Santa Fe Memories - watercolor

El Palacio do Los Gubanadores, La Villa Real de Santa Fe de San Francisco de Asis, Nuevo Mexico--9 x 12 watercolor, 140 # Fabriano

On days like this I dream of Santa Fe, where I've made many memories in the past 15 years, visiting and caring for my Uncle Mike, meeting new friends, and visiting  time and again.
I am always drawn to four icons of this oldest capital city in what is now the United States--the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis, La Fonda Hotel where my Dad drew portraits to make a living in the Depression, the National Cemetery where Mike is now buried five years, and of course, the Palace of the Governors, on the Plaza, at the end of the Santa Fe Trail.
I don't go as a tourist, but as an observer, a pilgrim almost. During the day, I walk the wide "portales" where the Indians of many tribes and pueblos are selling their wares to tourists.
But I especially like to go back after night fall, when the crowds are gone. And if you go after a snowfall, as I have on several occasions, there is the magic of the silence of more than four centuries.
Thus today's watercolor, and some of the photographs that helped inspire it.
Santa Fe-- "The Royal City of the Holy Faith of Saint Francis of Assisi" --memories and dreams.