Artist's Statement:

I enjoy interpreting the wonderful sights I see, as the light changes over the landscape, and the objects amongst it.  The last few hours of the day bring everything amazingly to life here in Northern New Mexico, and the way the intense light of late afternoon highlights all in it's in it's path creates art for my eyes.  I love to depict this real life drama in my work by using rich bright color and high contrast with shadows and light.  My approach is to simplify forms and shapes of  the landscape, small farms and villages and cultural influences to re-create an early Taos Modernist feel to my work.

Biography

Eric Andrews Gumbiner was born in Southern California, and lived throughout his childhood and young adult years in the small art town of Laguna Beach, where he had the opportunity to learn from Hal Akins, who is a well know artist, and the art teacher at Laguna Beach High School.  Through much encouragement from Mr. Akins and family, Eric studied art all through high school and was part of many student shows and awards.

After high school,   Eric studied film in college,  graduating  with a liberal arts degree from the University of Oregon.  He then entered the business world, in search of the all mighty dollar,  putting aside his love of art for several years.   After moving to New Mexico, in 1996,  his interest and love of art was rekindled.  Enchanted with the beautiful landscape, the mountains and the light, he began painting again.  He also began taking art classes from UNM, Taos and more specifically  with Ray Vinella, a well known and respected Taos artist and teacher.  After living in the area for many years, it is clear that he  has a great understanding of his subject matter.   Eric's paintings capture a moment and radiate a peaceful feeling.   He is known as a colorist, directly influence by the early Taos Modernist,  and his use of shadow and light is wonderful, but composition is his main focus, and for that reason his paintings are pleasing to the eye and powerful like the New Mexico landscape truly is.