Robert Daughters (American, 1929-2013)

Paintings

What is a Summary of Robert Daughters’ Artwork, Style, and Background?

Robert Daughters was a painter known for his vibrant landscapes and cityscapes of New Mexico and the Southwest. He was a founding member of the Taos Six, a group of artists who played a vital role in revitalizing the Taos art scene in the 1970s. His art featured bold brushstrokes, vibrant colors, and an impressionistic style. Daughters studied art at the Kansas City Art Institute and worked as a commercial artist in Los Angeles before settling in Taos in 1970. He dedicated his artistic career to capturing the beauty and essence of the Southwestern landscapes.

What Kind of Art Does Robert Daughters Make?

Robert Daughters created art that celebrated the beauty and spirit of New Mexico and the Southwest. He specialized in landscapes and cityscapes, portraying scenes of adobe buildings, churches, plazas, mountains, deserts, and flowers with bright and expressive colors. His artwork utilized thick, textured brushstrokes to convey depth and movement. Additionally, he depicted portraits of Native Americans, cowboys, and local characters with a sense of sensitivity and respect.

How Did Robert Daughters Get Started?

Robert Daughters began his artistic journey as a child, expressing himself through cartoons and comic strips. He furthered his education at the Kansas City Art Institute, where he learned from notable artists like Thomas Hart Benton and John de Martelly. Following 20 years of work as a commercial artist in Los Angeles, he discovered Taos during a visit in 1968 and fell in love with the area. In 1970, he moved to Taos with his wife Barbara Latham, an artist as well. There, he opened his gallery and became one of the Taos Six, a group of artists that played a significant role in the local art scene.

Where Have Robert Daughters’ Works Been Exhibited?

Robert Daughters’ artwork has been exhibited in various museums and galleries throughout the United States. Some notable locations include the Harwood Museum of Art in Taos, the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History in Albuquerque, the Phoenix Art Museum in Phoenix, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in Indianapolis, the Autry National Center in Los Angeles, and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. His works are also part of prestigious public and private collections, such as the New Mexico Museum of Art in Santa Fe, the Roswell Museum and Art Center in Roswell, the Tucson Museum of Art in Tucson, the Forbes Collection in New York, and the Anschutz Collection in Denver.

Who Influenced Robert Daughters’ Style?

Robert Daughters’ artistic style was influenced by a diverse array of artists and movements. He drew inspiration from prominent figures such as Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cezanne, Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and Henri Matisse. Art movements like Fauvism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, and Expressionism also played a role in shaping his artistic approach. Additionally, he admired the works of his contemporaries, including Richard Diebenkorn, Wayne Thiebaud, David Hockney, Wolf Kahn, Ray Vinella, R.C. Gorman, and the Taos Society of Artists members, such as Ernest Blumenschein, Joseph Henry Sharp, and Eanger Irving Couse.