• Wood and Water
  • Ray Upson, carver,
  • Carol Sparks, painter

 

Clever wood carvings and glorious watercolor landscapes –“Wood and Water”– are Amapola Gallery’s Featured Artists for June, Ray Upson, carver, and Carol Sparks, painter.

Born in Albuquerque, Upson has pursued wood carving for over 20 years. He uses a variety of woods including New Mexico aspen, as well as colorful paints. His figures exhibit an engaging sense of whimsy, from chili ornaments to Santa and Mrs Claus.

His caricatures include Old West figures of cowboys and cowgirls, Native Americans, rodeo clowns — individuals and entire scenes portrayed with skill, empathy and humor. A scene of four cowboys and two lady friends, titled “Bar Flies,” includes the bar with a stag’s head atop a long mirror. And don’t miss his selection of sturdy walking sticks.

The mood of Albuquerque native Carol Sparks’ watercolors is one of serene nostalgia. Familiarity with the cottonwoods, chili ristras, winding lanes, adobes, hollyhocks and livestock have not dulled her sense of awe at their beauty. Her lifelong love of the outdoors is conveyed in every scene.

Meet the artists Friday, June 3, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at their reception, and enjoy their work through June.

Amapola Gallery, open 10 to 5 daily at 205 Romero, NW, on the Plaza in Old Town.
(505)-242-4311 or amapolagallery.com