Joyful Pieces Just In Time For Spring

The first signs of springtime are upon us in Santa Fe after a long winter. The gallery’s sculpture garden is waking up, turning green, and boosting our spirits along with it. 

As the world begins to bloom, there are many pieces in the gallery that remind us of the beauty and excitement spring inevitably brings.

Doug Hyde (b. 1946) -“Spring Arrival” #7/50, bronze, 10 ½ x 5 ½ x 7 ¾”

Known primarily for his works depicting his Native cultural traditions in stone and bronze, Doug Hyde is an artist of broad talents. This bronze rabbit is a highly unique work in the artist’s oeuvre, featuring a unique patina that gives it the appearance of polished stone.

Walt Gonske (b. 1942) -“Iris Spring”, 2004, oil, 36 x 34”

Walt Gonske’s landscapes are often found in remote locations via his mobile studio, dubbed the “paint-mobile”. However, the inspiration for this colorful piece was found in his very own garden, bursting with fresh blooms. It’s no wonder this painting commands such attention with its bold brushstrokes and colors.

JK Inson (b. 1946) - “White Pelican Day”, white marble, 8 ½ x 6 x 7”

Inson is an artist who is prolific in a variety of media from stone carving to oil painting. Carved in his home studio, this solid marble piece features a lily coming into full bloom amidst a bundle of buds. The overall effect of the white marble and the smooth transitions between its elements is purely stunning.

Martin Mooney (b. 1960) -“Daffodils”, 2015, oil/panel, 24 x 20”

Born in Belfast, Ireland, Martin Mooney is an accomplished oil painter who achieves a texture to his paintings that catches the eye immediately. His floral still lifes, often featuring inventive use of a palette knife, nearly jump off the wall with bright colors and mind-boggling smoothness that draws viewers in.

Dan Ostermilller (b. 1956) -“Study For a Friend Indeed”, 1985, #13/30, bronze, 12 x 17 x 9”

President of the National Sculpture Society since 2012 and master sculptor of animals, Dan Ostermiller is a force in the art community. While he works often in monument-size bronze, the gallery is fortunate to have many of his smaller studies, including this pair of nuzzling rabbits. This set of friends is a lovely example of Ostermiller’s work and certainly reminds us that Easter is nearly upon us.

Jill Soukup (b. 1969) - “Spring Scruff”, oil on board, 34 x 16”

Since childhood, Jill Soukup has had a passion for horses and has been drawing them about as long. This foundation in drawing them led to a lifelong pursuit of art, particularly with horses and ranch life as her subject matter. This unique piece shows us a newborn foal, still scruffy and lean, but filled with life and personality. A beautiful reminder of the many miracles this season brings.

Cynthia Inson (b. 1948) -“The Stories They Could Tell”, 2023, oil on board, 14 x 11”

Accomplished plein air and still life painter, Cynthia Inson, resides alongside her husband and fellow artist, JK Inson. This vibrant piece is an example of her enduring interest in floral subjects with strong colors and composition. The crystal goblet in particular yields fascinating reflections and light, easily drawing in the viewer.

These works and many others are currently available at Nedra Matteucci Galleries in Santa Fe, New Mexico. For any questions about the art, please email inquiry@matteucci.com or call us at (505) 982-4631.