The West calls to everyone. Not everyone answers the call. But Joshua LaRock did.
The Texas painter, long admired for his work in contemporary realism, has made the plunge into Western art with a new show opening December 7 at Maxwell Alexander Gallery in Los Angeles. Austin-based LaRock—who studied art in New York after becoming enamored with European art, especially 19th-century French painting and the work of William-Adolphe Bouguereau—has been primarily occupied with commissioned portraiture and “gallery works that are an attempt at contemporary interpretations of these European influences.” 
Desert Repose, oil on linen, 21 x 38"
“…[I]n recent years I became aware of the Western art genre in a way that was previously unknown to me. I was a huge admirer of landscape artists Thomas Moran and Albert Beirstadt, who certainly tackled Western subjects but it wasn’t until I began teaching at the Scottsdale Artists’ School that I became aware of the more figurative Western artists like Frank Tenney Johnson, Joseph Henry Sharp and Eanger Irving Couse,” LaRock says. “These painters had similar paths as my own having been trained in European practices and then applying them to the American West. In fact, I was surprised to find that both Couse and Sharp even studied with Bouguereau in Paris.”
Braids, oil on linen, 27 x 21"
His first Western series was inspired by his time in Arizona, as well as his friendship with artist and model LeAnn Murphy, who is the subject of The Overlook. He also turns his attention to some of Arizona’s most famous landmarks, including Monument Valley. “I felt like everything came together during my trip to Monument Valley—the evening light, beautiful horse and model were so inspiring that
Descent, oil on linen, 21 x 28"
I couldn’t ignore it. I did attempt many different compositions and thumbnails to see what might be best, but I think, as with anything, no matter how famous the subject, if genuine feeling along with good taste and technique are present then it should work,” he says of the often-painted landmarks. “I hope to have tapped into something beautiful and true that transcends just the fame.”
Return Home, oil on linen, 19 x 33"
LaRock, who teaches art and embraces the technical aspects of painting, approaches the West the same way he approaches other subjects. “I wanted to see if I could find a contemporary rendition of the subject matter while imbuing as much emotion into each painting as I could muster,” he says. “In future works, I plan to explore more of my native Texas. My father was born in New Mexico but grew up in El Paso, where I would take summer trips to stay with my grandparents. My memories and experiences there would be a rich source to revisit as well as Big Bend and the like. I look forward to visiting the many ranches and meeting more of the people that make up this vast state. Colorado and the Rocky Mountains will surely find their way into forthcoming works as I spent my high school and college years on the front range. In all, it has felt freeing and encouraging to embrace my American heritage and specifically Western themes—a return to my roots, perhaps.” —
Upcoming Show
Up to 12 works
December 7-21, 2019
Maxwell Alexander Gallery
406 W. Pico Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 275-1060
www.maxwellalexandergallery.com
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