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April in New Mexico
Image Not Available for April in New Mexico

April in New Mexico

Artist
Year1994
Classification painting
Medium oil on linen
Dimensions60 x 45 in. (152.4 x 114.3 cm)
Credits Commissioned through the Art in Architecture Program
Fine Arts Collection
U.S. General Services Administration
Location
  • The common theme of these paintings is western waters in the rejuvenating spring season in two states represented by this area's federal jurisdiction.  In both scenes bridges are the architectural focus of the composition.  In the upper left portion of "April in Colorado" are a bridge and pylon over the South Platte River at Chatfield Park.  The bridge is a modern creation of the U.S. Corp of Army Engineers. "April in New Mexico" features the much restored, but still rustic remnant of a legendary bridge built by Padre Jim, one of the first Spanish missionaries in the Santa Fe area.  In order to emphasize the contrasts between Colorado and New Mexico, Duesberry employs a number of formal elements.  The arid desert mauves, pale corals, and yellows of New Mexico contrast the gray-greens and blues of Colorado's brief rainy season.  The sandstone cliffs in New Mexico are round and smooth while the Colorado Rockies have a rugged angular quality.  Water in the New Mexico desert is rare, ephemeral, as snow run-off is more plentiful in late April and May; in Colorado, the South Platte provides a constant source.  The paintings also celebrate the variations in sunlight.  It is evening in the New Mexico painting, pushing the warmer hues to an even deeper intensity. It is early morning in the Colorado scene bringing out the crisp freshness of the new day.