Doug Candelaria~
The Quiet Drama Of The Living West

Chimayo Trading Staff Report | May 2026

Doug Candelaria is a contemporary Southwestern artist whose oil paintings resonate with authenticity, reverence, and a deep connection to the landscapes and cultural traditions of the American West. Born in 1939, raised in southern Colorado and choosing to make the Southwest his permanent home, Candelaria creates work that feels lived and remembered rather than simply observed.

New Arrivals have been added to our extensive collection of Doug Candelaria’s heartwarming paintings. We’ve always enjoyed his visits to the gallery over all these years, generously sharing his kindness, warmth and humor. For those who appreciate art that carries both beauty and substance, Candelaria’s paintings are well worth seeking out here at Chimayo Trading in Ranchos de Taos, NM, or online at chimayotrading.com.

“Through The Golden Aspens”
Oil on canvas panel
12″ x 16″
$795

Largely self-taught, Candelaria committed himself fully to painting after serving in the U.S. Airforce and years working as a cartographer for the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Geological Survey. He approaches his studio practice with discipline, often painting six hours or more each day.

“Begay’s Horses”
Oil on canvas
10″ x 20″
$1350

His subjects frequently include Navajo riders on horseback, sometimes silhouetted against dramatic skies or moving through moonlit landscapes along with sweeping desert vistas, golden aspen groves, starry nocturnes, and scenes drawn from Plains and Pueblo life. His use of rich, luminous color and strong contrasts of light and shadow gives his paintings emotional depth and a sense of quiet drama.

“Navajo Shepardess”
Oil on canvas panel
12″ x 16″
$750

What stands out in Candelaria’s work is its sincerity. Growing up in Durango and later living in Pueblo, he absorbed the stories, landscapes, and cultural heritage of the region from an early age. His paintings reflect that personal connection.

“Home Of The Proud Navajo”
Oil on canvas panel
11″ x 14″
$695

Whether depicting a lone rider against a vast horizon or the subtle glow of moonlight over Taos Pueblo, there is a tangible respect for the land and the people who have lived on it for generations. Collectors respond strongly to this authenticity. His pieces range from intimate studies to larger canvases and have found homes in private collections across the country.

“Afterglow In Navajo Land”
Oil on canvas
9″ x 12″
$650

A few years ago, Candelaria participated in a notable exhibition in Colorado at the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center in Pueblo. He presented “The Art of the Cowboy & Indian”, a solo show featuring his evocative oil paintings.

“A Quiet Place To Be”
Oil on canvas panel
12″ x 24″
$1800

Today, Doug Candelaria continues to paint with the same dedication that has defined his career. His work serves as a bridge between tradition and contemporary expression, honoring the past while offering fresh, heartfelt interpretations of the living West.

“Monument Valley Monolith”
Oil on canvas
20″ x 16″
$1250

“Sounds Of The Distant Night”
Oil on canvas
20″ x 24″
$1,980

“Old Time Navajo” by Doug Candelaria
Oil on canvas
20″ x 16″
$1250

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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