New Mexico Agave

New Mexico Agave
By Renee Nolte-Hodnett

​This is one of my favorite paintings from Michael’s Southwest scenes. The way he captures what I call “drinkable colors” are breathtaking to me! The lotus and cactus are my favorite type of plants on the planet so I might be partial to this piece, but I say let the beauty speak for itself.

New Mexico is a favorite place to wonder about, explore, eat, experience, shop and learn of its history. There is immense beauty all around. This is one of my favorite places to get away.

I visited the ABQ botanical gardens with my daughter a couple years before Michael and I met. I’m certain I’ve awed at this very New Mexico Agave. We had a wonderful stroll through the 36 acre themed gardens beside the Rio Grande. So many spots were mesmerizing and even heavenly. I recall taking a lot of pictures and saying how I wished I had a garden, even of small proportion ,just like this.

When Michael wanted to take me somewhere for a quick R&R, I naturally said “well, New Mexico of course”. I can never get enough of its beauty. Michael hadn’t been and shared he’d love to see these places I boast about and even discover new areas we haven’t explored together. I told him “sure, sounds great, but just after we visit Sandia Peak, Old Town ABQ, El Pinto’s and The ABQ Biological Park in Albuquerque!”

Michael and I spent all day at the Bio Park. We spent a lot of time in the Desert Conservatory. This part featured plant life from deserts of the American Southwest. This one particular cactus,the New Mexico Agave, stood out with its “drinkable colors” of blue, teal, aqua, gray, and greens. A wonderful contrast was the reflection of the sun on the hot desert bed as it glowed of orange and hues of clay colors. He photographed many angles, studying its shapes, colors and light. Michael knew this would be part of his collection on canvas. I couldn’t wait for him to finish it because my living room is decorated in a Southwest motif. Now this very piece we have hung in that room. It is such a beautiful upgrade to that room!

The Southwest Genre is sure to be loved by all that love this life, culture and beauty of The great Southwest! We discovered so many wonderful sites and beauties, just waiting there turn to be painted, our photo album is in abundance! The ABQ gardens are a place to visit next time your in Albuquerque so be sure not to miss!