Taos Society of Artists

History of the Taos Society of Artists

The Taos Society of Artists (TSA) was a collaborative of visual artists formed in Taos, New Mexico in 1915. The group played a key role in establishing the Southwest as an important hub for American art. Founders included notable figures such as Joseph Henry Sharp, Bert Geer Phillips, Ernest L. Blumenschein, Eanger Irving Couse, W. Herbert Dunton, and Oscar E. Berninghaus.

Origins and Purpose

The first six artists were drawn to Taos in the late 19th century by the region's spectacular landscape, its unique lighting, and the rich Native American and Spanish culture. As they settled, they began to paint the life and land around them. Contrary to popular belief, there was never a “Taos School of Painting” with a shared style or philosophy. Instead, each artist brought their own unique background and approach to painting the land and people of northern New Mexico.

For most of the artists, Taos was an escape from the increasingly industrialized and urban world. They were romantics, seeking to capture what they saw as a vanishing way of life—the simplicity of the landscape and the indigenous peoples. They focused on the daily lives of Pueblo Indians, the rugged Western landscape, and life on the frontier, especially in an era when many believed this way of life was disappearing due to modernization.

Artistic Focus and Philosophy

There was a sense of urgency among these artists. Many believed they were witnessing the last moments of the "Old West." Some focused on the nobility of Native American life in harmony with nature, while others worked with a passion fired by the political and social changes happening in New Mexico. These artists saw the indigenous cultures of Taos, as well as the surrounding Anglo and Spanish communities, as sources of inspiration.

Although there was no unified style, most artists followed the traditions of 19th-century academic painting. However, several were also inspired to experiment with color, light, and form as they worked with the unique landscape and cultural mix of Taos. Their works remain within the mainstream of American art, even influencing the development of abstract and modern art.

Key Members and Their Contributions

• Joseph Henry Sharp – Considered the spiritual father of the Taos art colony, he was instrumental in documenting Native American life and culture. His works capture the dignity and beauty of Pueblo life.
• Bert Geer Phillips – Known for his romanticized depictions of the Pueblo peoples and New Mexico’s landscapes.
• Ernest L. Blumenschein – His 1898 visit to Taos, along with Phillips, is often credited with sparking the movement that became the Taos Society of Artists.
• Oscar E. Berninghaus – Captured the harsh beauty of the New Mexican desert and the everyday life of the people who lived there.
• E. Irving Couse – Known for his detailed portraits of Native American individuals, Couse’s works often emphasized rituals and daily life in the pueblos.
• W. Herbert Dunton – Focused primarily on the life of cowboys and the disappearing frontier, Dunton’s works were celebrations of the rugged American West.

The Legacy of the Taos Society of Artists

The Taos Society of Artists dissolved in 1927, but their legacy continues. They helped establish Taos as a world-renowned art colony, and their depictions of the landscape and people of northern New Mexico remain influential today. Their works are celebrated for capturing not just the physical beauty of the land, but also the cultural richness and historical importance of the region’s diverse communities.

Many of the Taos artists also worked as illustrators for popular magazines of the time, such as Harper’s Weekly. Their illustrations and paintings helped to shape the popular imagination of the American West, presenting both romantic and realistic views of life on the frontier. Over time, the works of the Taos artists have come to be seen as some of the most important representations of American art from the early 20th century.