Harold Joe Waldrum: Las Sombras

Harold Joe Waldrum (1935-2003) was an artist, engraver, photographer, author and teacher, as well as an activist for the preservation of historic churches. His works are full of bright color and powerful geometric lines. Inspired by the critic's comments on the works he created in the late 1970s as “New York paintings”, Waldrum sought to portray the most significant image of New Mexico and decided to paint the back of the church in Los Ranchos de Taos, focusing on dramatic adobe architecture and deep contrasting shadows found in the southwest.

This experience inspired the artist to study the painting of more unique churches and design the style for which he is known.