“I am looking for a painting which paints itself, where I am following, not leading. For me, painting is a dance – improvisational, free flowing, ever changing. The way I paint is the way nature feels to me – a reflection of what I hear and feel when I’m lost in the act of creation.
I would like my viewer to feel as if they are standing right there with me. To feel the space, the sunlight, the wind. And at the same time, to take in the process with which the paint was laid down.
There is something deeper behind what I see – a feeling, a search for raw, unfinished, organic beauty like nature herself. If I can catch a glimpse of this, the painting is complete. ” – Robert E. Reynolds (R.E.Reynolds)
ROBERT E. REYNOLDS: Master of Contemporary Southwestern Landscapes
“I am looking for a painting which paints itself, where I am following, not leading. For me, painting is a dance – improvisational, free flowing, ever changing. The way I paint is the way nature feels to me – a reflection of what I hear and feel when I’m lost in the act of creation.”
Robert Edward Reynolds (R.E. Reynolds) is a highly celebrated New Mexico fine artist who paints the spirit of the American West with dramatic, impasto palette-knife strokes and luscious, vibrant color. Described by Southwest Art magazine as “tactile,” “juicy,” and “energetic,” Reynolds’ contemporary Western fine art bridges the gap between classic regionalism and modern expression. His vivid landscape oil paintings feel deeply gestural, immediate, and expansive, inviting the viewer to step directly into the scene.
A Deep Connection to the Southwest
Born in Colorado, Reynolds has always felt the profound pull of the Western landscape. After earning his BFA from Colorado State University and an MFA from Santiniketan University in India, he ultimately made his home fifty miles northwest of Santa Fe. Surrounded by piñon-covered hills and sweeping arroyos, he finds endless inspiration in the wide-open vistas and the rich, historic blend of Native American and Spanish cultures that define the region.
The Art of Plein Air Painting
Reynolds is a dedicated plein air painter, a technique that requires immense skill and speed to capture the fleeting, natural light of the desert. He frequently takes his canvas and oils into the rugged backcountry, painting directly on-site along the shimmering River Chama, the quiet valleys of Vallecitos, and the dramatic gorge of the Rio Grande.
“I hope to convey a sense of my passion for the landscape, the feeling of sunshine, the wind and the energy that fills the earth, the sky and me,” Reynolds notes. “I find it beautiful, powerful and mysterious – in this way, painting becomes a way to try to understand the magic of the landscape.”
Exhibitions and National Recognition
Today, Reynolds’ original Southwest artwork is highly sought after by collectors of modern Western art. He was notably named an “Artist to Watch” by Southwest Art magazine, serving as the Editors’ choice for top emerging talent. His dynamic portfolio has also been featured in leading publications such as the Santa Fean and Western Art Collector.
A prominent fixture in the Santa Fe fine art scene, Reynolds exhibits regularly at the highly anticipated annual Tres Pintores exhibition and recently made his acclaimed debut at the prestigious Mountain Oyster Club Contemporary Western Art Show and Sale in Tucson.
Discover the bold, energetic artwork of Robert E. Reynolds, proudly represented by Acosta Strong Fine Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
