What's In A Name?

Paradise Near Purgatoire, 12x16, Acrylic on Canvas

 

Didn't have a whole lot of time to work up a real in depth post this week, but did want to share a recently completed painting and some insights that went into painting it. This painting is entitled, Paradise Near Purgatoire. Pun intended.

It's a 12"x16" acrylic painting on a gallery wrapped canvas.

Yes, this is a real place. I have the photos to prove it. I came upon this place in the spring of 1999, in southeastern Colorado. It was spring break, and we were not in any financial position to take a no-holds-barred trip to a beach or Mexico, or Florida, so I decided to go on a few day trips. One such place was to a remote place called to Picketwire Canyonlands. The Purgatoire River runs through Picketwire Canyon, which is located in the Comanche National Grasslands. Along the Purgatoire River there are several sets of dinosaur tracks. That was the main attraction. So, I asked my daughter, Becky if she wanted to go. She agreed it would be pretty cool, and off we went. Great 10 mile hike, and great photos of dino tracks.

Anyway, driving down dirt roads out in the wilderness you can find little places like this. To me, this is someones dream. It's their home. It's their little piece of paradise. This little homestead was not too far from our destination along the Purgatoire River. Just seemed like an appropriate title. 

What's amazing for me is that it took 17 years to finally get around to painting it. Had the photos and idea for years. But that's how it is sometimes with art. Some ideas just gotta incubate a while!

Hope you enjoyed this! Blessings...

Eddie Mac