Charles Berninghaus
A Taos Impressionist Legacy

Chimayo Trading Staff Report | July 2025

Julius Charles Berninghaus (May 19, 1905 – January 1, 1988) was a distinctive figure in the Taos art scene, known for his impressionist landscapes that captured the vibrant light and rugged beauty of New Mexico. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Charles was the son of Oscar E. Berninghaus, a founding member of the Taos Society of Artists, which profoundly shaped his artistic journey.

Two recently acquired and rare Berninghaus paintings are now on display at Chimayo Trading in Ranchos de Taos, or online at chimayotrading.com—where keeping legacies alive is always an honor.

“La Capilla De Nuestra Senora De Delores”, Oil on canvas panel – 11.5″ x 13.5″, $3500

The Placitas Chapel was a little catholic church built around the 1800’s and was in operation for 100 years. This chapel is now home to The Love Apple, a Northern New Mexican restaurant emphasizing local, organic home cooking.

Charles first visited Taos at age five, accompanying his father on a sketching trip in 1910. After his mother’s death in 1913, he and his sister Dorothy began spending summers in Taos, immersed in the creative environment of the Taos art colony. Surrounded by artists and abundant art supplies, Charles developed an early passion for painting. His father encouraged his artistic pursuits but emphasized the importance of finding his own style, distinct from Oscar’s more traditional approach. Charles pursued formal training at the St. Louis School of Fine Arts, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Art Students League in New York, but it was the Taos landscape that truly inspired him.

By 1927, Charles had settled permanently in Taos, drawn to its clear skies and dramatic scenery. Unlike his father’s detailed depictions of Native Americans and Southwestern life, Charles embraced a more impressionistic style, painting outdoors to capture fleeting moments of light and color. His work, characterized by loose brushstrokes and vibrant hues, bridged the traditional realism of the Taos Founders and the modernist tendencies of later artists. A 1923 article in the St. Louis Globe noted that Charles’s sketches showed “no trace of parental authority,” highlighting his modern, independent approach. His paintings reflect his focus on the New Mexican landscape—its aspens, adobe structures, and open vistas.

Oil on canvas – 16″ x 20″, $5800

His work was exhibited widely, including at the Museum of Fine Arts in Santa Fe (starting in 1922 at age 17), the Art Institute of Chicago, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, and the National Academy of Design. In 1999, the Panhandle Plains Historical Museum showcased over 60 works by Charles and his father, cementing their shared legacy.

Charles Berninghaus passed away on January 1, 1988, in Taos, leaving behind a body of work that continues to resonate for its emotional depth and vivid portrayal of the Southwest. His paintings remain a testament to the enduring allure of Taos as an artistic haven, capturing the region’s light and spirit in a way that feels both timeless and deeply personal.

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.

• Instagram
• Facebook

Copyright © 2024 Chimayo Trading Del Norte | Ranchos Del Taos, 87557 | All rights reserved.