Elspeth Bobbs' Gardens

Thanks to David (owner of Blue Lake Ranch, and the Don Gaspar Compound) Alford's online introduction to garden photographer Charles Mann, my group of painters had the rare privilege of painting for a day in Mrs. Elspeth Bobbs' gardens, La Querencia, just a bit away from Canyon Road in Santa Fe.

The individual gardens, each with its own theme, are visually, intellectually and perhaps botanically challenging. The Funky Shui garden, for example, pokes fun at most of the world's major religions. Under development is a labyrinth demonstrating the theory of evolution. Another garden has at its center King Arthur's sword. Hiding in one of my photos above is a dragon. It's difficult to give a sense of the whole.

Here is a selection from the 400 photos I took during a sun drenched day last week.

Another Santa Fe Painting, "Chillies"

"Chillies" is a  32" X 32" oil on canvas, painted after a recent trip to Santa Fe.

Painting Santa Fe Color Workshop

 “Alfred Morang House”, above, painted in Santa Fe

A Plein Air Painting Retreat with Sandra Kaplan

Spend five nights and four June days at the spectacular Don Gaspar Inn in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This award-winning Bed and Breakfast, a short walk to Santa Fe’s historic Plaza, will be home for the nights of June 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18, 2009.
Sandra Kaplan will provide a small group of artists personalized guidance and attention in a workshop that will include critiques and discussions, in addition to four days of painting. Special attention will be paid to the remarkable quality of light and color in New Mexico.
We will visit the Acequia Madre, the oldest irrigation ditch in the US, and several galleries and museums. Hidden private gardens and Chimayo are possibilities.
This workshop is limited to about 10 participants. Non-participants are welcome on a space available basis.

Media: watercolor, acrylic, oil, mixed

Ability Level: sociable artists looking for new challenges

Workshop Details:

Lodging at the Don Gaspar Inn the nights of June 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 with breakfast each morning
Four day Plein Air workshop with  lunch
Taxes are included, but gratuities are not

Fees and payment schedule:

Workshop & private room / bath may be shared: $1100

A non-refundable $300 deposit is due by April 10, 2009

A $50 discount will be given to those sending in deposits by March 30, 2009

The fee balance is due by May 15, 2009

Contact Information and Inquiries:

Sandra Kaplan

sankapl@yahoo.com

Other information about the Don Gaspar Inn may be found at by clicking here.