Southwest Autumn Moon

Gouache 20 X 16 1985

The Melanie Gerhardt Collection

I remember being stationed in New Mexico as a glider pilot in WWII. A chum and I would hitch hike and stay in a small village lodge near the Rio Grand River. Nearby a corner bar with soldiers and fly guys spilled out into the street noisily letting off steam and other excesses. Jim and I sought refuge in our room. Years later those nights haunted me. The moon. Barren trees. The simple, soft glow of light and terrain.