A Woman with Many Talents
and Interests
By Rebekah Powers | October 2021
Painter, muralist, illustrator and author, Illa McAfee moved to Taos with her artist husband in 1928 to become part of the burgeoning art movement. Together, they built the White Horse Studio.
A woman with many talents and interests, first among them was painting horses which she began at the age of 10 and continued throughout her art career.
Known as an animalier, she painted many different animals, but was best remembered for her depictions of horses. Known for her fresh style, soft colors and distinctive drawing ability, she became well known in the Southwest and in 1981 was voted Taos Artist of the Year.
Chimayo Trading has acquired one of her most sought after paintings: “Indian Summer”.
This work is notated on the back with the horses names and was commissioned by Dick Spencer, editor of the Western Horseman Magazine. The horses are “Fizzy Bomb”, “West Wind Dancer” and “West Wind Pepper”, all praised Palominos.
Locals remember her as an accomplished and celebrated artist who also had some eccentricities. Among them, it was said that she owned a series of cats, all named Sanka and taught them over 70 tricks each.
If you have had a memorable experience with us in the past,
please leave a review.
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.
Copyright © 2023 Chimayo Trading Del Norte | Ranchos Del Taos, 87557 | All rights reserved.
Share this:
- Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
- Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
- Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
- Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
- Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
- Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
- Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
- Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
- Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
- Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
- Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp