15 Spectacular Pieces For Summer

Art has the power to transport us anywhere, from a blooming garden in Taos to roiling waves in Hawaii. Enjoy this selection of works at the Gallery that take you straight to the glorious dog days of summer.

William Berra (b. 1952) - Study for Meditation, oil on panel, 16 x 12 in.

William Berra (b. 1952) - Shore Leave, oil on panel, 18 x 18 in.

William Berra captures pure serenity in these soft, sun-bathed beach scenes. There are no distractions or troubles here. Just sand, salt water, and rays of sunshine.

Walt Gonske (b. 1942) - Penasco Farm Land, oil on linen, 20 x 24 in.

This painting radiates summer in Northern New Mexico, its sun-laden mountain valleys dotted with small farms. Gonske spends much time in such locales, lovingly bringing them to life in his impressionistic works.

Mardie Rees (b. 1980) - A Few of My Favorite Things, Ed. of 10, bronze, 11 x 25 x 5 in.

Who doesn’t fondly recall summer vacations spent playing outside with siblings and friends, and so often with this same wagon? These moments become lifelong memories, making them the perfect subject matter for Mardie Rees, who is known for bringing nostalgia and warmth to her work.

Oscar Berninghaus (1874-1952) - Spirit of ‘76, 1932, watercolor/gouache/pencil on paper, 13 ½ x 22 in.

Oscar Berninghaus (1874-1952) - British Surrender at Yorktown, 1932, watercolor/gouache/pencil on paper, 15 x 22 in.

St. Louis-born artist and founding member of the Taos Society of Artists, Oscar Berninghaus, was known primarily for his Southwestern landscapes and figurative paintings. However, he was always loyal to his hometown and created a number of vibrant float designs for their annual Independence Day parade.

John H. Fincher (b. 1941) - Big Boots, oil on canvas, 28 x 28 in.

John H. Fincher’s work is delightfully loud and proud. Cultural symbols are rendered in a bold palette, reminding us of the everyday joys of Western life.

William Acheff (b. 1947) - Times Are Still a Changin’, oil on canvas, 40 x 30 in.

Known for hyper-realistic still lifes featuring Native pots and other Southwestern motifs, William Acheff puts a spin on his usual subject matter in this work. The Bob Dylan poster and daisies represent the activism of the 1960s while the marijuana plant, once heavily policed but now legal in New Mexico, shows how society continues a-changin’.

George Lundeen (b. 1948) - Parade, Ed. of 50, bronze, 26 x 6 x 10 in.

A member of the National Academy of Design and the National Sculpture Society, George Lundeen is a sculptor of true Americana. From the drafters of the Constitution to everyday fisherman, Lundeen has found a way of manifesting the national ethos in clay.

Laura Robb (b. 1955) - Garden In Taos, oil on linen board, 11 x 8 in.

The garden is a respite in the summertime; a place to connect to nature in your own space. Laura Robb brings that spirit to this piece, the vibrancy of the flowers contrasted by the coolness of the angel and bird bath.

Doel Reed (1894-1985) - Resting Women, 1940, aquatint/paper, 11 ½ x 16 in.

Two women seek a siesta in the shade, a welcome relief from the sun that feels so close at hand some summer days in New Mexico. This languid scene has a ring of truth as the months grow ever hotter.

Stanley Bleifeld (1924-2011) - The Swimmer, Ed. of 7, bronze, 18 ⅝ x 18 ⅝ in.

Famed for his many public monuments, which includes the US Navy Memorial and honorees in the Baseball Hall of Fame, Stanley Bleifeld was a giant of American sculpture. Here he presents a pleasant composition of a swimmer getting in a few laps.

Wilson Hurley (1924-2008) - A Soft Rain Out to Sea, oil on canvas, 36 x 60 in.

Wilson Hurley (1924-2008) - Surf Off Laniloa Point, Oahu, oil on canvas, 36 x 60 in.

From a misty day over calm seas to tumultuous waves displaying their enormous power, Wilson Hurley is a master at capturing the ocean’s many sides. 

Dan Ostermiller (b. 1956) - Le Toad Monument, Ed. of 15, bronze, 24 x 27 x 27 in.

Add some true creature comforts to any pool or pond with Le Toad by Dan Ostermiller. With so much personality and charm, this sweet toad fountain brings a smile to anyone who sees him.

These works and many others are available at Nedra Matteucci Galleries in Santa Fe. For pricing or more information, call the Gallery at (505) 982-4631 or email inquiry@matteucci.com.