To market, to market…

To say that Santa Fe is colorful would be putting it mildly.

They call it the “Land of Enchantment” you know.

One of the best ways to get a feel for Santa Fe is to take a drive.

We love to take a slow easy drive through the soft-brown foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains 10 miles north of Santa Fe to the quaint village of Tesuque.

Tucked quietly away behind low adobe and stick walls under the shade of cottonwood trees you’ll catch a glimpse of beautiful old compounds.  Sitting high on the mountain ridges you’ll find stunning estate properties featuring traditional Santa Fe architecture and sweeping views.

Initially, Tesuque drew in artists because of its affordability and beautiful setting.  Later, the more affluent caught on to its “back to nature” appeal and began to seek out its peaceful environment. 

Today it’s home to famous artists & local families & celebrities & civic leaders like Ali MacGraw.

It’s also home to the world-famous

Tesuque Village Market.

“Think chic general store with a hipster aesthetic” TVM

It’s a good spot to pick up provisions if you live in the surrounding hills - or do as we did, have a wonderful long lunch and keep an eye out for Ali.

  Oh,  I’ve only mentioned Ali MacGraw on my blog how many times?  Meanwhile, my mother runs into her here at the market! 

I would be remiss if I did not mention that their Tortilla Soup with cotija cheese, sour cream, pico de gallo and tortilla chips are the best in the world!

Remember, “Land of Enchantment?”

Taylor became completely enchanted not only with this, 

but also with this!

In fact, I’ll let her show you around the market…

I swear there were other folks there…

Freshly baked bread, a deli, homemade deserts,

 

fresh bunches of lavender,

and liquor!

I think I saw on their Facebook page that he was an employee of the month!

Thank you, Taylor, for the colorful tour of Tesuque Village Market!  And thank you, Nancy, for the wonderful lunch!

Even though we missed Ali, you two made it the most memorable afternoon!

To read more about Ali MacGraw’s private journey to live an authentic life in Tesuque, read the story by Sheila Weller for Vanity Fair Magazine.

photo Annie Leibovitz

Water Paper Paint

This weekend I spent some time exploring

Water Paper Paint.

It's a charming book written by the artist

Heather Smith Jones.

cover artwork by Heather Smith Jones

I actually came across her blog a while ago and got a sneak peek at the book while it was in the works.  I'm always looking for creative ways to play with paint and Water Paper Paint is full of wonderful ideas!

photo by Rachel Saldana for Water Paper Paint

It's written for all creative types, whether your background is mixed-media, textile art, journaling, or papercraft.  It's a grown-up book full of inspiration and each exercise is written and beautifully photographed entirely from the artist's perspective.

This botanical by the author is what caught my eye.  I love botanicals but I've never tried to paint one.  Until now!

artwork by Heather Smith Jones

My garden is full of bulbs that gave quite a show earlier this spring and now have laid down to rest.  So I thought I'd give it a try.

photo Lisa Porter

I went to the back of the garden and pulled up an assortment. 

photo Lisa Porter

I'll admit that up until now, I had never really thought of bulbs & roots covered in dirt as being all that interesting.

Ahemmmm...Helllloooooo...

photo Lisa Porter

I started photographing them and suddenly Mother Nature had my full attention.  Here's one of many examples that I'll choose from to paint. 

photo Lisa Porter

In the meantime, If you're the creative type, and I know you are, stop by the blog Heather Smith Jones and say hello to the artist & author of Water Paper Paint.

 

The other project in the garden this weekend was to create a place near the potting bench to clean up!

 

photo Lisa Porter

We've had an old galvanized feed bin for years and Gracie has always loved it full of cool water for jumping into on hot summer days. I used the water at the end of the day for cleaning up garden tools & muddy boots.

photo Lisa Porter

Gracie's not so fond of jumping in & out of it anymore and I'm not so fond of bending over and cleaning up anything at the end of the day so using old fieldstone that Collier & I gathered, we built a base to raise it up. We added a spigot & now we have a garden sink!

photo Lisa Porter

photo Lisa Porter

She'll be sure and let you know when she gets a new pool.

photo Lisa Porter

And I'll be sure and let you know how the botanical turns out!

School is out & it's officially summer, painting & blogging time!

I've missed you all,

I'm in the garden with Michelle Masters

There are three items

that are always a must in my garden.

No.1 

Wellies

No. 2

Beautiful Flowers

and

No. 3

Gracie



As you may or may not know,

Gracie now authors a facebook page,

The Gracie Porter Collection

& when I saw this new topiary painted by artist friend Michelle Masters, I had to contact her!

"Whaaaaat"

was her immediate reaction and before I knew it,

 her two Labs were over for a visit!

I first met Michelle two years ago.
It all started with a "tweet".
And this weekend I'm so happy to be in the garden again with her & her incredible

Topiary Art!

Michelle's clever images are clean, simple, uncluttered and well designed. Her topiary line is whimsical and fun & is based around a casual upscale style.

They are a perfect gift idea for dog lovers!

Meet Chloe & Weezie.

Their mom just recently received Michelle's "Puglet" design on notecards as a gift from a friend.
Boy was she excited!

Michelle works in watercolor, pastels, and oils.

Her attention to quality & detail in everything that she creates, translates beautifully onto stationary, linen guest towels, lavender sachets, and pillows.

Wouldn't you love to curl up with this handsome boy?

You can.

Animal lovers, gardeners, and numerous organizations have come to appreciate her original art & custom topiary designs.

Michelle Masters offers custom illustrations, private labeling for organizations, and artwork licensing.

Some of her clients include;

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Foundation

and the

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.

Visit

& then follow me over to her blog,
Hedges & Hares

Photos & Art Copyright & Compliments of Michelle Masters.