Black Mesa
MARTHA MARKS COMMENTS ON BERNARD MARKS’ LARGE, DYNAMIC WATERCOLOR “BLACK MESA”:
Bernie’s long-time painting partner was a sweet, quirky Anglo named Bob. The Native Americans in the area so respected Bob that they allowed him to live off the grid on their northern New Mexico land. Bernie often visited his low-tech home near the foot of Black Mesa, this iconic rock formation.
Black Mesa is a sacred, scenic, and historic spot located near the Rio Grande on San Ildefenso Pueblo in northern New Mexico. (Google “Black Mesa San Ildefonso” to learn more about its fascinating history and significance.)
Bob loved Black Mesa and taught Bernie to love it, too. Together, they painted it several times. We bought one of Bob’s versions and hung it in our guest room.
Bernie never wrote about this painting, because he had decided to keep it for himself. I don’t believe it was ever publicly exhibited.
What I appreciate most about this piece is the color Bernie brings to the foreground. It’s actually there in springtime in the real high desert, but he enhanced it as he often did. The contrast between the massive black-rock formation and the delicate, colorful textures around it makes the piece sing.
This original painting is available for purchase, as are large, top-quality, custom-made giclée prints.
- Medium: watercolor, unframed (ready to be matted and framed)
- Size: 21.5″ x 29″
TO PLACE AN ORDER…
Choose a link below for the painting or print of your choice. (Prices include all applicable taxes. If shipping is needed, that additional cost will depend on the distance from Santa Fe and the price of packaging.)
2. GICLEE PRINT ON THICK ARCHIVAL PAPER, same size as the original: $650
Contact Martha Marks if you’d prefer a different size print.
Return to the NEW MEXICO page of the Watercolor Landscapes section.
This painting and all reproductions of it are © Bernard Marks Fine Art LLC. No unauthorized use is permitted. All rights reserved.