In the distance from Georgia O’Keeffe’s Abiquiu home, the cliffs she called ‘The White Place’ can be seen. She would drive there and camp, wander and draw and pick up a few rocks.
I had an O’Keeffe weekend visiting her Abiquiu home, photographing the Pedernal, walking around the White Place and finishing up at the O’Keeffe museum in Santa Fe. And I learned to spell ‘Abiquiu.’
Thoughts from that trip – I didn’t realize she was 61 when she moved to the Abiquiu house which was beautiful, but not easy living. She had a huge garden and dried or canned much of her food.
I took the guided tour of the house – the only way to see inside. No cameras, no sketchbooks, no writing paper allowed. I felt naked. But also alive to paying attention in a way that a camera prohibits. Not sure I want to spend more time without my camera, but it was a strong experience.
I admire O’Keeffe, but didn’t appreciate all of her art, especially some of the more abstract (she would never use that term) – one was just a curvy line down the canvas. And then I saw the view from her home of the road – that same curved line. Elegant. I got it.
Walking in the White Place picturing her camping and drawing helped me slow down and get a feel for the area. When I travel I rarely take time to sit and sketch or just look. I might do that now.
These thoughts have stayed with me for a few weeks now. The O’Keeffe immersion was strong and positive. And I can still spell Abiquiu.
Always Backroads 
very nice, thank you.
Lovely entry. Thank you!
Very interesting post. Well done. Nice pics too!
I really like your banner at the top of your site. Cerro Pedernal is one of my favorite mountains in New Mexico.
There is a wonderful book called Weekends With O’Keeffe, by C.S. Merrill. If you’ve not read it yet, I have a feeling you would love it. I did. It is fascinating, everything you’d want to know about her! It’s a very fun read.
I enjoy your blog immensely, by the way!
I’ve read Merrill’s O’Keeffe Days in a Life and it was very good. I’ll look for the Weekends book – thanks!
Beautiful post in words and in images!
I was just up near Ghost Ranch last Saturday. Bleak but beautiful. Not sure what that cabin is all about. Maybe it was used when they filmed City Slickers.
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Reblogged this on Lavender Turquois.
O’Keeffe is one of my favorite artists. I so envy you. Thank you for taking such beautiful picture and sharing such a wonderful experience.
This is a wonderful post. I have been a huge fan of O’Keeffe since I was quite young. I didn’t know much about her then but I responded to her paintings viscerally. Now I know much more from reading and studying and I totally get why she is a favorite. I would dearly love to visit her house and the museum and I hope I can sooner than later. Your images give me some great context and I love the faces in the rock formations. Just wonderful, Donna.
Hoodoos have always been a favorite photo study for me… Hope some day, while out wandering, to drop by ‘The White Place’.
Reblogged this on Patsy's Creative Corner and commented:
Donna, thank you for liking my blog. I’m glad I checked yours out, too! These pictures are great and go with all of the stuff I’ve been writing about Georgia O’Keeffe. I’m glad you were able to go there. I sure wish I could! Maybe someday. Thanks again.
Thanks for stopping by and thanks for the boost! I highly recommend spending some time in her land. Also you might see if you can get the book “Georgia O’Keeffe and Her Houses” – large and expensive, but the library might have it. I did like her biography “Portrait of an Artist” by Laurie Lisle. She is a fascinating person.
Thanks, Donna! I know I haven’t exhausted my research on her. She is my favorite artist from the 1900’s era. I appreciate your letting me know about these books. I definitely want to go see her home someday. My husband said, “It’ll only take a few days to drive there!” I’m not fond of driving for more than a couple of hours. But right now is not the time anyway. He loves to drive, but neither of us should be in a car riding for too long of a time anyway because of our backs. The sad thing is, we are still young (if you consider late 40’s and early 50’s young, that is!)
You’ll get there someday. I know it! What is young? I just attended my 50th high school reunion! You two are whippersnappers!
Donna, thank you for liking my blog. I’m glad I checked yours out, too! These pictures are great and go with all of the stuff I’ve been writing about Georgia O’Keeffe. I’m glad you were able to go there. I sure wish I could! Maybe someday. Thanks again.
Thanks, Donna. I know we are young in heart and mind, but our bodies do NOT FEEL young anymore! Physical limitations are no fun.