About 3 miles behind the town of Pilar (south of Taos, New Mexico) I found a trail leading to this wonderful view of the Rio Grande River. I hiked in about a mile, carrying my gear-backpack, easel, water, and a big roll of linen to paint on. It was a beautiful morning, which progressed to a hot high noon. Finally about 2:00 p.m. the heat and the wind forced me to stop for the day. I returned the next morning to complete the painting. I was inspired with the clarity of the morning light as it fell over the red cliffs dotted with sagebrush.