A Beginning Before Sedona

Before Sedona became home, there was a road trip from New Jersey—one filled with curiosity and a quiet pull toward the Southwest. Santa Fe was one of our first stops, and I found myself searching for anything that spoke to me as a painter.

This San Miguel Mission watercolor came from that early period of exploration, when every subject felt like a discovery.

San Miguel Mission did exactly that.

San Miguel Mission sits just across the street from where I would later paint “1001 Nights,” another piece rooted in that same early exploration. Around that same time, I also painted “Mondays” along Santa Fe’s Canyon Road—capturing the feeling of that place through a different lens.

Along with 1001 Nights and Mondays, San Miguel Mission is part of a small group of early works that capture my first real connection to the Southwest—before Sedona, before my signature style, when everything still felt new.

Canyon Road itself left a lasting impression on me. The way art, architecture, and history all live side by side—it felt like stepping into something timeless.

San Miguel Mission comes from that time in my life—when I wasn’t yet a Sedona artist, but I was becoming one.

 Painting Light, History, and Stillness

San Miguel Mission, known as the oldest church in the United States, carries over four centuries of history within its adobe walls. In watercolor, I wanted to preserve that sense of endurance while keeping the feeling soft and approachable.

The warm earth tones of the mission rise gently against the New Mexico sky, while the white cross stands quietly above it all. The curved foreground wall leads the eye inward, guiding you toward the glowing entry—an invitation to pause, reflect, and step into something timeless.

Watercolor felt like the right voice for this piece. The washes allow the surface to breathe, letting light move through the pigment in a way that echoes the spirit of the place itself. This San Miguel Mission watercolor allowed me to translate that history into something soft, luminous, and enduring.

Where the Journey Began

Pieces like this San Miguel Mission watercolor remind me where it all started. Looking back, this painting represents more than a location—it marks a turning point. It’s a reminder of the early days, when I was still exploring, still learning, and still discovering what kind of artist I would become.

That sense of discovery still lives in my work today—from these early watercolors to the luminous, fluorescent acrylic paintings that would eventually define my style.

The Heart of It All

Art lights up the same part of your brain as

falling in love—it’s an unforgettable feeling.

Collector’s Note

This watercolor reflects the roots of my journey into Southwest landscape painting—long before Sedona’s red rocks and fluorescent skies became my signature. It’s a quieter piece, grounded in history, simplicity, and observation.

My work is also featured at the Village Gallery in Sedona—a Sedona art gallery devoted exclusively to hand-made artwork by local artists, and widely regarded as the true heart of Sedona’s local art scene. You can also find my work at Creative Gateways, a contemporary Sedona gallery that offers a welcoming mix of fine art and jewelry across a range of price points, as well as at Desert Valley Gallery in Las Vegas at Tivoli Village, where creativity, beauty, and craftsmanship come together in a unique and inspiring setting.

Available Formats & Editions

Original Watercolor

San Miguel Mission was painted in watercolor using layered washes and controlled pigment flow to create depth, light, and texture while preserving the softness of the medium.

Giclée Art Prints

Museum-quality reproductions that capture the subtle transitions and detail of the original watercolor.

Canvas Gallery Wraps

Printed on canvas to bring a slightly more dimensional presence while maintaining the integrity of the original.

Luminous Metal Prints

A clean, modern presentation where color appears vibrant and crisp, enhancing the contrast of sky and adobe tones.

 Gift Art Photo Plaques (5×7 & 8×10)

Small, ready-to-display pieces—perfect for desks, shelves, or meaningful gifts.