Our gallery is located in the Westcliffe "theatre district" - across Main Street from the Jones Theatre:-) Peggy and I try hard to keep things interesting with new crafts, jewelry, paintings and of course minerals and fossils. We are always on the hunt for good quality minerals and fossils at fair prices. We do a good bit of collecting and have a mining claim near Lake George, Colorado where we dig for pegmatite minerals. We invite you stop in and look and see what is new.
After 23 years with this shop, Peggy and I have decided to take some time off. The difficulties presented by the pandemic only accelerated this decision. While we love the shop and the people we meet, we are somewhat bound by it particularly during our wonderful Colorado summers. We have wrestled with the idea of retiring and closing the shop and have finally decided to do that in September 2024. We will continue with our reduced hours of operation until that time. PLEASE CHECK THIS WEBSITE FOR OPEN TIMES BEFORE MAKING THE TRIP TO THE GALLERY!
CLOSING SCHEDULE
We will be closing the shop at the end of September 2024. Saturday, September 28 will be the last day for the mineral store. Until then, we will be open Friday and Saturday 8am to 5pm. The art gallery and some limited items will remain until Saturday, October 5 (see below). Peggy and I are grateful for all the years we had operating the shop and for all the wonderful and interesting people we met through the years. All of you will always be in our memories.
We will begin on-line sales as soon as we have finished closing the shop and moving everything home. We will continue to attend gem and mineral shows as vendors. We will post a show schedule here as soon as the shows are confirmed. For now, we plan to attend the Colorado Springs show in June 2025 and Creede, Colorado show in August 2025.
OCTOBER 5, 2024 WESTCLIFFE "OPEN GALLERY EVENT"
Galleries in Westcliffe will hold a special day of events including refreshments, featured artists, and demonstrations. Our gallery will offer 20% off all artwork and crafts. At noon and 3pm, Steve will present a demonstration of painting skies in watercolor. We hope to see many of our friends and clients for our last day.
SPECIAL INFORMATION REQUESTED BY OUR CUSTOMERS:
Care of Opal from Wollo Province, Ethiopia
“Welo opal” from Ethiopia is often “hydrophane” meaning that it easily absorbs water or other liquids. To test the degree to which your opal is hydrophane, wet a finger with clear water and touch the opal. If it adheres noticeably to your finger it is hydrophane. This is a dubious test for smaller opals as I can get a granite bead to stick if it is small enough. Much of the opal that we have is not strongly hydrophane. However, to error on the safe side assume that yours is. It won’t hurt to treat it that way.
It is then logical to avoid wetting the opal with a liquid that would stain/color the stone. Even if the stone absorbs clear water it may change color and loose its fire. Not to worry, most will return to their original color when fully dry although this can require up to a week or more depending on how much water has been absorbed. Let the stone dry naturally and don’t use a heat source or let it sit in the sunlight as this may damage (crack/check) the opal. If the stone needs cleaning it is OK to use water, a soft brush and a mild detergent. Rinse and let dry. Do NOT use an ultrasonic cleaner.
All opal is relatively soft (harder than pearls or coral but softer than most other precious and semi-precious gemstones) so it should be treated gently realizing that it can be scratched, chipped or broken. If your opal is in a ring it is best not to wear it while doing dishes or while doing certain chores like gardening. Extreme temperature changes should be avoided so after a day of skiing in freezing weather don’t jump into a hot tub with your opal. It is best to avoid freezing the opal.
Steve Willman, Sangre de Cristo Gallery, 2020
Prices shown for paintings are matted only (single or double acid-free mat). All of the paint that I use is light fast. Until I set up a shopping cart, (someday) you may call the gallery or email to inquire. Sizes shown are of the approximate image. Add 5 to 6 inches to estimate the framed size.
Recent Paintings by Steve Willman
Fabiano and Valerie's Barn - watercolor on paper 2017
10 1/2" x 14 1/2"
$350
Our friends in Oranmore, Ireland, Fabiano and Valerie, recently purchased a farm. They are improving the property in hopes of growing food for their restaurant. Fabiano and I spent an afternoon painting some of the older outbuildings. Magic days.
Cala Pedrosa, Catalonia - watercolor on paper - 2017
10 1/2" x 14 1/2"
$350
This was painted from the rocky beach of Cala Pedrosa. It is about a 45 minute walk along the coast trail south from Tamariu, Catalonia, Spain.
Aigua Xelida - watercolor on paper 2017.
10 1/2" x 14 1/2"
$350
This is a small and secluded beach north of Tamariu, Catalonia, Spain. Warm, calm weather in October.
Bay and Castle, Kinvarra, Ireland - watercolor on paper 2017.
10 1/2" x 14 1/2 "
$350
This was painted with typical western Ireland weather. I had to cover the painting about 10 times during the day and wait for the rain to pass. The castle and traditional boat took me back in time.
Doc Martin's House, Port Isaac, Cornwall. Watercolor on paper 2017
15" x 22"
$350
This is the view from the harbor in Port Isaac. The house used in the TV series as Doc Martin's house is the smallest (center). Port Isaac offers a small harbor along the rugged coastline of Cornwall. This is one of many paintings that I did during Stephen Quiller's wonderful workshop in Cornwall. A warm group of friends and painters that I hope to see again.
Rocks South of Tamariu - watercolor on paper 2017
11" x 15.5"
$300
This was painted just off the coastal trail that leads south from Tamariu, Catalonia, Spain.
View from Platja dels Liris - Watercolor on paper 2017.
8 1/2 x 14 1/2
$400
The Platja dels Liris adjoins the beach at Tamariu, Catalonia, Spain. The boat was busy most days taking divers out to various locations.
Cottoners River. Kerry, Ireland Watercolor on paper - 2017.
8 1/2" x 14 1/2"
$400
This scene is in the middle of the Kerry Peninsula, Ireland. I painted this where the rapids descend into a calm lake.
Heavy Surf at Newquay, Cornwall. Casein on paper 2017.
8 1/2" x 14 1/2 "
The coast of Cornwall is rugged and beautiful. This was a day of wind and rain that created magnificent surf. Painted from inside the Victoria Hotel. Picture window plein aire?
$350
Monastic City, Glendalough. Watercolor on paper 2017.
8 1/2 x 14 1/2 "
The monastic city at Glendalough, Wicklow, Ireland is a National Park. The stone buildings date from medieval times.
$350
Fall in Moab. Watercolor on paper. 2020
8 1/2 " x 14 "
Along the canyon north of Moab, Utah, are many BLM campsites. Each offers access to the Colorado River and beautiful scenery. You are surrounded by soaring sandstone walls. Fall is spectacular with near perfect weather.
$400
Fishing Boat, Newquay Harbor, Cornwall. Watercolor on paper 2017.
8 1/2 x 14 1/2 "
I did several paintings and many sketches of this working boat in Newquay Harbor. It sometimes had an orange sail deployed which was what first drew me to this particular boat. This was on a very wet and rainy (and very typical) day at high tide.
$300
Aigua Dolca, Tamariu, Catalonia. Transparent watercolor on paper 2017.
8 1/2 x 14 1/2 "
The little fisherman's house, the steps, the rocks ... who could resist? This was painted from the walkway which ends where the figures are placed. It was a very busy weekend and I talked as much as painted. A warm and calm day very typical of Tamariu.
$300
Fishing Boats at Alghero, Sardengha. Watercolor on paper 2015.
8 1/2 x 14 1/2 "
The extensive port at Alghero extends north from the historic old town protected by two long breakwaters. The masts of the larger sail boats soar above the walls of the fortified city. Fishing boats come and go no doubt supplying the fresh fish offered by Alghero's many restaurants.
SOLD
Returning From a Dive Trip. Watercolor on paper 2015.
This sailboat is based in Tamariu and takes divers to various locations along the coast. Several times when they returned I saw that there was a wave at the inlet entry which they crossed. The sailboat and the trailing raft would pitch and roll and then enter the calm water of the bay.
14 1/2 x 10 1/2 "
$300
Marazion Bay, Cornwall. Watercolor on paper 2017.
The port of St Michaels Mount is on the left. Typical Cornwall weather ... partly rainy.
10 1/2 x 14 1/2 "
$400
Bougainvillea, Pals, Catalonia. Watercolor on paper 2017.
Pals is a well preserved medieval town between Girona and the Costa Brava. Late in the day after most of the tourists have departed it is very peaceful with only the echoes of voices coming down the street. Later, the residents came out for a stroll and to take back their town...but that is another painting.
11 1/2" x 14 1/2"
$300
Church in Lastours, France. Watercolor on paper 2017.
10 1/2 x 14 1/2"
This church sits above the little village of Lastours north of Carcassonne. I came here to paint the Cather castles on the ridge above but was attracted to this small church perched above the town.
$300
At Anchor, Tamariu. Watercolor and gauche on paper 2017.
The day was foggy. It drifted in and out until late afternoon. These boats were at anchor waiting for the fog to lift. Painted from the small dock in Tamariu, Catalonia,
10 1/2 x 14 1/2"
$400
Low Tide, St Ives, Cornwall. Casein on paper 2017.
At low tide the boats are scattered around on the beach like toys.
10 1/2 x 14 1/2"
$400
River Caragh, Kerry. Watercolor on paper, 2017.
10 1/2" x 14 1/2"
This view is from a large pullout on the busy Ring of Kerry road near Glenbeigh. I set up among a group of vendors selling crafts, jewelry, food and paintings. Tour buses would stop to allow people to shop and enjoy this view. When the buses stopped coming about 14:00 I was left alone to finish my painting. The Caragh River is used as a standard of good water quality by the European Union.
$300
The Swimmer, Tamariu. Watercolor on paper 2017.
I set up to paint the rocks and surf but shortly after I started a swimmer came by. I was impressed that he was confident enough to swim along the coast in the calmer water just outside the surf.
10 1/2 x 14 1/2"
$300
Newquay Beach, Cornwall. Watercolor on paper 2017.
I watched from the Newquay beach as this little boat passed slowly by in the dense fog. I sketched the boat and did this watercolor sketch after it passed by. Cold and damp day.
10 1/2 x 14 1/2"
$300
Mousehole, Cornwall. Watercolor on paper 2017
15" x 22"
This is the view looking down, across the Mousehole harbor with the tide mostly in. I can not help but be fascinated by the boats and movement of the water.
$350