The Embossed Visions of
Ed Morgan

Chimayo Trading Staff Report | May 2026

In the historic heart of Taos, New Mexico, where adobe walls hold centuries of artistic legacy, Ed Morgan (1943–2014) created a body of work that stood apart through its technical innovation and tactile beauty. A larger-than-life figure in the Taos arts community, Morgan was a master engraver renowned for his intricate embossed artworks that blended engraving, sculpture, painting, and fine craftsmanship.

We have recently added several New Arrivals from the cherished works of Ed Morgan to our already extensive collection. Visit us in Ranchos de Taos NM, or online at chimayotrading.com to start a collection of Ed Morgan’s visions or add to your own.

“Red Mouse Blue Mouse”
Embossing 23/30, 1991
Gold Leaf, Chinese Silk, Acrylic
16″ x 17″
$3200

Born on November 13, 1943, in Independence, Missouri, Morgan’s early exposure to art and Native American culture, particularly through his Osage great-grandmother shaped his lifelong interests. He attended the Kansas City Art Institute and began his professional career at Hallmark Cards, where he received intensive training in engraving and embossing. He later worked for American Greetings, helping establish its engraving department, but corporate life ultimately did not suit his independent spirit.

“Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”
Embossing 2/5, 1988
Gold Leaf, Chinese Silk, Acrylic
13″ x 20″
$2500

A transformative trip to Taos in search of buffalo hides led Morgan to relocate to northern New Mexico around 1970. He joined the local “Starving Artists” scene, initially creating engraved jewelry before shifting his focus to plate engraving by 1980. In 1981, he married Virginia (often called “Blueberry”), and together they refined a highly personal, labor-intensive process that became his signature.

“Stands In His Own Shadow”
Embossing 1/1, 1988
Gold Leaf, Chinese Silk, Acrylic
12.75″ x 9.75″
$2950

Morgan’s method involved hand-engraving designs into thin magnesium or zinc plates, then embossing the image onto paper. He often finished pieces with hand-applied watercolor, Chinese silk or acrylic, and accents of gold leaf creating raised, three-dimensional effects with shimmering depth, rich shadows, and luminous detail. Described as one of the few “free-range” engraving artists, he pushed the boundaries of the medium by combining elements of drawing, painting, and sculpture.

“Untitled (Hummingbird)”
Embossing, 2000
Gold Leaf, Chinese Silk, Acrylic
11.25″ x 6.25″
$1500

His subjects were diverse and evocative of the Southwest and beyond, including Native American figures and cultural scenes, wildlife, birds, flowers, and animals, and mythical or narrative themes.

“Imperial Gold”
Unique Embossing, 1996
Gold Leaf, Chinese Silk, Acrylic
13″ x 10″
$2800

Works such as “He Whistled And Shouted And Called Them By Name” or “On The Hoof”, and various other embossed pieces featuring hummingbirds, bulls, or ceremonial dancers exemplify his attention to minute detail and textural richness. Many pieces were produced as small editions of “original multiples,” with variations in coloring and materials.

“On The Hoof”
Embossing 2/5, 1986
Gold Leaf, Chinese Silk, Acrylic
9.75″ x 12.75″
$2200

For decades, Morgan lived and worked in a historic 300-year-old former Spanish garrison in Taos, a space that also served as his studio. The rambling adobe home opened onto a tranquil garden with a fountain, providing a serene backdrop for his meticulous process.

“The Raven”
Embossing 2/5, 1988
Gold Leaf, Chinese Silk, Acrylic
14″ x 11″
$2800

Visitors described him as a generous, engaging personality whose energy left a lasting impression on the community. He passed away on July 17, 2014, at the age of 70, leaving behind a distinctive legacy in Southwestern art.

“One Of Our Dreamers”
Embossing 2/5, 1988
Gold Leaf, Chinese Silk, Acrylic
14″ x 11″
$2500

In an art world that often favors painting or digital media, Ed Morgan’s embossed creations remain a testament to patience, precision, and the enduring power of traditional craft elevated through personal vision. His pieces don’t just depict the visible world, they invite the viewer to feel its texture, weight, and quiet magic.

“Good Morning”
Embossing 1/1, 1986
Gold Leaf, Chinese Silk, Acrylic
16″ x 12″
$2500

“Finders Keepers Loser Weepers”
Embossing 2/3, 1989
Gold Leaf, Chinese Silk, Acrylic
12″ x 13″
$2500a

“These Are A Few Of My Favorite Cranes”
Embossing 9/40, 1988
Gold Leaf, Chinese Silk, Acrylic
12″ x 13″
$1500

“He Whistled And Shouted And Called Them By Name”
Embossing 2/5, 1987
Gold Leaf, Chinese Silk, Acrylic
20″ x 14.5″
$2200

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

We buy individual pieces or whole collections.

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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