Into Nature

Into Nature explores the way in which our experience of nature can have a lasting impression upon who we are as individuals. In this exhibition of work by Robert M. Ellis, we look at how the sweeping vistas and dramatic beauty of Northern New Mexico changed his artwork. Ellis had been so in awe of the landscape that he felt he could not paint it. Ellis had been traveling to Taos frequently, and eventually moved there following his retirement from the University of New Mexico Art Department. As Ellis spent time hiking and exploring the mountains and hills of Valdez Valley, he gained an aerial perspective like the view you would have from a hot air balloon. The view of the land below provided him a breakthrough in his work. Ellis remarked, “the fields became like floorboards—they had that perspective and angle to them.” Ellis’ two-point perspective landscapes vanish into the corners of geometric canvases; a high horizon line leaves the audience feeling like they are floating in the sky. Ellis’ previous series, “Man in Nature,” circa 1960, provides context for Ellis’ experience. These works feature abstract representations of a figure emerging through loose ‘greenery’ on a mostly white canvas.

Robert M. Ellis (1922-2014) was an artist, educator and museum director, whose six-decade career took him around the world following his service as a Naval Officer in WWII.

All artworks on exhibition are available for purchase, please inquire with Brianne: 505-850-2307 or email brianne@curated-creative.studio

Artworks for this exhibition are generously loaned by the Robert M. Ellis Art Collection Trust. The trust is dedicated to caring for and maintaining the legacy of Ellis. Today the collection has a few more than 700+ original works by Ellis. To learn about the trust and see works not shown here, please visit: http://www.robertmellis.com/

To schedule an appointment to view additional works by Robert M. Ellis at the Trust, please contact:

Brianne: 505-850-2307 or email brianne@curated-creative.studio