Ghost Ranch gave Georgia O'Keeffe many subjects for her New Mexico landscape paintings.
Ghost Ranch is a historic area near Abiquiú in northern New Mexico. O'Keeffe visited the region beginning in 1934 and found its cliffs, ridges, mesas, and changing light especially compelling.
She painted parts of the landscape repeatedly, including formations that became recognizable motifs in her work. Her paintings did not simply document the scenery; they simplified and reorganized it into bold shapes and unusual viewpoints.
Ghost Ranch is sometimes confused with Abiquiú, where O'Keeffe also had a home and studio. They are distinct places, although both are closely associated with her New Mexico career. The ranch later became a retreat and education center operated by the Presbyterian Church.