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About Me

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Artist Jonathan S. Vordermark

Often, passions are sidelined as we pursue a career, raise a family, and deal with the inevitable demands of a busy life. It was only after careers in the military and academic pediatric urology that I was able to pursue a lifelong passion for art. I was born in Albuquerque and heavily influenced by New Mexican culture. I had taken workshops and courses in painting and art history, and, at retirement, I moved back to New Mexico and began a serious study of painting by working in

Ernest Blumensches studio with my mentor Richard A. Nichols, artist-in-residence at the Blumenschein.

I work exclusively in oils, painting landscapes and geological formations in New Mexico and the Southwest, bringing the lessons of my former careers to the easel every day. I also paint monochromatic pieces. We all evolve in our chosen fields not in a straight line, but by fits and starts, leaps forward and unexpected setbacks. We cannot predict the path our creative endeavors will take us. The world of art is a full time, demanding pursuit, an occupation like surgery, that requires discipline, humor and humility. It has been a great ride, and I wake each morning anxious to discover what each new experience brings.

My goal is to capture the beauty of God's creation and to create lasting

memories for those that view my work. frequently donate work to charities and not-for-profit organizations. As a surgeon, I made a life-long impact on those I cared for and, as a painter I hope to have the same impact through my work.

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Current Focus

I am currently focusing on painting geological formations. I am also creating monochromatic pieces in oils. Most recently I visited Canyon de Chelly National Park in Arizona. It is a truly magnificent and spiritually inspiring place, and I am using the material gathered on that visit to pain small studies in preparation for large pieces this winter--perhaps as large as 36 x 48.

I work exclusively in oils, painting mostly local landscapes and architecture--especially geology and old adobes. I paint some still-life’s and monochromatics in a loose, representational style, working on location and in my studio. My work varies from small format pieces (8 x 10) up to larger canvases including 16 x 20 and up to 20 x 24. My work is presented in traditional frames. I do not seek commissions.

I am currently focusing on my show at the Blumenshein museum in Historic Taos

Galleries

I have a Show up at the Blumenschein currently

The Traveling Gallery

Work in my studio available by appointment in Ranchos de Taos.

 

Exhibits and Awards

Taos Artist’s Organization Labor Day Studio tour (2014).

Taos Fall Arts Festival (2014-2017). Awarded Best of Show (2014).

Blumenschein Museum Fall Show (2017, 2018, 2019).

Blumenschein Studio Christmas Show (2016, 2018).

Wild Rivers paint-out show (Red River, New Mexico 2018).

New Mexico Art League (2018, 2021).

Taos Plein Air Society—multiple local shows.

American Impressionist Society--Virtual Show (2021).

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Inspiration

I grew up visiting the great museums in this country and Europe, but my interest in painting was sidelined by other demands.  After careers in the military and academic surgery, I am now able to pursue my first passion full time and am relishing every minute of the process.  I bring the lessons in my former careers to my easel every day.  Man is by nature a creative being and we all have a deep-seated desire and need to create and put our mark on our world. I now am trying to make up for lost time in the world of fine art with the advantage of having been a lifelong student and having pursued careers that demanded creative thinking.  

 

I am now living in Taos, New Mexico and painting the breathtaking scenery of Northern New Mexico.  

 

Every artist I have met has positively influenced me, but I especially admire the Russian Impressionists.  We learn from everyone we come in contact with as we try to create art, so, in a very real sense, everyone is your mentor.

 

A great painting is one that stops you in your tracks.  It is usually a painting created with power, passion and efficiency. We all evolve in our chosen fields not in a straight line, but by fits and starts, leaps forward and unexpected setbacks.  For that reason we cannot predict the path our creative endeavors will take us. The world of art is a full time, tiring occupation, and one that demands discipline, humor and humility.  It has been a great ride and I wake each morning anxious to discover what each new experience brings.

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