Sandia Mountains Above Albuquerque

MARTHA MARKS COMMENTS ON BERNARD MARKS’ “SANDIA MOUNTAINS ABOVE ALBUQUERQUE”:

The Sandia Mountains are an amazing geological and biological treasure to the east of Albuquerque, New Mexico. They loom over the city, its suburbs, and the surrounding high desert terrain. But most distinctive is their bright, distinctive pink color at sunset. It reminded the early Spanish settlers of watermelon, so that’s what they called them. Sandia is Spanish for watermelon.

The Sandia peak rises 10,679′. It’s one of the highest elevations in New Mexico. Tourists and locals enjoy the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, which whisks them from the flat land to the peak. From the top, they enjoy a magnificent panorama of desert and other mountains far below.

Birding is great in the Sandia Mountains. Geologists have a field day all over the range. Locals well acclimated to the elevation delight in the challenging hiking trails. Wise visitors from lower elevations settle for enjoying the scenery, but whatever their particular interest, everybody loves it at the peak.

Bernie made no attempt to incorporate that entire Sandia Mountains into this painting. Instead, he brings to life close-up perspective of native high-desert plants, craggy rocks, fog and clouds, and the type of classic flat-topped mountain that New Mexicans call a mesa.

NOTE: This is one of the very few finished paintings that Bernie did not sign. I suspect he wrapped it up, left the scene, and never realized it wasn’t signed. I will provide a statement of authenticity to any buyer of this print who requests it.


Excellent custom-made giclée prints on thick matte archival paper are available.

  • Size: 9″ x 12″
  • Price: $120, includes all applicable taxes
  • $25 will be added for packing and shipping within the USA.
  • Contact Martha Marks first if you’d like to add a standard-size (“13 x 19″ or 16″ x 20”), custom-cut, off-white mat to finish off your print and make it easy to frame.
  • Click here to order this 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.