If You Build It . . . - Perspectives from the Artist's Road

If You Build It . . .

Perspectives from The Artist's Road

 

Photograph of the New Mexico Museum of Art ca. 1921

The New Mexico Museum of Art -photograph ca. 1921

Portrait of the Artist, ca. 1910, Donald Beauregard   While recently spending time in Santa Fe, we had the opportunity to visit an exhibition at the New Mexico Museum of Art titled “An American in Paris: Donald Beauregard”. Beauregard was one of the first artists affiliated with the Museum, but tragically died at the age of 29. (We’ll write more about Beauregard and his work shortly.)

   The story of the founding of the Museum is also an interesting one. It came about as an orchestrated attempt to bring back the steep economic decline of Santa Fe. The railroad (named after the town) had bypassed its namesake, going instead to Albuquerque, delivering a boom to Albuquerque and a blow to Santa Fe.

   There was skepticism about the possibility of art playing a major role in bringing Santa Fe back. “The people in this part of the country have about as much use for an artist as their burros have for a fiddler’s midsummer night’s dream,” wrote artist Carlos Vierra in 1904. But mover and shaker Edgar Lee Hewett persevered with his plan, consulting with well-known artist, Robert Henri, after serendipitously meeting him at the 1915 Panama-California International Exhibition.

   Hewett first renovated the ancient Palace of the Governors and held an art exhibition of Williams Rolllins’s work there. Free studios for artists were offered in the Palace, bringing in artists from outside the area to experience and paint the unique landscapes, cultures and intense light. Some came for the air. Called “lungers”, they had breathing diseases such as tuberculosis, and had been prescribed the medicine of clear, dry air by doctors.

   After statehood was given to New Mexico in 1912, Hewett proposed a new, larger building for exhibitions and studio space. On November 24, 1917, the New Mexico Museum opened its doors. It has been not only a home for paintings by artists coming to New Mexico, but also an exploration of the cultural identity of the area through the works of indigenous artists.

   It truly was the spark that ignited the Santa Fe arts colony. The building itself (designed by Isaac Rapp) is considered to be a merging of Native American and Spanish Colonial designs, called Pueblo Revival Style, and is based on several mission churches in the area.



Copyright Hulsey Trusty Designs, L.L.C. (except where noted). All rights reserved.
Become an Artist's Road Member Today!

The Artist's Road LogoClick here to become a Member and enjoy access to all the in-depth painting and travel articles, videos and tutorials. Guaranteed!

Search the Site
Perspectives

Not ready to become a Member yet? Subscribe to our free email postcards, "Perspectives". Enter your email address here.

The Artist's Road Store
A Primer on Night Painting - Nocturnes

Nocturnes - A Primer on Night Painting

Filled with inspirational examples by the masters of nightime painting, this little book is sure to fire up your creative energies. Never tried painting at night? We show you how it's done with a step-by-step-oil demo and a tale of night painting in the wilds of Rocky Mountain National Park. The Primer on Night Painting - Nocturnes is a 7 x 7" PDF download with 40 pages of text and images. It includes a gallery of paintings by masters of the nocturne, information to inspire and encourage you in your plein air nocturne painting, an illustrated step-by-step demo and tips for working in pastel and oil. Also available in a softcover edition. Check out the tools and other products that we use in our own art and travels in The Artist's Road Store. We only offer things for sale that we enthusiastically believe in.

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

About Us

Photograph of John Hulsey and Ann Trusty in Glacier National Park
We are artists, authors and teachers with over 40 years of experience in painting the world's beautiful places. We created The Artist's Road in order to share our knowledge and experiences with you, and create a community of like-minded individuals.  You can learn more about us and see our original paintings by clicking on the links below.
About Ann
     About John
 Hulsey Trusty Studios