Original Painting “Storm Clouds Over Sandia Mountains” by Walter Bambrook [SOLD]

The Sandia Mountains on the east edge of Albuquerque regularly receive the mass build-up of clouds approaching Albuquerque from the east. The mountains top off at just over 5000 feet above ground level and over 10,000 feet above sea level. The most spectacular storm clouds build up and billow so beautifully above the mountains, sometimes bringing snow and at other times bringing rain. Sometimes they just make a spectacular showing and do not drop moisture.

Bambrook has placed the 10,000-foot mountain at the lower edge of the painting in order to reflect the enormity of the white clouds as they dominate the painting. Another New Mexico artist, Wilson Hurley, was known for similar placement. Often, paintings with such enormous skies are locally called "Wilson Hurley skies."

Bambrook was born in New Mexico and lived in Albuquerque all his life. He attended Albuquerque High School and began his art education at the University of New Mexico. While at UNM, he began his four-year art training under Carl von Hassler. After his formal art education was completed, Bambrook taught many private classes and groups at UNM. It is understandable that Bambrook would be familiar from many years of watching clouds build up over the Sandia Mountains and would be so capable of capturing this moment in time.

Bambrook received his first award at the age of thirteen from a national art show at the Chicago Art Institute. During his lifetime, he received many awards from other prestigious institutions.

The painting is signed in the lower left. It is not dated. It is in original condition and is framed in a period frame that might be the original frame.

Provenance: Estate of Milton E. Bailey, Minnesota.