Artist Spotlight: Sherrie McGraw

Some artists are born seemingly endowed with a sense of purpose. At age 4, Sherrie McGraw already knew she would be an artist—she just had to find the right path.

Sherrie McGraw, courtesy of Remarkable Women of Taos

Born in a small oil town in Oklahoma, McGraw grew up surrounded by support for her evident talent. Her parents, both creative individuals in their own right, nurtured their daughter’s gift and encouraged her to pursue her passions. 

That led her to her first teacher, Richard Goetz, of the Goetz School of Fine Art in Oklahoma City, where she enrolled in 1970. In 1975, her class embarked on a trip to Taos—her first visit to the small mountain town that would one day become her home. Two years later, Goetz suggested McGraw join the Art Students League of New York to study under David Leffel. 

McGraw was committed. To reach her artistic destiny, she knew that was indeed her path. After scrimping and saving, McGraw rustled up $2,000 and headed to the Big Apple.

Gentleman at the Salmagundi, oil on board, 16 x 12 in.

Remains of the Day, watercolor, 28 x 20 in.

Once in New York, McGraw’s career began to take wing. She was immediately captivated and inspired by her new instructor, David Leffel. Leffel was (and is still) a prominent painter and instructor in the Rembrandt style, but it was his enthusiasm for art that enthralled her.

He taught that painting wasn’t just something one does, but is actually a way of seeing. A way of being. Paint was more than a substance—but strokes of light and shadow that combine to resemble, yet never reproduce, real objects and people.

The Neigh of the Horse, oil, 22 x 26 in.

To get through her first months in New York City, McGraw did what many of the greats have had to do at one time or another—work odd jobs. McGraw worked as a night guard at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, studying masterpieces. 

She also created a solution called maroger that prevented paint from dripping, which she sold at art shows. However, she spent the majority of her waking hours painting.

During this time, McGraw was beginning to make a name for herself, winning awards at the National Arts Society, Salmagundi Club, and other prestigious arts institutions. After spending years as a student there, McGraw was asked to teach at the Art Students’ League, finding another avenue for her career. 

McGraw would go on to teach sought-after courses across the country, including Scottsdale and Taos, where she rediscovered her love of the light and land in Northern New Mexico.

Maria in Gold, oil on board, 16 x 12 in.

The Homesteader, oil on canvas, 32 x 25 in.

In time, McGraw and David Leffel developed a deeper relationship that transcended mentorship, and the two moved in together, forging a creative partnership that is still going strong today. Together, they held workshops for budding artists and sharpened each others’ talents. 

Years later, Leffel and McGraw decided it was time to permanently settle in Taos. They still reside there today, where they are beloved scions of the art community. McGraw has continued to teach, and show in major exhibitions and museums around the world. 

In 2014, after holding a solo retrospective of her work, the Butler Institute awarded McGraw their highest honor: the Medal of Honor for Lifetime Achievement in American Art.

Sherrie McGraw and David Leffel are both proudly represented by Nedra Matteucci Galleries in Santa Fe. For more information and pricing, please call the Gallery at (505) 982-4631 or email inquiry@matteucci.com.