Show Preview | Ventana Fine Art: John Nieto

Santa Fe, NM, August 17-September 7

John Nieto, Wolf (Close Up), acrylic, 24 x 32.

This story was featured in the August 2012 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Order the Southwest Art magazine August 2012 print edition here, or purchase the Southwest Art magazine August 2012 digital download here. Or simply click here to subscribe to Southwest Art magazine and never miss a story!

The striking color, powerful expres-sion, and vibrant energy of John Nieto’s paintings can be experienced in full this month at Ventana Fine Art. This year marks the gallery’s 26th annual summer show and sale featuring works by Nieto. More than 30 new pieces by this prolific and accomplished artist go on display during Indian Market weekend. An opening reception is on Friday, August 17, from 5 to 7 p.m., and the show runs through September 7.

“All the paintings in this collection were done with my annual exhibit in Santa Fe in mind,” Nieto says. His newest works are a continuation and expansion of the contemporary, expressionistic depictions of wildlife and Native American themes he is known for. “The subjects are very personal to me,” the artist says.

This personal connection is evident in the artist’s work. Viewers can immediately sense the power and significance of Nieto’s subjects—in the piercing eyes of a coyote, the profound expression of emotion in a Native man’s face, or the simple yet stunning beauty of the archer’s form.

While the paintings in this show were created in a similar way as his past works, Nieto says they demonstrate how his art is slowly evolving as he himself evolves and inevitably sees the world differently. “The new Native American paintings seem to have more relevancy to me as they come off of my easel,” he muses, adding, “I can’t put my finger on why.” There are also some new wildlife paintings in the show, including a close-up of an electrifying wolf with eyes that seem to jump out from the canvas and stare right back at the viewer.

Nieto, now 75, says he is at a point in his career where each new painting is an attempt to capture familiar subjects in a fresh and distinctive way. “My hope is that the public will find this show uplifting and inspirational,” Nieto says. “The inspiration comes from deep inside me—the need to paint persists, and I follow that need.” —Lindsay Mitchell

contact information
505.983.8815
 www.ventanafineart.com

Featured in the August 2012 issue of Southwest Art magazine–click below to purchase:
Southwest Art magazine August 2012 digital download
Southwest Art magazine August 2012 print edition
Or click here to subscribe to Southwest Art magazine and never miss a story!