04.28.23 Miguel Martinez

The Monumental Faces
Painted by Miguel Martinez

By Rebekah Powers | April 2023

Miguel Martinez is a true Taos artist who has lived the Taoseño life since his birth in 1951, the precocious youngest son of Hispanic parents. Drawn to many forms of artistic expression, he experimented and became a successful jewelry designer. But he felt the soul stirrings of human emotion and needed a more personal expression, so he turned to painting.

After years of study with the major Taos artists R.C. Gorman, Ray Vinella and Frank Howell, he began to develop his own style of painting. Influences of Diego Rivera, Zuniga and even Modigliani moved the young artist. He admired their dignified portrayal of common folk and Martinez eventually committed himself to the expression of poignant human emotion through his paintings of women’s faces.

The large expressive eyes of his faces find you in a room, mysterious and soulful. The intention of his work is to elevate women who might otherwise be overlooked, but through his painting are “strong yet gentle, proud of who they are and they have nothing to hide.” Miguel Martinez has continued the larger than life series for 20 years and shows no signs of stopping.

We are fortunate at Chimayo Trading to represent this renowned Taos artist. To walk into a showroom with just one of his paintings is an encounter, more than one can become a spiritual experience.

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Come to the gallery to see where History Meets Art in Taos..

#1 Saint Francis Church Plaza
Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557

575.758.0504

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Contact us for the evaluation and resale of your collectible art.
We’re interested in locating relevant collections and original New Mexico artwork for purchase. We buy historic and contemporary relevant paintings, pottery, jewelry, textiles, weavings and more.

Contact us directly to discuss and evaluate your collection. If you’re an artist, contact us about the possibility of selling your art on consignment or direct wholesale purchase.

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