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Louisa McElwain Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Louisa McElwain
Ward S Sear
February 28, 2024
I am blessed to own one of her paintings and think of her every day.
Ward S Sear
February 27, 2023
Having breakfast with Louisa in her Espanola house.
She cooked almost as well as she painted. I think of her every day as I look at her painting here in my house in Colorado.
Richard Lanning
February 28, 2020
Louisas work speaks to me daily...always those soft, quiet momentary thoughts of pleasure brought by such beauty. I have paintings placed in my home for maximum viewing no matter where I move about. They are part of my life. Ill often remember the moment that I saw each of my four paintings for the first time...displayed in the gallery from which I acquired them. Such a great recollection for each one. Each one took my breath away...and they still do. We all seek a legacy for which we will be remembered when we leave this earth. While most of us sadly fall short of that, Louisa achieved that splendidly. She has left a long-lasting legacy that will carry on well after I am gone as well. She put oil to canvas and painted the eternal landscapes of New Mexico, and in doing so created her eternity for others through that work. Her blessed talent became our blessing that brings me joy every day. God bless her.
September 20, 2013
My wife and I were originally lawyers in London and now live in the far NW of Scotland, from where we visit AZ annually. Came across Louisa's work at Medicine Man Gallery Tucson and loved it and planned on taking a piece home to enjoy and so folk here could see pure talent intrinsic to the SW USA. Just looked at site to shortlist a couple of Lisa's works and am stunned by the news of her death. Of course I never met her, but felt I knew her through the strength of her art - if that makes sense. I'd like to think she would have been chuffed to know that her talent created that bond with a family of brits living on the edge of the sea so far from NM/AZ. Condolences to family and friends and we will get one of her works and hang it here with pride.
Chris (Field)
Shieldaig,NW Scotland, UK
Art School Painting
Mil Buckelew
August 27, 2013
I am so shocked to hear of Louisa's death. She was such an inspiration to me. I had the privilege to have her as my art teacher when I attended Taos Art School. Just to learn from her and watch the freedom and joy that she expressed in her painting is something that I will always treasure and never forget.
Karen Vance
June 18, 2013
I am so saddened to hear of Louisa's passing. I will miss her, she was a wonderful painter and beautiful person.
She blessed so many of us with her life and magnificent work.
Esther Watermann
May 24, 2013
I was shocked to read about her death in Southwest Art. I only knew and adored her vibrant paintings from this magazine, which kept my fond memories of travels in New Mexico alive. I had always hoped to one day attend a workshop with her, my great idol. Sincere condolences to her family. A big fan of Louisa from Germany
My wife and daughter
Alan Taback
May 19, 2013
She took me painting with her; told me to paint from my heart with all the energy in my body, gave me her canvass, her paint, her truck, and turned me loose. she influenced me more than any other artist. She had such a clean pure heart. She has a place deep within my heart. Soar with the angels dear Louisa
Rick Lanning
April 28, 2013
It is April 28, 2013 and I went to see what Louisa has recently painted, only to be shocked by this and other news of her passing. I passionately own four of her paintings and first fell in love with her work in the late 1980's and early 1990's when I first viewed them in a small gallery on San Francisco Street. I am devastated by this news, but for her daughters, I want you to know what an inspiration your mother was to me through her art. Everyday I walk throughout my house and enjoy the vibrant color and oil on canvas, all coming to life - gifts from your mother's talent to my heart and home as an appreciative owner of her works.
Jolan Deeley
April 16, 2013
I was shocked to just read of Louisa's death. I fell in love with her work the
first moment I looked at her glorious paintings. The depth of inspiration and expression she evoked from the heavens will forever remind me of her as I look upon her painting in our home. May her family, friends and admirers take comfort in knowing what a great spirit and talent she was.
Nancy Muise
April 10, 2013
Louisa was an inspiration to me, I love her work and her kindred spirit. I have shared examples of her work and enthusiasm for art and life as an example to my students. God bless her and her loved ones for their loss.
Green River, Canyonlands
Ward Sear
April 7, 2013
I was STUNNED to hear of her passing. We had planned for several years to get her on one of my river trips so she could paint some canyon country scenes that she loved so much. Some of us eddy out too early, WAY too early. I'll always think of her as I float down the canyons that she could so well capture on canvas like no other.
Cynthia Gardner
April 5, 2013
I studied art from Louisa when she traveled to Florida to teach a workshop in 2004. Her vision inspired me and her painting techniques were so refreshing and liberating. I have one of her pieces of art hanging in my home and continues to inspire my art. I am happy I got to know her and she impressed me with the spirit she had. I am sorry for your family's loss!
Reed Stevens
March 31, 2013
Jim and I are sorry to learn of Louisa's death. I threw a baby shower for her at my Upper Canyon Road house when Maisie was in process and I still use the good Revereware pot someone left behind. We danced a Maypole dance around her. We rode with her from the Tano Road house. She built fabulously creative houses and gardens.
A light has gone out. Love to Maisie, Tasha and Peter.
Sarah [Brown] Garcia
March 31, 2013
One of my favorite memories has been sitting in a field of wildflowers with Louisa while she made me a chain of daisies for my hair. She had that generosity of spirit that lets a teenager sit quietly with an eight year old and create a treasured memory. I will miss her.
March 12, 2013
We feel honored to have one of Louisa's paintings hanging in our home. She has been our favorite artist for many years, and we are so saddened by her passing. Prayers for her family and friends.
Old Friends
March 12, 2013
A Candle for the Newly Departed Louisa and Joe, Who are Reunited in Heaven--You are Both Treasured and Missed!
Jonathan Winer
March 11, 2013
There is so much mystery in any life, and I knew only her quiet passionate exterior side when she was young. . . her art shows a person grabbing flashing strokes of paint to both capture and express the universe. Though she chose to recede at this time, she has left all of these striking moving images of light, sparks for the rest of us.
Linda Morton
March 11, 2013
I felt a sense of spirit in Louisa's paintings which always lives on.
Robyn Cote
March 10, 2013
I did not know Louisa but always admired her work so much, her passing is too soon, she was young, and perhaps troubled. May she rest in peace. Her art will be admired by many people for years to come, may her soul find peace and happiness in the ethos and the universe. She shall not be forgotten!
Julie Goldman Klein
March 9, 2013
I am so saddened to hear of Louisa's passing. I remember her beauty and grace from long ago. My deepest sympathies to Amy and Don, her daughters, and the rest of her family. She will never be forgotten.
Stew HaVILAND
March 8, 2013
I'm so sorry to hear of Louisa's passing. I went to high school with her. I was not aware of her art work until recently. It is absolutely beautiful. The colors, and textures. What a wonderful legacy.
Jane Hamilton
March 8, 2013
Louisa was a bright light and a lovely spirit. I was glad to have met her and seen her magical and passionate work in galleries throughout the southwest. My heart felt sympathies to her daughters and family.
Christine Romero
March 8, 2013
We met Louisa at Church, she was a beautitul sister in Christ who loved the Lord Jesus and praised Him with all her heart and soul. She is dancing for Him now, arms held high in worship. She will be missed. Anthony and Christine Romero
Kathy Wipfler
March 7, 2013
Louisa - One of a kind, talented & genuine. I'm reliving painting with her in front of the Grand Tetons. She held a special spirit & energy.
Devorah Rosenberg
March 7, 2013
Blessings and sympathy to the family. I remember her and her family from the early 70's in high school and am thrilled that she had such passion and talent into her adulthood. That passion is a hallmark of the Mc Elwain family. Much love to her daughters at this hard time, her memory is a blessing. Devorah
Elisabeth Castillo
March 7, 2013
My thoughts with you, Amy, Don & families. So sorry.
love, Lisa Castillo
March 7, 2013
We were very saddened to hear about Louisa's passing.
Our deepest condolences to her daughters and sister and extended family.
Louisa embraced her faith with her passion for the unborn and pro-life. She will be greatly missed in many ways--her creative talent as seen in her art and home and her green thumb as evidenced by her garden. Our thoughts and prayers are with Louisa's family and friends. May she rest in peace.
Leo and Maria Gallegos, Cuarteles, NM
Gary Douglas
March 7, 2013
Our deepest sympathies to Louisa's family. We are saddened by her passing.
My wife, daughter and I first became acquainted with Louisa through her art. Later we met and painted with Louisa during an art workshop in Northern New Mexico. It was the beginning of a wonderful friendship.
Louisa was intelligent, beautiful, energetic, passionate, caring, talented and seeking a closer relationship with Christ. We are comforted by knowing that she is in the loving embrace of her Heavenly Father.
With love,
Paula, Gary and Elizabeth
John Ainlay
March 7, 2013
I never had a chance to meet Louisa, but have admired her work for years. I can't believe she is gone!
Adriene Simpson
March 7, 2013
Her art will always inspire awe and admiration for God's creation and her talent. May the Lord bless her soul and console her family in their loss.
Sarah Perkins
March 7, 2013
I was a friend of Louisa's in high school and her father was my father's college roommate. I have fond memories of a trip to Washington DC for an anti Vietnem war protest with Louisa's parents and siblings and a group of leftie students. I remember her passion and commitment to doing the right thing and her care for less fortunate individuals. I'm so sorry to hear that she passed away so young.
Andy Strominger
March 7, 2013
I am saddened to hear Louisa has passed away and want to give my condolences to Louisa's family. I am a friend of hers from many years ago.
March 7, 2013
Our fondness for the high desert of northern New Mexico has been forever heightened by Louisa's thunderstorm landscapes that grace and bless our home. We will miss her and extend our thoughts and prayers to those so close to her.
With heart felt regards,
Rich & Sandra Glomski
Comfort, TX
Paula Velten
March 7, 2013
My condolences go out to the family and friends of Louisa McElwain. She was my Mother's friend and neighbor and I had hoped to meet her, because I admired her talent.
Katie and Bill Heck
March 6, 2013
Hard to imagine her gone. An enormous light has gone out. We are richer for having known her...and so very saddened by her death.
Mary Campbell
March 6, 2013
So, you are in His presence...YEAH !!! Enjoy...
Andrew Jackson
March 6, 2013
My sympathy and prayers to Louisa's family . I didn't know her, but impressed by her faith in Jesus . May the Lord comfort your hearts during this time .
Anna & Erick Carlgren
March 6, 2013
With fond memories of Louisa's radiance, we offer our sincere condolences.
Mary and Bill
March 6, 2013
We had admired her work and were fortunate to have had the opportunity of meeting her last December. She will be greatly missed.
Blue Rain Gallery
March 6, 2013
Our sincerest condolences to Louisa's family and friends. The artwork will stand the test of time in conveying her beauty, energy, and unique outlook on life. RIP.
Lorna Lynn
March 6, 2013
Louisa McElwain's art is a great gift to the world. My husband and I are fortuntate in having two of her paintings in our home. They always raise my spirits. I salute all the wisdom and beauty within the artist, which will live on in her work and in all those she touched. My heart goes out to her family and friends.
Eric & Melissa Bednarski
March 6, 2013
Our sincerest condolences to Louisa's family. We had the pleasure of meeting Louisa; her energy and zest for life were inspiring. We were so touched when we met her, and are so saddened to hear of her passing. We hope she may rest in peace and we will always cherish her painting in our home.
Peaceable Kingdom
Don & Terry Brennan
March 6, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to her family and the community of friends in the art world. We are deeply saddened. We had the great pleasure of meeting and enjoying Louisa on several trips to Santa Fe. She truly was a gifted and remarkable artist. We will treasure our paintings. May she rest in peace. The Don Brennan Family
Matthew Higginbotham
March 6, 2013
My heart goes out to Louisa's family. I did not Louisa personally but very much admired her work and creative spirit from afar. Seeing a video of her painting outdoors with large canvases on the back of her truck, using gobs of paint with abandon was an inspiration. She will be missed. Peace to all her relatives.
March 6, 2013
We have had the good fortune to meet and socialize with Louisa over the past 2-3 years. We admired her spirit, fun loving nature and her artistic talent. We mourn her passing but we will cherish her artwork as a lasting memory of our friendship.
Gerry Kowalchuk & Lise Andreana
Niagara on the Lake, Ont., Canada
March 6, 2013
Louisa was a neighbor and a dear friend in Christ. Enjoyed being with her at our monthly prayer suppers. I will miss her wonderful exhuberance and lovely countenance. Such a loss! -Carmen Payne, Cuarteles, NM
Tom Steward
March 5, 2013
I am deeply saddened by this loss of a precious daughter of the King. I am certain that she is painting the landscape of heaven with marvelous colors as the fullness of The Lord flows through her.
Mark & Buffy Kline
March 5, 2013
A significant loss for Santa Fe and the Art world !!
Tammy Christel
March 5, 2013
This is hard to believe. I did not know Louisa well, but have long admired her art and passion. What freedom of spirit! I am grieved to hear of her loss. I loved seeing her and her beautiful paintings here in Jackson Hole. Deeply sorry---my greatest sympathies.
Marta Stafford
March 5, 2013
Louisa has left such a legacy. So many celebrate her life.
Linda, Paul, PJ &. Keith Jones
March 5, 2013
Tasha and Family,
We are deeply sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Wladimir & Diane Senutovitch
March 5, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those Louisa has left behind to guard, remember and share in her legacy. A wonderful artist, vibrant woman full of character and generosity. You are with your Lord and Savior and at Peace dancing for the lover of your soul. So glad we got to know you Louisa. Hugs and kisses!!!
Larry & Roseann Gallegos
March 5, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to all her family. She was a very good neighbor, we enjoyed her company. We'll miss her dearly!
March 5, 2013
She was always like a big gust of wind. Bless her soul.
March 5, 2013
Dear Dear Louisa. Such a strong woman you were. You just couldn't take the pain and loss for one more day. I am crying now and will shed more tears. You were a scholar and brilliant painter and communicator and presenter. Whenever I drive up and down Los Trujillo Hill overlooking the Rio Chama, one of your favorite destinations to paint, I will pause and give thanks for a woman who was even more grandeur than her work. To those you knew well and not so well, you will be mourned and terribly missed in body and spirit. May you rest in peace Dear One.
Pedernal at Sunset in Abiquiu
Robb & Dr. Melinda Carter
March 5, 2013
Our sincerest sympathy to Louisa's two daughters and sister and multitude of friends and fans in her passing. Rest in Peace Louisa
j g
March 5, 2013
Terribly saddened to hear of Louisa's passing. Sincere condolences to her daughters and family members.
Larry Quinlan
March 5, 2013
I will miss seeing her at our church where she brought joy and energy every time she was there. I will not forget those times.
March 5, 2013
The loss of Louisa weighs heavily. My deep and heartfelt condolecences to her family.
Margaret McCarthy
March 5, 2013
Condolences and prayers to Louisa's family. She was a wonderful artist and a fine and generous person. My husband and I bought one of her paintings to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. It is a depiction of her horses around a pond on her farm. Louisa introduced us to the horses and took us to the very spot where the painting was created, giving us lovely memories to go with it. We enjoy seeing this peaceful scene through her eyes every day. Rest in peace, Louisa. You live on in the hearts and souls of the many people you touched.
Gwen Meyer
March 5, 2013
A great loss for all artists, particularly those of us whose love of the southwest is passionate. May we take the gift of her work with us wherever we go. My condolences and blessings to her family.
We Worship in Joy Spirit and in Truth! remembering the Best of Magic Moments Together!
Anastasia Ealy
March 5, 2013
Darling Sister in the Global family Of Jesus' LOVE-I am missing you more that words can say-You were a true sister in all ways of sisterhood-But I have been with you in your highest of moments worshiping and praising our King of all Love! So I am praying to be seeing you by our Beloved Saviour's side. And we will be worshiping with harps and dance and all our might once again when he wipes away all tears from our eyes. I love you forever with God's forever Love---And all the tears are not wiped away just yet-(Isaiah25:8)-But God is keeping all our "tears in His bottle." You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; [Are they] not in Your book?Psalm 56:8--But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.
For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive [and] remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep.
For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
Then we who are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
Therefore comfort one another with these words.
My Dear Sister, I know you believed this with all your heart and spirit--So rest well in Jesus and I'll see you after awhile. Anastasia
I will continue to paint and photograph and write about, the mountains and skies, wonders of creation and beloveds; and have your living inspiration and teachings always in kept as a flame burning in my heart, to keep your love of expressing you Joy of God's creation through all my faculties! I will continue to let the Light shine!
Linda Dellandre
March 5, 2013
I had admired her paintings in Southwest Art, and met her quite by accident as I was plein air painting by the side of the road in New Mexico. She was generous, funny, smart, focused, beautiful and immensely talented. So so sorry that she is gone. Peace be with her.
March 5, 2013
My sincere condolences to the family. As a docent at the Phoenix Art Museum, I will take a minute of rememberance this Wednesday when I talk about Louisa and her painting "The Rain God". Her spirit and love of en plein air painting will remain forever. Honey Bartsch
Janet Duffy
March 5, 2013
Heartbreaking loss. Makes me realize we certainly only have today because I've been looking forward to visiting Louisa at her ranch and just hadn't made the trip yet. Now, forever lost.
Louisa's energy continues to suffuse my home through her paintings. It is good and positive and emotionally uplifting -and beautiful and unique and creative - all qualities of this remarkable woman. Rest in Peace Dear One. Rest in Peace.
March 5, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
March 5, 2013
I had the great pleasure of representing Louisa's work at my gallery in Albuquerque, NM. She was a friend and inspiration. She will be missed by all.
Marg Donlan
March 5, 2013
I morn Louisa's passing and am grateful for the wonderful energy she continues to share through her paintings. My sympathy & kindest regards to her family & loved ones. May you find comfort in knowing she touched so many in this world.
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