Georgia O'Keeffe first visited New Mexico in 1929.
She traveled there during the summer with the American photographer Rebecca Salsbury James. The dramatic landscape, adobe architecture, mountains, and remains of animals became central subjects in O'Keeffe's art and eventually reshaped the public image of her work.
After her first visit, O'Keeffe returned repeatedly and spent increasing amounts of time in the Southwest. She often traveled alone, drove long distances, and painted places such as the cliffs near Ghost Ranch and the distinctive buildings of northern New Mexico.
The year 1929 is sometimes confused with later milestones, including her permanent move to New Mexico in 1949. The earlier date marks the beginning of her artistic relationship with the region; the later date marks the start of her full-time residence there after Alfred Stieglitz's death.