The Sangre de Cristo mountain range is named —the Blood of Christ—for the red color that appears each evening as the sun sets. Something about the mineral composition of the fourteen thousand foot peaks creates a red glow in the late afternoon—a gorgeous phenomenon that only lasts about 5 minutes.

Sundown captures a fleeting moment when the Sangre de Cristo mountains come alive with a warm, red glow as the sun begins to set. The painting invites the viewer to experience the serene transition between day and night, where layers of rugged peaks stretch across the horizon under a clear blue sky. The foreground is anchored by a dark mountain rich with subtle reds, guiding the eye upward through zones of muted greens.

The textured surfaces suggest a tactile presence of rocky slopes and scattered foliage, creating depth and a quiet vitality throughout the composition. A sandy-colored plain at the base offers balance, grounding the luminous mountains above.

Measuring 23x26 inches and presented in a traditional gilded wood frame, this oil painting on panel honors the unique light and atmosphere of this iconic mountain range.

In this series of paintings, I’ve tried to capture the mountains directly behind my home in a variety of circumstances, to capture the moods of each time of day.

Oil painting on panel, framed to 29x32 inches

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