In light of the forecasted 11 degree weather tonight in the Madison, GA area, I felt that I should post a blog that might help some of us think warm thoughts, and feel a little bit toastier in this bitter cold night.

This painting, titled “Downtown Santa Fe” is an original acrylic painting that Chris created based on a trip that he took to the Southwest a few years ago. I  personally have never traveled that far west, but i’ve heard nothing but good things about the colors, climate, and people of that area.

I’m no expert on the science of warmth of colors, but looking at this picture does make me feel a little bit less of the sting of the windy cold that waits for me on the walk to my car in a few minutes. As I look at this painting, I can almost begin to feel the radiant warmth of the mud-walled buildings. Surely, this would be a much more inviting place and time to find oneself than anywhere outside during this cold snap.

The hues and tones of this painting make me wish that I were on the next thing smoking out west, or down south to a much warmer and calmer climate.

What about you? What picture, if you could look at it, would transform you mentally to a warmer and more enjoyable climate? Would it be a beach, a mountain house with a cozy fire, an adobe hut similar to this one in the southwest?

Art has the ability to transform us to places, even if it’s just in our minds. I hope that this painting brings you just a little bit of warmth on this cold, cold night! Stay Warm!

Chris Cook is a premier southern artist and owner of Madison Studios, a web design, maintenance, and e-commerce and marketing company. For his artist biography, contact information, or to view more of his work, click HERE.