I can't recall ever having blogged about a movie before, but after seeing Awakening in Taos: The Mabel Dodge Luhan Story last night, I wanted to share it.
I've painted in Taos, New Mexico, many times, and it's one of my favorite locations. Why? It's not just the scenery—beautifully-sculpted adobe houses, often nestled among golden-leaved cottonwoods; broad-shouldered Taos Mountain watching over the village; and the deep, black gorge of the Rio Grande—but also its history. Artists discovered the beauty of Taos in the very earliest years of the 20th century. Instrumental in bringing artists to Taos was the socialite Mabel Dodge Luhan. She invited many painters, photographers, writers and sculptors to her home, including Georgia O'Keeffe, John Marin, Willa Cather, Ansel Adams and Marsden Harley.
Over the years, I've led many students and retreat participants to Taos. We've even painted on the grounds of “Los Gallos,” Mabel's estate, and have toured the interior. I'm looking forward to our next retreat this October. (The retreat is filled, but I will be happy to put you on the wait list.) I like Taos so much that I am making this fall painting retreat an annual event.
The movie tells the story of how Mabel got to Taos and what she found there. What's more, the movie is beautifully filmed, and shows the Taos landscape at its finest. I suggest you rent or buy the movie here: https://awakeningintaos.com/ . And for more on Mabel, visit this site: https://www.mabeldodgeluhan.com/
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| Detail of "Los Gallos" You'll note the chicken on the right. |
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| "Los Gallos" in early spring. |
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| Mabel's gravesite. |
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| A little sketch I did while at "Los Gallos". "Mabel's Gate" 9x12 Oil. |
