Seeing the Invisible

I always get a thrill out of discovering rock art. Sometimes the pictographs and petroglyphs are quite clear and easy to see and photograph. However, more often than not, the images are faded and difficult to decipher. I recently became aware of some software programs that help to enhance photos of rock art.

One program is called DStretch, which can be found by doing a search on the Internet. But first, you will need to download another program called ImageJ. DStretch is a plugin for ImageJ. I am still learning how best to use these programs; but in the meantime, here is an example. Check these programs out, have fun, and send me some of your results at swa@infomagic.net. Thanks.

Near Bluff

Last week, Ann & I backpacked into the lower end of one of the many canyons sliced into the western edge of Cedar Mesa. As many of you know, this entire region is littered with the ruins and relics of the Anasazi. We witnessed some very well-preserved cliff houses and pictographs that looked remarkably bright and fresh, especially some hand prints. Last year was an exceptionally "good" year for tumbleweed, which gave the dog some difficulty. Does someone make sticker proof booties for Labs? On the drive to the trailhead, we found a wonderful "log" of petrified wood eroding out of the Chinle clays. Just another great hike in the Bluff area.

Kate's Paintings

Our daughter Kate has been spending the winter in Arroyo Hondo, not far from Taos, working as the personal assistant to renowned painter Alyce Frank. One of the benefits of this arrangement has been Kate's opportunity to learn how to paint. Alyce Frank's style is called Magical Realism, in which she makes use of brilliant oil paints to imaginatively render landscapes of the American Southwest and occasionally portraits.

Above are two of Kate's first works. The portrait is of Alyce. The landscape is near Arroyo Hondo. I am very impressed (even if I am the Dad). I am looking forward to more beautiful art from Kate's brush.