About Me
Artist Jon S. Vordermark
My goal is to capture the beauty of God's creation and to create lasting memories for those who view my work.
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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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. Born in Albuquerque and heavily influenced by New Mexican culture, I moved back to New Mexico upon retirement and began a serious study of painting.
For several years I worked in Ernest Blumenschein's studio with my mentor Richard A. Nichols, artist-in-residence at the Blumenschein. I now paint in a dedicated studio on my property outside of Taos.
I work exclusively in oils, painting landscapes in New Mexico and the Southwest. The world of art is a full time, demanding pursuit, an occupation, 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. ​
I am currently focusing on geological formations. 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 paint small studies and large pieces.
I work exclusively in oils, painting mostly local landscapes and architecture. In a loose, representational style, working on location and in my studio.
My work varies from small format pieces (8 x 10) to larger canvases up to 24 X 30. My work is presented in traditional frames. I do not seek commissions.
Current Focus
Galleries
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I have shown my work in several galleries and have participated in shows at the Blumenschein studio and museum. The gallery I was most recently involved with in Taos closed after COVID. Visitors are welcome to visit my studio by appointment in Ranchos de Taos by appointment only.
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Exhibits and Awards
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Best of show Taos Fall Arts Festival (2014)
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).
Blumenschein Museum one man show (2024)
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Inspiration
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Every artist I have met has positively influenced me, but I especially admire the Russian Impressionists. We learn from everyone we contact, 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.
