urban sketching – a curious nature

A Brief Escapito ….. Lamy, NM

April 21, 2025

Woke one windy Spring morning about a week ago and decided it was time for a mini roadtrip …. 45 miles NNE, to visit the historic village of Lamy, New Mexico. Years ago (1991) when we lived in El Dorado (a sprawling subdivision southeast of Santa Fe), Lamy was a short 8 mile drive away. As seems true to our nature, we hardly ever visit someplace so close to home. So we didn’t. (Go figure.) But last Fall, the ABQ Urban Sketchers spent a morning exploring and sketching in and around Lamy. Unable to join them then, I promised myself that Roy and I would definitely make our own trip Lamy. So we did ….. and had a great time! Here’s a collection of my sketches and a lot of present day and historic facts about this little railroad community, many discoveries were anticipated; a few were complete surprises!

Lamy, New Mexico, preface: What’s in a Name?

Sometime during the last half of the 19th century, Galisteo Junction was renamed “Lamy” to honor the first archbishop of Santa Fe (1853). Jean-Baptiste Lamy played a major role in the development of the region, including establishment of educational and medical facilities.

Lamy, part 1: Today

….. Location, Location, Location: Such a quaint little village, we found Lamy properly nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, a beautiful range of mountains within the southernmost reach of the Rockies. Primarily a railroad town, Lamy boasted a population of 329 at its peak in the 1930s. Today, Lamy has a mere 93 residents, and continues to experience an annual population decline. With an “Eating House,” Saloon and a Museum, not to mention the historical Train Station, Lamy makes for a fine tourist destination and twice-daily Amtrak stop with shuttle service to and from Santa Fe, only 18 miles away.

….. The Lamy Railroad and History Museum: Dedicated to preserving local history and heritage, this museum emphasizes the railroads and their impact on the area. The museum is housed in the historic “Legal Tender” building, formerly the “Legal Tender Saloon and Restaurant.” But before that, it was the Pflueger General Merchandise Store (built in 1881) and attached Annex Saloon (built in 1884). Because this building complex is quite old, it has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. If you’re planning a trip to Lamy, note the restaurant and museum are only open Thursday through Sunday, are run as a non-profit, and the waitstaff are volunteers.

Lamy, part 2: The Way-Back Yesteryears

….. Pre-Columbian Inhabitants: An archaeological site known today as The Lamy Junction Community, consists of 14 small Coalition Period¹ (AD 1200-1325) pueblos and other structures. Occupying the SE facing slope, northwest and above the Rio Galisteo, the site was discovered by Adolph Bandelier on June 29,1882. Bandelier noted in his journal “a group of small house ruins” west of the depot at Lamy. Excavation of the area began in 1915, resuming in the 1930s and again in August 1981. Archaeologists reported almost all of the pueblos and other structures were similar to each other, having 10-20 rooms each and built of adobe and some stone. The largest structure, however, was probably 60 rooms in size and two or even three stories tall in places.

Today this historic site is located near the junction of US Highway 285 and Santa Fe County Road 33, the dead end spur road that passes through Lamy. The location of these roadways makes sense. Over the last century, or probably longer, Lamy Junction has been a crossroads for several roadbeds that crisscross the site: between Lamy and Galisteo, Lamy and Clines Corners, Galisteo/Clines Corners and Santa Fe. Although the history of these roads and their associated artifacts have yet to be studied, it’s clear from archaeological excavations of The Lamy Junction Community, the disturbance from construction, frequent use, and maintenance of these old roadbeds impacted artifacts from the prehistoric site and surrounding area. Also, when the tracks were laid in the early 1880s for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, the ideal grade ran within the bed of the Rio Galisteo southeast of the Community. Railroad construction required relocating the river to the east, placing it on the far side of the railroad grade; actions impacting prehistoric artifacts in these areas.

Note to self: Because we came to Lamy to learn about the 1880s train station, I only discovered the area was occupied more than 1800 years ago during my follow-up research into Lamy! Yes ….. we will return and try to find this prehistoric Community, now owned by Santa Fe County.

¹Coalition Period (AD 1200-1325) was a time of significant changes in the Pueblo culture of the Rio Grande Valley, which included The Lamy Junction Community of the Galisteo Basin. During this time of increasing population and intensified agriculture, expansion into new areas like the Pecos River Valley occurred. In addition, the growing population began living in larger pueblos.

Lamy, part 3: The Not So Way-Back Yesteryears

….. The Lamy Railroad and Train Station (aka Depot): When plans were made for the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe railroad (aka the “Santa Fe”) to run from Atchison, KS to Santa Fe, NM, and then west to California, civil engineers didn’t take into account the challenging terrain surrounding Santa Fe. A direct run to and stop at Santa Fe was not going to happen. So about 145 years ago the line was built through Lamy. But because rail transport was still desired by Santa Feans, a spur line was built north of the Lamy Railroad Junction that could carry freight and passengers into the city. Now Plan “B” logically placed the train station in Lamy, and in 1881 a two-story wood frame building was constructed for that purpose. For 28 years that structure served as the official train station for the “Santa Fe” until a freight depot was needed. This prompted the construction of a new train station, allowing the original 1881 station to be converted into the much needed freight depot, which was in operation into the 1940s. The new train station, a one-story Mission-style red tile roofed/stucco sided structure, built in 1909, was opened to passengers upon completion. This station is still in operation, and is the one we visited.

Lamy, part 4: Growing a Railroad Town

….. El Ortiz: East of the depot, the famed Fred Harvey Company constructed a hotel named El Ortiz in 1910. Started by English immigrant Fred Harvey in the 1870s, the company that took his name ran a series of highly efficient Eating Houses along the “Santa Fe” rail lines, guaranteeing quick, quality meals. These eateries at set stations were necessary stops because dining cars on passenger trains were uncommon west of the Mississippi. The eateries were so successful, that a partnership was formed between Fred Harvey and the “Santa Fe” to branch out into the hotel business. Many hotels were located in trade and business centers, but other Harvey Houses like El Ortiz were built to develop tourism in Lamy. Hotel El Ortiz no longer exists. After a 1930s fire destroyed partial sections of the building, it was completely brought down in them1940s.

Note to self: when we revisit Lamy, must find the original location of El Ortiz. Is there anything remaining?

….. A secret destination: Lamy was commonly the first stop for staff and their families arriving to New Mexico on their way to the secret city of Los Alamos.

Lamy, part 5: Flashbacks of Yesterday

….. the Santa Fe Detour: Today, Amtrak Southwest Chief passengers headed to the state capital still detrain at the 1909 Lamy Station, where they can read interpretive displays about the past, visit historic buildings and the museum, walk around old train cars and engines, and maybe have a bite to eat at the Legal Tender, before catching the shuttle transporting them the remaining 18 miles to Santa Fe.

Well, that’s about all for now. Hope you enjoyed this virtual tour of Lamy, NM

As always, thanks for stopping by!

(Updated) Sketchbook Revival 2024! 15 Days of Priceless Fun

****************Notice*******************

Photo display correction has been made in this second post, which has the identical in text as the first post presented earlier in the morning, please disregard the first post and apologies for any confusion. Barb

September 23 – October 7, 2024
For the last 7 years, I’ve participated in the annual, 2-week long sketching/drawing, painting and mixed media event, Sketchbook Revival, founded and hosted by a talented sketchbook artist, Karen Abend. Every year, Karen brings together a cast of creative artists for a mega on-line teaching marathon. Each day, 2 1-hour recorded sessions are available to hundreds of participants from around the world, providing an opportunity to interactively learn a skill or technique designed to begin or expand on a regular sketchbook practice. These sessions may include book binding, mark-making, collage, creating imaginary characters, urban sketching, composition, landscapes, flowers, mammals and bird painting, people or pet portrait drawing, nature journaling, Zentangle, map making, story telling, textiles, and on and on! Techniques shared by instructors involve a wide-variety materials, like watercolor, gouache, acrylic, markers, pencil and pen, colored pencil, and many forms of mixed-media.

The whole fun event is designed to stretch your creative comfort zone by experimenting with art supplies and new approaches to art making, and encourages play. And as incredible as it sounds, all you need to participate is your time and whatever materials you have on hand. Otherwise, it’s totally free! Wowza!

Not every session needs to be done (and this year there were 30 sessions in 15 days); I usually find time to complete about half of them. But this year I did all but one session (and may even complete the one skipped). From the very diverse cast of artists/instructors, I was able to learn new tips, techniques, approaches, and was invites to try new art supplies that would be useful in my regular sketchbooking and nature journaling practice.

Hopefully you’ll enjoy my 2024 Sketchbook Revival “play!” Not all are great or even good (a few are downright awful!) but it was so much fun! Maybe something from my collection will have you laughing, or maybe even entice you to give Sketchbook Revival 2025 a whirl!

That’s all for Sketchbook Revival 2024. Let me know what you think!

And as always, thanks for stopping by!

Sketchbook Revival 2024! 15 Days of Priceless Fun

That’s all for Sketchbook Revival 2024. Let me know what you think!

And as always, thanks for stopping by!

Urban Sketching … Out and About In and Around Albuquerque

Late February to mid-April

Fascinated by the work that so many urban sketchers turn out, and further inspired by a few Sketchbook Revival 2023 sessions, it’s no wonder I wanted to try my hand at Urban Sketching. Joining the Albuquerque Urban Sketchers, my first outing was to a very iconic New Mexico shop called Jackalope. In some ways, this was a great place for lots of newbies (we didn’t have to brave the still freezing February temps), but then again it was very challenging. So many things to choose from! Here’s a few of my sketches. Because there were so many interesting trinkets, I decided to spend no more than 15 minutes on each, including some quick watercoloring.

This one was sketched from a life sized sculpture of a roadrunner. Meep! Meep!

This was sketched from a very typical Santa Fe-style painted wood cabinet. To me this style always looks like the furniture was hooked up to the hitch of a pick-up truck and drug down a dirt road at breakneck speeds! Luckily the very large rooster clay pot wasn’t hurt in the process.

Someone captured a photo of me working on my frog trivet sketch. You can see my dilemma deciding what to sketch! Stacks of trivets, all different, to choose from!

This was one of my attempts to urban sketch “solo.” I found a bit of early spring buds while waiting for Roy to finish up a doctor appointment.

All of that was really fun, but not as easy as some urban sketchers make it seem. So I began practicing and searching on-line for a bit of sage advice.

On Saturday (April 15th) the Urban Sketchers met again, this time at Old Town Farm, downtown Albuquerque. With the chance of sketching some rusted farm equipment and broken down barns, I wanted in on this event. And besides, the breezy day was supposed to be warm … ideal for a bit of plein air sketching! Well, on a Saturday, this place was buzzing with visitors, ranging from bikers and hikers; people sitting and enjoying a morning coffee and carrot cake; several teams playing something like bochi ball; venders; puppies for adoption. This definitely broke my fear of public sketching while giving me an opportunity to improve on my people sketching skills. Here’s what I found to draw in a few hours.

This was a pretty cool old barn, and still in fine shape. Looks like I could use lots of practice sketching old buildings! But I did meet several delightful women also trying their hand at barn sketching!

When I realized my barn sketch was going wonky, all I had to do was turn around and find this action scene! There were 2 teams of bowlers playing Pétanque (like bocci ball) in the dirt behind the barn, Here’s my quick sketch trying to capture their action and conversation. This was very fun. Afterwards I walked over to show them what I had done. The team leader was very excited about the sketch and asked if he could take a photo to use it as the team banner on their Facebook page! Of course I said, “Absolutely!”

Hard to resist drawing an old truck. Although not a rusty heap, this beautifully restored 1939 Ford V8 was just begging to be sketched. I had a little fun with the character of this truck, and never intended to make it a perfect replica. But this really suits my style. Have I found my happy style?

Hope you enjoyed my urban sketching efforts! Look for more posts in the future.

Sketchbook Revival 2023 … What a Wild and Colorful 13-Day Ride

March 20 – April 1st

For the last 6 years, I’ve participated in an annual, 2-week long sketching/mixed media event, Sketchbook Revival, founded and hosted by a talented sketchbook artist, Karen Abend. Every Spring, Karen brings together a cast of creative artists for a mega on-line teaching marathon, where each day, 2 1-hour sessions are shared with hundreds of participants. These sessions cover topics like basic mark-making, collage, caricature creation, drafting and perspective, composition, urban sketching, flowers, mammals and birds, portraits, map making, story telling, and on and on! This year a session in textiles was even included. Techniques were taught in using a wide-variety materials, such as watercolor, gouache, markers, pencil and pen, colored pencil, and many forms of mixed-media.

The whole fun event is designed to stretch your creative comfort zone by trying new things and experiencing new approaches to art making. And as incredible as it sounds, all you need to participate is your time and whatever materials you have on hand. Otherwise, it’s totally free! Wowza!

If this sounds irresistibly intriguing, and you just gotta-wanna participate next year, I’ll include a link below to find out more. Meanwhile, check out the photos of my Sketchbook Revival 2023 creations, filling up my handmade sketchbook (oh yeah, the pre-work session includes instructions on how to make your own sketchbook). I never expect to create works of art during the event; many of my pages are just plain awful. But no matter the result, I always made it fun! Enjoy!