Introduction.
In this post, I will discuss John Stermer as a painter of southwestern United States themes. I have been thinking about this topic because of our upcoming show at The Gallery ABQ*.
Southwestern Themes.
So what is the deal about painting southwestern themes?
Eastern Background.
When John Stermer moved to New Mexico with his family in late 1959, he was an “easterner”. That is, his childhood home was Elmira, New York. And, later, he attended art school in New York City. True, he had traveled to the Pacific during World War II, and to Europe in the 1950s.
But, other than a trip to Yellowstone Park, John Stermer had yet to draw or paint the western United States, much less the southwest.
You might say, that John Stermer’s early painterly sensibility was informed by the northeastern United States.
Moves To New Mexico.
Back to our story. As one might imagine that moving to small town New Mexico after living in New York City was dramatic. And, arriving in winter might have made John wonder if this was really the place to settle down. New Mexico looked dry and cold.
But, Bayard and Silver City, New Mexico, turned out to be wonderful places to live, grow and thrive. John would live the remainder of his life there.
People And Landscape.
You might say that John’s philosophy “the subject is an excuse to paint – and I find excuses everywhere” was put to the test. But, soon enough, the colors and rhythms of the area captured his imagination.
I would say that the people and land grabbed Dad’s attention quickly. We (the estate) have portraits and landscapes dating from the 1960s. Eventually, he included such southwestern themes as cowboys, boots, skulls and road runners, in his paintings. John was also inspired by the land (mountains and trees), and architecture (adobe houses and churches).
Conclusion.
In thinking about my dad’s art, I would say that through painting he came to know the people and land of southwest in a personal way. Perhaps, he came to love the southwest in a way that John Stermer could not foresee when he first arrived in late 1959.
*Note:
Our showing at The Gallery ABQ is in July of 2025. Opening reception date is 11 July, 2025 (First Friday in Albuquerque, NM). For more information, please visit our article titled “The Gallery ABQ: Show Coming July 2025”.
About the paintings:
- “Bull Skull”. This is one of a handful of bull skull paintings that we know of. In this particular version, John incorporates some Cubist’s ideas. To me, the angular lines and shapes remind me of the power of the bull. One feels it even in a decaying skull.
- “Bull Dogger”. I remember going to a local rodeo when I was young. Rodeos and ranching were a part of our community. I like the feeling of movement and power in this painting. And, my favorite part, the determination of the bull!
- “Kneeling Nun”. This is one of several paintings of a local, Grant County, New Mexico, landmark. Dad painted it over several years. Each one showed a different mood of the landscape. In this particular painting, perhaps there had been rains recently. The warm greens speak to me of a renewed land. The dark blue sky hints of summer rains to come.
- (Thumbnail). “Mining Hut Entrance”. The landscape of southwestern is dotted with old mines. I remember seeing some in the hills not far from our house. To me, old mining huts, entrances and equipment are as southwestern as cowboy boots. Oil by John Stermer. Jay Hemphill photographer. ©John Stermer Estate/Stermer Fine Art LLC.