Marigold Arts is pleased to present a solo exhibition of watercolors by Robert Highsmith, the recipient of the Governor's Painting Award, 2011 New MexicoGovernor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts . The show will feature new paintings of Highsmith's current subject of interest: Lake Powell. It's clear from these new works that Highsmith has not stopped challenging himself with new subjects since winning the Governor's Award. Also represented will be Highsmith's signature subjects, including aerial views of farmlands, reflective rivers, and railroad scenes. In short, Highsmith is committed to representing the new Mexico landscape in all of its diversity. In this time of drought, he is drawn to water, and he is interested in evoking a bird's eye view.

Highsmith's paintings make strong, simple statements that capture the light and landscapes of the Southwest, evincing equal parts technical virtuosity and heart. He paints primarily landscapes, occasionally focusing on cows, railroads, or architecture. Highsmith’s paintings reveal a softness of light and shadow,complemented by the stark contrasts and fine details that lend the work its photorealism. 

River Patterns

Highsmith’s work has been widely exhibited across the United States and has won many awards, among them the Top 100 Award in Paint theParks and in Paint America. His work is featured in the book Art Journey America, coming out in 2012, and in SPLASH 13. It has been featured in Fine Art Connoisseur, New Mexico Magazine, SPLASH 11, Southwest Art, Art of the West, Artist Magazine, The Santa Fean, and
Watercolor Magic.

His career highlights include the Western Federation of Watercolor Societies 2011 Exhibition Best of Show Award, the Emily Goldsmith Award from the American Watercolor Society in New York, NY, where he has signature status; participation in the traveling watercolor show Looking Toward the Future; and The Western Federation of Artists Award of Excellence.

His work is represented in numerous public, corporate, and private collections here and abroad, including those of the Capitol Art Foundation, Santa Fe; Tomasso Corporation; Aetna Insurance; Hartford Insurance; the Hublein Corporation; Southern New England Telephone; Maitland City Hall, Maitland, Florida; WCHS Television, Portland, Maine; and the Hilton Head Public Library. 

Highsmith currently resides in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

see more of Highsmith's work here

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Marigold Arts is New Mexico’s destination gallery for watercolors.  The gallery represents the best of fine art and craft by New Mexico artists, featuring hand-woven textiles, rag rugs, and the large-format landscape photography of Kenneth Parker. Marigold Arts represents a diverse range of media, including wearable art, watercolor paintings, sculpture, clay, and jewelry. Gallery artists welcome requests for custom commissions.

505-982-4142
marigoldarts@newmexico.com