December Solstice Star--4 days til Christmas

Chaco Solstice,5 by 7 watercolor, 300 lb. d'Arches cold press paper

A thousand years ago, the ancient ones were measuring the stars and heavens in northwest New Mexico at Chaco Canyon. 
At solstice and equinox, I always think of them, of their remarkable achievements. 

The Chaco nova

They recorded the super nova of 1054. We know because of a pictograph that has survived these centuries. And much more measuring the movements of the  sun and moon with a stone calendar atop Fajada Butte.
The shortest day, the longest night of the year in the northern hemisphere. I've camped at Chaco on spring equinox, in the high desert, and experienced its magic.
A place of power still calls. It inspired this painting.

(Day 21 of 31 December watercolors)
Palette--Ultamarine blue, Phalo blue, cobalt blue, a touch of Prussian blue.

My photo from a few years ago.