A Five Day Painting Adventure to Abiquiu and Ghost Ranch, New Mexico

Photo of the Rio Chama Overlook near Abiquiu

The shift in the landscape between Abiquiu and Santa Fe is dramatic and unexpected for the short distance of only about 50 miles between them. The Abiquiu vistas of wide, colorful mesas and buttes striated in red, yellow and white were formed throughout a complicated series of volcanoes, deposition of sediment, deformation and uplifts millions of years ago. Like rings in a tree, each layer tells the story of its time in history.

Opportunities for outdoor painters are plentiful - 360 degree panoramas, iconic rock formations, intimate river views framed by giant cottonwoods and the turquoise water of Abiquiu Lake. New Mexico is well known for its wind and piercing sun. Umbrellas are needed to shade canvas and palette, but can be unstable in the strong winds. The elevation in the Abiquiu area is about 6,000’. Here are some of our favorite, easy to access painting locations in the area.