Walt Gonske
Painting the Soul of the Southwest

Chimayo Trading Staff Report | February 2026

Walt Gonske is a renowned landscape painter arguably one the longest standing and most important members of the Taos art community, known for his impressionistic, loose, and painterly style that captures the vibrant light, colors, and emotions of Southwestern landscapes. Gonske’s paintings exude passion, inviting viewers into a world of vibrant landscapes that express the soul of the Southwest.

Walt recently delivered several of his newest works to Chimayo Trading. See them on display at our Gallery in Ranchos de Taos, or online at chimayotading.com.

“Upper Ranchitos”
Oil on linen
20” x 16”
$7500

Gonske showed an early interest in art by drawing and copying comic strip characters as a child, and as an adult he graduated from the Newark School of Fine Arts in New Jersey. Gonske later studied at the Art Students League in New York under illustrator Frank Reilly, building a strong foundation in drawing and painting. In 1967, he moved to New York City and built a successful career as a freelance men’s fashion illustrator. His transition to fine art began in the early 1970s as the fashion illustration industry shifted toward photography, prompting him to explore new paths.

“A Warm Taos Day In Late December”
Oil on panel
16” x 20”
$7500

During the winter of 1971, Gonske visited New Mexico with his parents to see his sister. Inspired by the local galleries and representational art in Taos and Santa Fe, he photographed the landscapes and created initial watercolors based on them back at home in New York.

“Lower Ranchitos Fall”
Oil on linen
20” x 16”
$7500

Early on, he worked primarily in watercolors but soon switched to oils to better convey the intense light and colors of New Mexico. Gonske became a founding member of the “Taos Six,” a group of painters who helped revitalize the Taos art market in the early 1970s.

“The Village Of San Jose”
Oil on panel
16” x 20”
$7500

His style draws from 19th-century French Impressionists, emphasizing plein-air (outdoor) painting, with loose brushstrokes that reveal the creative process and evoke emotion rather than photorealistic detail. Gonske was greatly influenced by the work of Nicolai Fechin of The Taos Society of Artists, whose work he admired during his studies.

“Taos Adobes”
Oil on panel
22” x 30”
$12,500

“The Hound Tooth”
Oil on linen
14” x 20”
$6500

“Embudo Cliffs”
Oil on linen
30” x 34”
$18,000

“Late February, At Apodaca NM”
Oil on linen
12” x 18”
$5,200

Be transported into the depths of his landscapes, where passion and paint combine to evoke the power of Walt Gonske. Embark on a remarkable journey at Chimayo Trading, an exploration of the Southwest that will leave a lasting impression.

If you have enjoyed our newsletters and learning about the artists and artwork we represent, or if you’ve had a good experience visiting our gallery, please take a moment to let us know by leaving a review using the links below.

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.
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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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