Wild Beauty: 10 Pieces Inspired By Wildlife

From sharp-eyed birds of prey to playful bear cubs, the Gallery boasts a broad selection of art featuring animals as subjects. Enjoy this array of creatures creatively portrayed in bronze sculpture, marble, paint, and beyond, all available at the Gallery.

William Berra (b. 1952) - Longhorn Study, oil on metal leaf, 12 x 12 in.

Burnished gold leaf and a touch of oil paint is all it takes for William Berra to convey such a strong mood. In this piece, the subject—a lone longhorn—stares back.

Dan Ostermiller (b. 1956) - On the Fence, Ed. of 20, bronze, 26 x 23 ¼ x 4 ½ in. 

Some might call Dan Ostermiller the king of the animal kingdom, at least as it pertains to sculpture. The son of a renowned taxidermist, Ostermiller deviated from the family business by preserving animals in another way—created from clay and cast in bronze.

Steve Kestrel (b. 1947) - Untitled (Kingfisher), marble, 6 ¼ x 18 x 8 ¼ in.

With an unrivaled grasp of form and composition, Steve Kestrel brings a kingfisher to life out of marble. There is a wily look in its eye, as if it may decide to take wing, yet retains Kestrel’s classic, elegant design.

Ward Lockwood (1894-1963) - Horses Grazing, watercolor, 19 x 24 in.

A key player in the mid-century Taos art scene, Ward Lockwood was a modernist painter who was spurred West by fellow artist Andrew Dasburg, whom he met during his studies in New York. Ward served in both world wars and later became known for his murals in government buildings across the United States.

J.K. Inson (b. 1944) - Old School, Ed. of 10, bronze, 8 ¾ x 9 ¾ x 4 ½ in.

Sculptor, painter, jeweler, and all-around creative spirit, J.K. Inson’s pieces often feature animals and other symbols to represent deeper emotions.

George Carlson (b. 1940) - Mane of Wind - Neck of Thunder, Ed. of 3, bronze, 53 1/4 x 75 1/2 x 25 in.

Power. Dynamism. Strength. George Carlson channels all of these energies in this larger-than-life composition of a Clydesdale.

Barbara Latham (1896-1989) - Bear Family, woodcut, 12 ½ x 10 ½ in.

Barbara Latham graduated from the Pratt Institute in New York City in 1919 before embarking on her career as an illustrator of greeting cards for the Norcross Publishing Company. On assignment in Taos, Latham fell in love with the small town—and with artist Howard Cook, whom she married in 1927.

Doug Hyde (b. 1946) - First Place, Ed. of 15, bronze, 9 ½ x 8 x 4 ¾ in.

Referencing Aesop's fable, The Tortoise and the Hare, this bronze sculpture by Doug Hyde is more than just a charming turtle. It’s a testament to perseverance and tenacity.

Dick Mason (1951-1993) - Samantha, oil on canvas, 48 x 36 in.

This classic Dick Mason composition shows off the artist’s many stylistic strengths, with Samantha the lab’s gleaming coat of chocolate-colored fur and musculature nearly jumping off the canvas.  

Brett Chomer (b. 1960) - Antelope Jackrabbit, Ed. of 10, bronze, 15 x 12 x 6 in.

Chicago-born artist Brett Chomer is an unstoppable creative force, unbound by style or subject matter. Chomer is not only a talented sculptor—he’s also a craftsman in bronze casting who helps other artists bring their visions to life.

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