Southwest Oil Painting “Taos Pony” by Julian Robles [SOLD]

Julian Robles was born in the Bronx, New York City, in 1933.  At a young age, he received encouragement from his mother who recognized his talent for art. He received art training in New York City at the Pratt Institute, the National Academy of Art and Design, and the Art Students League.  From 1953 to 1958, he was an illustrator in the United States Air Force, with duty stations in Amarillo, Texas, and Cheyenne, Wyoming, which allowed him travel in the West. He returned to New York City as an illustrator for a short while but then moved to Taos, New Mexico, in the mid-part of his career.

Robles is a painter and sculptor, but best known for his paintings of New Mexico Indian figures and ceremonial functions, as well as pueblo scenes and landscapes. Much of his art work is presented with glowing light and bright colors, especially colors seen in the Southwest—purple, red, and turquoise.

He was a founding member of The Taos Six, along with Rod Goebel, Walt Gonske, Ray Vinella, Robert Daughters, and Ron Barsano.  He is a member of the Pastel Society of America, and Pastel Society of the Southwest. 

This painting of a Taos Pueblo man wrapped in a red blanket, standing in front of a turquoise-painted door on a bright yellow building, with a horse of multi colors and a variety of colorful plants is an excellent example of his effective use of many bright colors.  What might sound garish is really quite pleasing.

The painting is signed in lower left Julian Robles Taos and dated on verso 1982.  It is framed and ready to hang and enjoy.

Condition: the painting is in excellent condition

Provenance: from the estate of John and Dixie Yaple, owners of a gallery in the La Fonda Hotel in Taos from 1945-1949, and then director and curator, respectively, of The Millicent Rogers Museum from 1950 to 1977.