So, it is true. Arizona has scorching temperatures in the summer throughout certain regions, making it difficult to even run daily errands around town. And forget about taking a hike or even a walk to grab a coffee! Alas, there are still many reasons why people continue to flock to the state, and why many live there year around. In fact, many might say they feel lucky to live in such a place. A place that offers up breathtaking landscape scenery ranging from Sonoran Desert views in Phoenix and Tucson, to the red rocks of Sedona and the pines of Flagstaff, and one national park so famous it need not be mentioned.

Grand Canyon Sunrise View with Clouds. Copyright (c) 2007 by E.B. Lane. All rights reserved. Courtesy of Visit Phoenix.It might make more sense now why many artists and creatives have settled in Arizona, choosing to withstand the hot months to enjoy amazing weather through the rest of the year. Others may only stay a short visit, but leave with fresh, astonishing references for new work, perhaps wishing they could stay longer to take in the abundant historic landmarks, national parks and diverse regions, and bask in the perennial sunshine.

Artists like Ed Mell, born and currently residing in the central Phoenix area, are greatly influenced by the desert scenery of the Southwest. He upholds a contemporary Western view in paintings that are illustrative in nature, as is his background. “Mell brings an architectural eye to the desert, emphasizing graphic elements and stripping away details that do not serve his vision,” says representatives at Altamira Fine Art, located in the Scottsdale Arts District. “From landscapes to storms, longhorn cattle to desert flowers, he presents the American Southwest in bold colors and lines, energizing the vistas with his singular style.”

From landscapes to ranch life, Bill Anton has made quite an imprint on the Western art world from his home based in the northern town of Prescott—a forested area with much cooler weather and a flare for the ranching and rodeo lifestyle. “The focus of my work has always been mood and passion,” the artist claims. “If I’m recording anything, I’m recording how I feel about the West. I want the viewer to feel the drama of atmosphere and the mystery of a Western night. I want the volume and portent of a cloud to be evident in the calligraphy of a brush stroke. The pack of the muscle below a horse’s shoulder should be energized by the gestural application of paint.”

Maynard Dixon (1837-1926), Apache Land, 1915, oil on canvas, 20 x 30"Artists on the historic side have also either lived in or spent some time appreciating the Arizona atmosphere, to then apply their inspiration to magnificent works of art that have stood the test of time. Thomas Moran (1837-1926), the great painter of famous landmarks in his Hudson River School style, spent a great deal of time sketching the Grand Canyon, culminating in  astonishing oil paintings and watercolors of the park. The famous Maynard Dixon (1875-1946), an early modernist of the desert using bold color for paintings and murals, lived most of his life in the West, and spent a great deal of time in Tucson, another desert landscape with a unique artistic and cultural hub, dotted with pueblo-style housing.

“When Maynard Dixon first visited Arizona, at the turn of the 20th century, it was wild, open territory, inhabited primarily by Hispanics and Native Americans,” writes Mark Sublette for the Maynard Dixon Museum in Tucson. “In 1902, he made his first visit to Lorenzo Hubbell’s Ganado trading post and came away with wonderful sketches he would use as inspiration for many years to come. Viewing these works, one can imagine the awe Maynard Dixon felt in the raw beauty of the landscape and its inhabitants. He would return to Arizona many times, ultimately making Tucson his final home.”

Simply put, Arizona is a beautiful region, blessed with stunning natural wonders from north to south, wonders that have influenced some of the greatest artists throughout history. These places still call to artists today. Continue reading this section dedicated to the Grand Canyon State to hear from galleries, museums and artists who reside in Arizona, and remain inspired year-around. 

Natural Wonders

Arizona is home to a number of historic landmarks and national parks.

 Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon, found in Northern Arizona, is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world, stretching close to 2,000 miles. For millions of years, the Colorado River wound itself into the bedrock, creating today’s glorious display of unique geology and iconic views. You can experience the canyon in many ways; hiking, rafting the river, mule trips and even helicopter tours. (Image: William R. Leigh)

 Monument Valley
Occupying Navajo lands in northeast Arizona, are the breathtaking views of sandstone mesas and buttes of Monument Valley. These special formations, reaching heights of 400 to 1,000 feet, are some of the most photographed in the state, and were even featured in the movie Forrest Gump. While there are tours available, the area is considered sacred to the Navajo people, making for strict rules and guidelines when visiting. (Image: Curt Walters)

 Canyon De Chelly
Located in the northeast corner of the state, Canyon de Chelly is part of the Navajo Nation. In the midst of towering sandstone cliffs and mesas is one of the canyon’s most sacred sites, Spider Rock. The famous spire measures 700 feet from the canyon floor and is named after Spider Woman, believed to live in Spider Rock. In Navajo lore, she is thought to have weaved the universe while also teaching the people the skill of weaving. (Image: Edgar Payne)

 Vermilion Cliffs
If you’re looking for a geological wonderland, look no further than the Vermilion Cliffs in Northern Arizona. This isolated and distinctive national monument is filled with slot canyons, hieroglyphics, dinosaur footprints and what has been dubbed “The Wave”—a wave-like rock formation featuring layers of colored sediment. This natural wonder requires a lottery system, while other areas of the cliffs require permits and a healthy fitness level. (Image: Matt Smith)

+++

Desert Caballeros Western Museum
21 N. Frontier Street
Wickenburg, AZ 85390
(928) 684-2272
www.westernmuseum.org 

Interior of the Desert Caballeros Western Museum in Wickenburg, Arizona.

Desert Caballeros Western Museum, Unbroken, oil on panel, 36 x 36”, by Heather Burton.The Desert Caballeros Western Museum (DCWM) is proud to present the 19th annual Cowgirl Up! Art from the Other Half of the West exhibition and sale—a tribute to the remarkable contributions by more than 60 of today’s women artists to the Western genre. Opening on March 23 and running through September 1, this exhibition offers a unique perspective on the West, highlighting the often-underrepresented narratives of women in Western art. This year’s artists represent a diverse gathering of returning talent like Heather Burton from Colorado and new faces such as Dolores Purdy, a member of the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma. More than 250 individual pieces ranging from paintings, drawings and sculpture will be on display in four galleries of the museum.

Desert Caballeros Western Museum, Bobcat Maquette, bronze, ed. of 24, 16½ x 12 x 5”, by Rosetta.The DCWM, founded in 1960, is located in Wickenburg, Arizona, and is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the art, culture and history of the American West.

+++

King Galleries
7077 E. Main Street, Suite 20
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 481-0187
www.kinggalleries.com 

King Galleries, Misters from Sisters, oil on canvas, 18 x 24”, by Andrew Roda.King Galleries has been in Scottsdale since 1996, representing regional art and specializing in Native American pottery by both emerging and established artists. Each year the gallery has numerous art shows featuring new paintings, bronzes and pottery.  

“Today, the gallery hosts both in-gallery and online events,” gallery owner Charles King says. “Our space in Scottsdale is open year-round. Each year we also have a show in Santa Fe during Santa Fe Indian Market. King Galleries website has become the ‘go-to’ site for museums, appraisers and collectors seeking out accurate information about artists and their art.”

King Galleries, Jemez Volcano, oil on canvas, 36 x 12”, by Andrea Vargas.

King Galleries, Kaleidoscope Sky, oil on linen, 36 x 36”, by Marcia Molnar.Gallery artists include a mix of painters and potters like Marcia Molnar, Andrew Roda, Andrea Vargas, Jeff Aeling, Kenneth Ferguson, Kwani Povi Winder, Andrew Florea, Michael Esh and Mary Calengor. Bronze works are by Tammy Garcia and Autumn Borts.

+++

Legacy Gallery
7178 Main Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 945-1113
www.legacygallery.com 

Exterior view of Legacy Gallery in Scottsdale, Arizona.The Legacy Gallery has been a staple in the art world for the past 35 years. Their showroom is on the corner of Main Street and Scottsdale Road, right in the heart of the arts district. They represent top Western artists including Martin Grelle, Kyle Polzin, John Coleman, Bill Anton and Glenn Dean, Tim Shinabarger, David Mann and Mark Maggiori to name a few.

Legacy Gallery, Isis Sunrise (Study), acrylic, 30 x 48”, by Arturo Chavez.

 

Legacy Gallery, From the Tree’s Point of View (Morning Light North Rim, oil, 40 x 48”, by Kenny McKenna.

Owners Brad and Jinger Richardson are second-generation art dealers using their expertise to create an education-based atmosphere through their sales staff. “We provide fine art that stands the test of time for all collector levels, from established connoisseurs to new enthusiasts,” says gallery representatives. The Richardson’s recently opened a second Legacy Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico. They are also the new owners of Manitou Galleries of Santa Fe, where collectors can find the finest collections of contemporary Western paintings, sculpture, Native American and fine jewelry.

+++

Mark Sublette Medicine Man Gallery
6872 E. Sunrise Drive, Suite 130
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-7798  
sales@medicinemangallery.com
www.medicinemangallery.com 

Mark Sublette Medicine Man Gallery, End of the Day, oil, 42 x 71”, by Howard Post.

Mark Sublette Medicine Man Gallery recently launched a new version of its website—“a nearly-year-long project to help showcase and educate our clients about Western art, artists and Native American material in an easily digestible and searchable format,” says owner Mark Sublette. “In 1996 we launched our first website, a basic static page, and from those humble beginnings evolved an all-encompassing experience. Now viewers can choose from thousands of works of art, podcasts, videos, artist interviews and seamlessly checkout.”

Mark Sublette Medicine Man Gallery, Reclining Nude, oil on canvas, 21¾ x 28”, by E. Martin Hennings.

Mark Sublette Medicine Man Gallery, Returning War Party (Study), ca. 1973, oil, 11½ x 23¼”, by Frank McCarthy.The gallery’s January show features 15 new works by nationally acclaimed artist William Haskell. “His career is at an inflection point with three different art magazines featuring his work in November 2023,” Sublette shares. “We are proud to represent Haskell, who will be in the gallery on January 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. You can view the show in its entirety on our website.”

Medicine Man Gallery is holding its Winter Fine Art and Native American Art Auction from January 19 to 26, featuring work by Frank McCarthy, Howard Post, E. Martin Hennings and Mary-Russell Ferrell Colton.

+++

Mountain Trails Gallery
336 SR 179, Suite A201
Sedona, AZ 86336
(928) 282-3225
fineart@mountaintrailssedona.com
www.mountaintrailssedona.com 

Interior view of Mountain Trails Gallery in Sedona, Arizona.

 

Mountain Trails Gallery, Castles and Clouds, oil, 12 x 12”, by Bill Cramer.

Mountain Trails Gallery, located in Sedona’s colorful Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, has been a fine art destination for 40 years. From traditional subjects and styles to more contemporary interpretations, the gallery continues to offer a large and varied selection of paintings, sculpture and mixed media fine art from more than 40 award-winning artists. Monthly exhibitions present a variety of styles and subjects, from detailed traditional to colorful contemporary, including storytelling figures and scenes, vibrant landscapes, realistic still life, bold florals and dynamic wildlife. Sizes range from miniature to life-size by some of the leading artists in Western art. Mountain Trails Gallery continues to welcome local as well as international collectors and visitors to their time-honored location showcasing the best of the American West.

Mountain Trails Gallery, Caw of the Wild, bronze, ed. of 30, 16 x 11 x 18”, by Jeremy Bradshaw. 

 

+++

Naomi Brown
www.naomibrownart.com 

Naomi Brown, A Rare Delight, oil, 14 x 11"

 

Naomi Brown, Joshua Tree Surprise, oil, 30 x 24"

 

Naomi Brown, Vintage Superstitions, oil, 30 x 40"

Artist Naomi Brown shares that she’s been having fun lately with some vintage-feeling paintings of the desert in Arizona, like the one pictured here titled Vintage Superstitions. “It’s been fun and a little challenging trying to figure out my color palette to get that vintage vibe in my paintings,” says the artist. “I always love new opportunities to push myself to learn new techniques and apply them to my painting process. My goal is to have the viewer feel like they have stepped into an old movie set or postcard from the past. I love the nostalgic feeling of the 1950s era in the Phoenix Valley. I dusted off some of my original 1950s and 1960s Arizona Highways magazines to help inspire me.”

+++

Settlers West Galleries
6420 N. Campbell Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85718
(520) 299-2607
www.settlerswest.com 

Settlers West Galleries interior view in Tucson, Arizona.

Settlers West Galleries, When the Forest Speaks, oil, 30 x 24”, by Robert Griffing. Nestled at the base of the foothills of the Catalina Mountains in Tucson, Arizona, Settlers West has remained a haven for fine art lovers for 53 years. Throughout the years, the gallery has been home to icons including Howard Terpning and Bob Kuhn, and continues its commitment to showcase artists of the highest quality. Gallery shows feature Don Oelze, Robert Griffing, Dustin Van Wechel, Mark Boedges and many others. Collectors can enjoy stunning original works by many other local and nationally renowned artists.

Settlers West Galleries, Stand Tall, oil, 36 x 48”, by Kenneth Peloke.

+++

Cowboy Collectors Gathering
3201 N. Main Street
Prescott Valley, AZ 86314
theprescottshow@gmail.com
www.cowboycollectorsgathering.com 

Collectors shopping at the Cowboy Collectors Gathering’s annual show.

Cowboy Collectors Gathering continues preserving the American West with the 18th annual Western & Native American Antique Show—an event with more than 100 dealers offering Western and Native American collectibles at all price points. Old West relics offered at the popular show include silver inlaid spurs, horse bits and bridles, hats, boots, chaps, saddles, Native American weavings, beadwork, baskets, pottery, jewelry, Western art and much more.

Display by James Compton Gallery located in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

“Trailblazing cowboys, Native Americans, gunfighters and outlaws created the American Wild West that continues to live on by its captivating history and its relics left behind for today’s avid collector to seek and find,” remarks show representatives.

Kicking off the show is the ticketed Early Buyer Tuesday on January 23 from 9 to 4 p.m. General admission will start the following day on Wednesday, January 24, for the same hours, all located at the Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley, Arizona. Visit the show website for tickets and additional information.

+++

Darcie Peet
www.darciepeet.com 

Artist Darcie Peet painted and lived an outdoor life since childhood—hiking, cycling, skiing and kayaking. “Riding the back country of the Rockies, Canada, Alaska, the Southwest and Italy are part of the exploration and discovery of wild places I love in seeking singular painting material,” Peet explains. “For me, these backcountry spaces are powerful, humbling, have such a sense of awe and deserve great respect. Along with light, mood and a strong sense of place, it is these feelings and experiences that I strive to capture in my work.”

Darcie Peet, Shadow Mosaic, oil, 20 x 20”. Available at KNewby Gallery, Tubac, AZ.

For her piece Shadow Mosaic, pictured here, Peet says, “Late afternoon in fall-winter in the desert is such a visually dynamic time to hike and research ideas. Shadows are long and color is rich. The unusual forms and textures of desert plants and cliffs cast a myriad of late-day shadow shapes across the trails of the Catalina Mountains and foothills near Tucson in Southern Arizona. Add a winter storm receding and there is always dynamic cloud activity to throw into the mix. Such a bold and moody time of day, perfect for painting inspiration.”

+++

Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
3830 N. Marshall Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
scottsdalemuseumwest.org 

 Entrance to Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West is a premier cultural institution situated in Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona. The museum opened in January 2015, and resides on the historic grounds of the Loloma Transit Station (North Marshall Way and East First Street). With a sprawling two-story layout encompassing 43,000 square feet, the museum showcases the art, culture and rich history spanning 19 states in the American West, Western Canada and Mexico.

Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, Cowboy Character, watercolor, 28½ x 18½”, by William Matthews.Former Scottsdale mayor Herb Drinkwater (1936-97), who served from 1980 to 1996, envisioned the museum, which became a reality through the City of Scottsdale’s ownership and the dedicated operation by the Scottsdale Museum of the West, a non-profit organization established in 2007.Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, Moment du Passe, oil on canvas, 30 x 30”, by R. Tom Gilleon.Exhibitions include the ongoing Decades: Willy Matthews, closing April 28; Inner Light: The Art of Tom Gilleon running from January 16 through August; Carl Roters/Winold Reiss opening June 11; and Sled Dogs: Veryl Goodnightopening July 16.

+++

Nancy Rynes
Tucson, AZ
nancyrynesstudio.com
nancy@nancyrynesstudio.com 

 

Nancy Rynes, My Eyes Turned Skyward, oil, 32 x 65”

Arizona resident Nancy Rynes finds inspiration in the energy, form and colors of the American West. Her style is contemporary: bold compositions filled with color and tone, balanced by a blend of authoritative brushwork. It is art with a definite presence, prompting the viewer to see the animals and landscapes around them in a new way. Sometimes calm, other times playful, her paintings show the viewer that the world in their immediate vicinity is filled with as much beauty as their favorite national parks.

Rynes’ artistic process starts by sketching out the composition, then adding layers of varied color. She continues by enhancing the substance, movement and energy of the forms. An example of this is a recent piece, And My Eyes Turned Skyward, depicting the movement of a hawk in flight.

Rynes’ work is available at her studio in Tucson, as well as through galleries across the United States.

+++

Tucson Museum of Art
140 N. Main Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85701
(520) 624-2333
www.tucsonmuseumofart.org 

 

Tucson Museum of Art, Diné, Third Phase Chief Blanket, 1860-1880, wool, dye. Gift of Adam and Larry Lazar in memory of Burt and Brenda Lazar. Collection of the Tucson Museum of Art. 2011.10.3.

 

Tucson Museum of Art, El Azteca Practicando para Sufuturo de Modelo para Calendareo, 1992, charcoal on paper, by Alfred J. Quiroz. Museum Purchase. Virginia Johnson Fund. Collection of the Tucson Museum of Art. 1993.28.

This year, the Tucson Museum of Art marks 100 years since the founding of the institution. In celebration of the past century of creating exhibitions and collecting artworks, TMA’s curators meditate on the relationship of art to time in the exhibition Time Travelers: Art and Time at the TMA Centennial. This exhibition offers a new interpretation of some of the most significant artworks collected by the museum over the past century, reconsidering these works in light of their complex relationship to the past, present and future. With nearly 26,000 square feet of gallery space, the museum features exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, Latin American art from ancient to today, Indigenous arts and art of the American West. —

Tucson Museum of Art, Four Seasons: Winter, 2006, archival pigment print on Sunset Fiber rag, ed. 13 of 15, by Wendy Red Star. Virginia Johnson Fund. Collection of the Tucson Museum of art. 2017.29.2.

 

 

 

Powered by Froala Editor