Untitled Traditional New Mexico Landscape with Humble Chapel [SOLD]

Landscapes in the Southwest are a frequent subject for artists, and for a very good reason. This being said, the quality of these works can vary significantly. In this particular watercolor, which is not signed, the beauty of the Southwest is depicted incredibly well and is truly honored. The focal point is a humble chapel. These are common throughout New Mexico, and each one seems to be just as charming as the next. Typically made of adobe, these chapels are exceptionally unique architecturally.

Surrounded by sweeping scenery, the chapel itself in this work has a small fence around it with a cross in the front and another cross atop the steeple. Outside of the fence are grasslands, reddish-orange dirt, trees and other vegetation, adobe houses, and mountains in the background. The coloration in this work is especially striking, seen in the contrast between the green trees, the brown adobe, the purple mountains, and the greenish-blue sky. The sky is certainly a highlight here, and in New Mexico, one gets a sense that the land belongs to the sky. The artist has portrayed this quite skillfully.

While we are not sure who made this wonderful painting, it definitely is reminiscent of the work of Howard Sleeter. There is very much a chance this could be his work, although usually he signed his paintings, so we cannot say for sure. Either way, whoever made this piece was unquestionably talented and highly thoughtful.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Untitled Traditional New Mexico Landscape with Humble Chapel is from a private collection of a Colorado resident

Recommended Reading: Built of Earth and Song: Churches of Northern New Mexico (A Guide) by Marie Cash

TAGS: Western Art