The Low Road to Taos
MARTHA MARKS COMMENTS ON BERNARD MARKS’ “THE LOW ROAD TO TAOS” IN THE RIO GRANDE CANYON:
First-time tourists who come to Santa Fe almost always take the scenic drive north — or “up” — to Taos. It’s something of a rite of passage. But those who have done their homework in advance know there are two routes: the high road to Taos through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the low road to Taos along the Rio Grande.
I don’t know the statistics, but I’d willingly bet that 3/4 of those visitors choose to take the high road to Taos. That just sounds more exciting, especially since the route passes some famously picturesque mountain hamlets as it winds its way through the lush Carson National Forest.
But Bernie and I always preferred to take the low road. We regularly drove our guests that way when heading north. Why? Well, there are picturesque hamlets along that road, too. But more important to us were the stunning views as the road threads its way along a narrow strip of land between the river on the left and the steep cliffs on the right… not to mention the spectacular way the huge black Rio Grand Gorge opens up ahead as you approach Taos.
I like to remind those who may be wavering that there’s a reason why the low road to Taos is now part of Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. And that means, if you’ve got time to spare, there’s lots more breathtaking scenery to be found due north of this road.
Bernie’s watercolor paintings in and around the historic old town of Embudo are an example of the low road, as are his oil paintings “The Low Road to Taos” and “Rio Grande Medley.”
This original framed painting is available for purchase, as are large, top-quality, custom-made giclée prints.
• oil on canvas with an attractive wide black wooden frame
• 16″ x 20″
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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 speed desired.)
1. ORIGINAL PAINTING: $2,200, includes frame
2. GICLEE PRINT on thick archival paper, same size as the original, ready for framing: $475
3. PRINT on gallery-wrapped canvas, same size as the original, ready for hanging or framing: $475
CONTACT MARTHA MARKS if you’d prefer a different size print.
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This painting and all reproductions of it are © Bernard Marks Fine Art LLC. No unauthorized use is permitted. All rights reserved.