About Aleta

Aleta Pippin, age 7, ready to take on the world!

At the age of six I remember my initial visit to Palm Springs, California. I’d never been to the desert having lived five years in Michigan and another year or so in Torrance, California. So, there I was in the backseat of my grandmother’s car (windows down, no air conditioning), with my two sisters, as we descended through the pass from Riverside into the intense heat and arid climate of the desert.

At first I thought it ugly, but quickly learned to appreciate the stark rugged landscape, clear light, deep blue sky, long views, and majestic mountains. Those images impressed on my subconscious mind for that time when I would realize my high school dream of becoming an artist.

The first step in moving toward realization of that dream began quite serendipitously after a move to Santa Fe, New Mexico in the autumn of 1991. We’d relocated to Santa Fe from Houston, Texas where I had a business since 1984. Used to being very busy, suddenly I had time, so I took a painting class with Roberta Harris, an artist from Houston. For the next several years, I took numerous classes and painted – mostly portraits and landscapes; experimenting with different media – acrylics, oils, pastels, and watercolors, ultimately preferring oils and acrylics.

In 2003, my passion for painting became realized. I continued to finetune my technique and found my voice – becoming an abstract painter. Color was the driving force along with my childhood impressions and passion for the Coachella Valley desert. Those memories expressed themselves into my paintings, showing up as color, freedom, and energetic movement.

I launched my third career in 2004 as a full-time abstract painter. In 2006, fellow artist, Barbara Meikle and I opened Pippin Meikle Fine Art on Delgado Street in Santa Fe. In 2011, I opened Pippin Contemporary on Lincoln Avenue, ultimately moving to 409 Canyon Road.

Undergoing another metamorphosis, I closed the gallery December 31, 2019, almost nine years after it opened. I thought I’d be using that time to focus on painting and enjoying other pursuits. It would become the next chapter of my life. Little did I know, it would be such a dramatic change?!

In 2017 my husband of almost 35 years, Corky Weaver, passed away. Thank goodness for the gallery and creating. A few months after his passing, I was surprised to receive a call from Stelena Hooper-Evans, a co-worker from the 80s. She called to let me know that another co-worker, Bennie Wallace’s wife of almost 40 years had passed away – did I want to call and offer condolences? Of course! I hadn’t seen him in 34 plus years, so it was fun to catch up. Ultimately, we married in September 2021.

Well – that was more of a life-changing event than I’d planned on after closing the gallery! As a result, I retired from painting. So here I am in mid-2024, returning to my love of creating. This time it will be digital. I am selling limited editions of past paintings. I’m also considering using digital to re-create past painting images into new pieces.

Additionally, I’m adding photography as another art form and creative expression. Those images will also be available. As I write this, I’m thinking it’s quite an ambitious undertaking, but I’ll enjoy creating again and believe it’s worth the effort.