Connie Cronenwett Pastel — Mesilla Valley & Organ Mountains, Framed 17.5"x23"

Pastel on paper by Connie Cronenwett (American, contemporary), signed lower right. This vibrant work captures the Mesilla Valley and Organ Mountains of southern New Mexico, with terracotta-roofed houses, lush green trees, and lavender fields set against a striking desert mountain backdrop. Cronenwett’s layered pastel strokes and luminous palette convey both the breadth of the landscape and the play of light across the valley floor.

The piece is professionally framed under glass in a wood frame with rust-red and cream double matting, complementing the natural tones of the composition. A quintessential example of Cronenwett’s style, it will appeal to collectors of American regional landscapes as well as those seeking an evocative Southwestern focal point for display.

Condition

Good condition overall. The pastel retains vibrant color and crisp detail. Some debris is visible behind the glass, and the frame shows light wear consistent with handling, but presentation remains strong.

Dimensions

• Overall (framed): 17.5 x 23 inches
• Visible image: 11.5 x 17 inches

Artist Biography

Connie Cronenwett is an American painter celebrated for her luminous landscapes in pastel and oil. Based in Michigan, she often begins her compositions with plein air sketches, later developing them into finished works that balance realism with painterly expression. Her subjects include Midwestern farms, Lake Michigan dunes, riverbanks, and fields, as well as iconic Southwestern vistas such as the Mesilla Valley and Organ Mountains.

A represented artist at the WSG Gallery in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Cronenwett’s work has been widely exhibited and collected. Known for her ability to capture atmosphere and a strong sense of place, her landscapes remain highly regarded for their expressive color and evocative portrayal of natural beauty.