Original Hand Painted ''Our Lady of Friendship, Patron of Friends'' Retablo by Carmen Romero Velarde, measures 9'' x 15'', signed and titled on back by artist, Artist Bio: Taos Artist Carmen Romero Velarde: she learned to paint retablos. She used chicken feathers and made paint from dried and pulverized flowers, chile powder, etc. The artists sometimes provided her with paints and brushes, encouraging her to continue the retablo tradition. She has a saint for everything. They include the Lady of Medecina, the Patron of Ecologists, St. Francis of Asis, the Lady of Travel, the Saint of Agricultura, and more. The saints listen intently to our conversation. Carmen's courage, endurance, and integrity are potent. She serves as an example to her five children, 23 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and myself. She is brilliant; one of a kind.'' taken from Carmen Romero-Velarde, Artisan and Adobe Specialist In the Embrace of God, by Tizia O'Connor. You can sense Carmen's Native American heritage in her dress and jewelry. Her humble demeanor contrasts with her pride as she speaks of her achievements as a builder and as a teacher of builders.