04.07.22 Chris Morel

Landscapes by J. Chris Morel

By Rebekah Powers | April 2022

On the cover of January’s Plein Air Magazine, Chris Morel represents the best of New Mexico’s painters and speaks to his mindset while painting in the article about him. The fascinating psychology of an artist and cultural creative involves more than just finding beauty in the landscape of Northern New Mexico. He speaks to what he “owes” the painting itself, as well as the imagined viewer. But he also makes clear that ultimately, he paints for himself, choosing what compels him, making some unusual choices of composition. For him, embracing uncertainty, following through on an idea, and maintaining his own joy as an artist by maintaining fresh eyes.

Chris Morel maintains his humility when undertaking such grand work. Viewing any of his paintings, from the great mountains to the intimate corners of life in the southwest, you feel his response to the light, the time of year snd the moment. He distills the complexity and chaos of a scene into the relevant shapes, colors and feeling tone of the day to create a masterpiece of composition.

There is generosity in his honesty, and an acceptance of imperfections, like footprints in the snow, or power lines over an old adobe that make his paintings sing with recognition, even if it is a scene you have never and will never see with your own eyes. In a sense, Chris Morel has a way to not only show us a place in time, a sky, a building, but he has found a way to make us care, because he cares so much.

Not all professional painters can express their understanding of color and form to students like Morel does in his workshops. His commitment to continuing to grow and learn as an artist is admirable considering the success he has already garnered and inspires other artists all along the way.

Chimayo Trading is fortunate to be showing a current collection of landscape paintings by J. Chris Morel that speak with unparalleled relevance and immediacy. Have a conversation with the artist through his latest work by visiting the gallery in Ranchos de Taos or visit us through our extensive online gallery.

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Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557

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