04.14.23 Rod Goebel

The Light, Color and Shadows
of Rod Goebel 1946-1993

By Rebekah Powers | April 2023

Rod Goebel was born in Austin, educated in New Mexico and beyond and died in Taos in 1993. He was a post impressionist painter of Southwestern landscapes and portraits, known for vigorous brushwork and direct painting, vivid colors and compelling compositions.

Four of Rod Goebel’s distinctive landscapes currently showing at Chimayo Trading illustrate the artist’s innovative approach. “Spring in Taos” is a small oil on canvas that captures a sense of isolation and the veracity of life in the remote mountain town of Taos in 1978.

“Spring Blossoms” painted the same year evokes the inevitability of growth under clear light, leaning into the freshness of the season. The colors in both spring paintings whisper rather than shout; forms are lost and found particularly in the foreground where vigorous abstraction replaces detail.

“Embudo Cottonwoods”, painted by Goebel in 1980, contrasts to the spring paintings, reflecting an exuberance of color and exemplifies masterful composition.

An earlier painting, “Autumn Adobes” (signed Rod Goebel The Taos Six), is colorfully vibrant as well, returning to nature and specifically to Northern New Mexico for inspiration.

Rod Goebel was one of the Modern Day Taos Six, a group of rule breaking artists who were experimenting with new, purely American approaches to painting. The six painters were: Rod Goebel, Walt Gonske, Julian Robles, Ray Vinella, Robert Daughters and Ron Barsano.

When you stop by to view the paintings by Goebel, be sure to see the extensive collection of Walt Gonske’s astounding canvases, filling several rooms. We also are spotlighting a rare still life painting by Ron Barsano that manages to convey an almost unbearable tenderness and a select portrait by Ray Vinella. Yes, the Modern Day Taos Six are well represented in our current collection, on view now.

Experience an encounter with the past in our historic location, with the finest antiquities and objects of art at your fingertips. We are interested in acquiring works by historic Taos and Native American artists as we curate the finest artists for you through history. Where does history meet art? At Chimayo Trading.

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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 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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