yellow Lab, with later introductions of the coyote bloodline. The Sage Hound rarely responds to verbal commands but consistently heeds the call to food. The breed was given its name by the prominent plastic surgeon, Dr. George Reading, of Des Montes. Dr. and Mrs. Reading are the proud owners of Dale, a particularly loveable specimen.
"Gabriella"
16" x 12" oil $600
Gabriella lives in a field on Upper Ranchitos at the home of Mario Suazo. Her clothes and wig were donated by Mario's daughter, Micaela Gabriella Suazo. The magpies are circling and uncharacteristically unsure of their next move and with good reason. This scarecrow is a female, highly unusual in the scarecrow population of northern New Mexico. She isn't decked out in Old MacDonald's hand-me-downs, as you would expect, because this girl is an urban scarecrow. If scarecrows had feet, this one would be wearing white disco boots.
"A Well-earned Rest"
7" x 11" oil $375
7" x 11" oil $375
Amarante "Mante" Chacon, now 67, began his career in the restaurant business at the age of 18 as a dishwasher. Following jobs at various eateries in NM and CO, "Mante" took his first step as an entrepreneur in 1973 when he bought an old Chevy step van, the first Chow Cart. Business was good and another Chow Cart came into service. In 1997, the Chow Carts were worn out, "Mante" put them into well-deserved retirement behind his house and built the restaurant. You can catch a glimpse of them as you drive east on Valverde.
"Corn Dogs, Pizza and Curly Fries" Study
9" x 12" oil $400
The annual July Powwow at Taos Pueblo produced so many bright colors and interesting subject matter that I felt compelled to paint the scene, although I had to do it from memory. Next time, I'll take my sketch pad. The Native Americans in traditional dress juxtaposed against a backdrop of vendors selling corn dogs, pizza and curly fries created a vivid contrast for me as well - ancient custom vs. contemporary cuisine.
"A New Roof in Placita"
12" x 16" oil $600
12" x 16" oil $600
Over U.S. Hill and just this side of Vadito and Penasco lies Placita. It's situated in a high alpine valley - very old, very beautiful and very agricultural. The landmark structure in Placita is a small church, painted by every artist in Taos, including myself. On this particular day this building caught my eye. The new white roof, surrounded by rusting sheet metal, weathered siding and natural beauty made it stand out. someone must have gotten tired of having the rain leak in on his hay bales.
"Mudding in El Prado"
!6" x 12" oil $600
In this painting, Henry Martinez is mudding what remains of an adobe structure once owned by his grandfather. The building is located on Millicent Rogers Road near the "S" curves. Henry claims that a good mudding job will last a minimum of ten years.
"La Morada de Don Fernando de Taos"
8" x 10" oil $375
The Morado, situated at the end of Penitente Lane, was built between 1810 and 1830 to serve as the meeting place of the Penitente Brotherhood of the Village of Taos. Membership in the Morada began declining following WWII and, by 1973, had only two elderly members. The building was acquired by the Taos Historic Museums at that time and placed on the National Register of Historic Buildings and Sites. In 2009, the Morada was purchased by the Archdiocese of Santa Fe.
"Aspen Wind"
12" x 12" oil $500
The next time you visit the Pueblo, as you are heading toward the plaza, look left before reaching the church. You'll see this scene. The ruins of the old church are in the distance. In the foreground is the Aspen Wind Gallery with it's blue door. I've taken artistic license by adding the horno and the fence.
"It's Seen Better Days"
12" x 12" oil $500
This abandoned trailer sits on a lot at the end of Black Lab Lane, between Eototo and Conejo Roads on the Taos Mesa. It was placed on this site by Buel Pattison, formerly a resident of Taos, now residing in Cimarron. The trailer was used for storage and a playroom but was abandoned in the mid 1970's. Today the interior is gutted, the windows are missing and the walls are shot full of bullet holes. I started to venture inside but decided it was hanta virus heaven.
"Wolf Moon Rising"
15" x 24" oil $800
In February, 2007, I attended the Deer Dance at Picuris Pueblo. Because photography, painting and sketching are prohibited at religious events, I did a daytime painting from memory as soon as I arrived home. About six months later, while a student in Ray Vinella's studio, I did two smaller and this larger night painting using the original as a model.
"It's Down There Somewhere"
8" x 10" oil $375
