“This Enchanted Landscape“ presents new paintings of the southwestern landscape by New Mexico plein air painters Stephen Day and Peggy Immel. For both artists, painting outdoors on the land is a captivating experience, offering moment-by-moment engagement with the ever-changing light that bathes the unique landscapes found in the Southwest.
Meet the artists at the opening reception on May 6. The show continues through May 31.

Stephen Day’s ‘first love’ is painting the beauty of the natural environment that surrounds him. He frequently paints on location using the smaller works as studies for larger paintings completed in his studio. He offered, “I paint almost exclusively from life trying to capture the feeling and the mood of the subject before me. This work philosophy forces me to paint quickly to get a spontaneous and fresh response, because everything around us (including ourselves) is in a constant state of change.”

Well known for his signature sunset paintings, Day is academically trained, having earned both a B.A. and a Masters’ degree. In addition, he studied at the Art Students League of Denver and the Loveland Academy of Fine Art in Colorado. He lives in Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico.

Peggy Immel looks to nature and adventure as her Muse. Often working en plein air, her landscape paintings are inspired by a love of exploring the outdoors and the Southwest’s exotic beauty. Before Immel begins a new piece, she asks herself, “Why am I painting this?” Such a query helps her stay focused on the original intention and ultimate goal of each piece, which may involve visual elements like light, color and contrast or an interest in philosophical aspects of a particular subject.

Immel is a Master Signature Member of the Plein Air Painters of New Mexico and a Signature Artist of Plein Air Artists Colorado. She regularly participates in plein air painting and western art exhibitions across the West. She lives in Taos, New Mexico with her husband.