If you know me, you know I love Santa Fe, New Mexico.  I don't like the cheesy stuff there (no howling wolf wall hangings for me), but there is plenty to love:

• The adobe architecture.
• The rugged, natural beauty of that part of our wonderful country.
• The food.
• The cool nights/mornings.
• The inn where we stay.

But the number one reason I love it there is the art galleries.  I read this week it is the second largest art market in the nation.  On Canyon Road, there are over 100 art galleries and studios. 

I love to look at other people's art and to talk to other artists because it renews my creative energy and it just plain makes my heart sing.

Sometimes, just my husband and I go, but lately we've been taking our two boys with us.  This time, I took my camera so I could capture some shots of what we enjoy doing but in the back of my mind, I was hoping I'd get some time to walk around during one of the golden hours (an hour after sunrise or an hour before sunset) and take some pictures.

Our last night there, the kids wanted to play with their toys and my husband graciously volunteered to take them to the park and suggested that I could go take pictures if I wanted to.  He didn't need to twist my arm.

I had about an hour and my goal was simple.  I was looking at light.  In retrospect, I'm sure I looked pretty silly, dragging my wheeled camera bag behind me down the road.  The wheels on my bag were loud and I got some strange looks and questions, but I was my truest self in that hour and I really didn't care what anyone else thought.

Here are some of my favorite images from my one-hour walk:

The reason I am telling you this story is to encourage you to take the time and make artistic assignments for yourself. Throw your fear of failure out the door and enjoy your creative self.  Have the time of your life!

Be back again soon.  Take care!

Dawn