Refuge from the Sun

For decades, anyone who drove the majestic River Road along the Rio Grande between Lajitas and Presidio took note of the old movie set between the river and nearby Contrabando Trail in Big Bend Ranch State Park. The cluster of remarkably authentic old structures seemed so true to its setting, it seemed unlikely they were creations of Hollywood designers, and over time, the abandoned set took on a life of its own, one of simpatico with the silent desert landscape along the big river. This simple old dwelling suggested sanctuary, cool shade from the relentless sun. We explored it many times. Successive flooding finally damaged the movie set beyond repair, but memories of the imaged little village in this solitary landscape along the big river remain.

I drew this on heavily textured handmade watercolor paper to emphasis the vintage quality of this old building