Original Painting “Hollyhocks Taos” by Charles Berninghaus

In northern New Mexico, hollyhocks stand as a cherished emblem of the region's beauty, their towering stalks and vivid blooms set against warm adobe walls and the golden light of the high desert. In Hollyhocks Taos, Charles Berninghaus masterfully captures this timeless scene with rapid, expressive brushwork that conveys both the fleeting moment and the enduring charm of Taos.

The painting is alive with movement, as strokes of color bring the hollyhocks into full bloom before an adobe house, their crimson and magenta colors standing in contrast to the earthy architecture. True to his signature technique, Berninghaus allows the white of the canvas board to shine through, illuminating the painting from within and creating a striking sense of light. This interplay of color and space exemplifies his ability to distill the essence of the Northern New Mexico landscape, making Hollyhocks Taos a vibrant and evocative work.

Julius Charles Berninghaus (1905-1988) was a distinguished impressionist landscape painter whose artistic journey was deeply influenced by his father, Oscar E. Berninghaus, a founding member of the renowned Taos Society of Artists. Growing up immersed in the art world, Charles naturally gravitated toward painting. He received his formal education in St. Louis, graduating high school in 1924 before studying at the St. Louis School of Fine Arts, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Art Students League in New York.

After a period in New York, Berninghaus ultimately settled in New Mexico, where he dedicated his career to capturing the region's landscapes in his signature impressionist style. His work reflects a deep connection to the light, color, and atmosphere of the Southwest, a passion that defined his lifelong artistic practice.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: This Original Painting "Hollyhocks Taos" by Charles Berninghaus is from a private collection.

Recommended Reading: Samuels' Encyclopedia of Artists of the American West by Peggy and Harold Samuels

TAGS: impressionist, Oscar E. Berninghaus, Taos, New Mexico, paintings, Nicolai Fechin, Robert Daughters, Dime store, Charles Berninghaus