Virtual Art Tour

Julian Robles, American, born 1933

Tablita Dancer

Julian Robles, a founding member of "The Taos Six," maintains his studio in Taos, NM, but spends much of his time painting on location throughout the Southwest. He is recognized for his paintings of contemporary American Indians, as well as for his commissioned portraits and figure paintings, all executed in oil or pastel.

He studied at Pratt Institute, the National Academy of Art and Design, and the Art Students League, all in New York City. He is a strong supporter of the impressionist philosophy, passed on by teacher Robert Phillip who said, "A painting should surpass mere realistic reporting or rendering." Robles sees photorealism as "mere copying" and felt that "true artistry involves emotion instilled into a work." He does use preliminary sketches or sometimes photographs and works directly on the canvas, setting the basic composition of the boundaries and masses first. He enjoys painting on location, although he also paints from models in his studio.

Robles has been featured in many publications including, Who's Who in American Art, Who's Who in the West, Masterworks of Impressionism, Southwest Art and Contemporary Western Artists. His paintings have won numerous awards, including the David and Mildred Rosenthal Memorial Award at the 11th Annual Pastel Society of America Exhibition and have been exhibited at The Museum of the American West, Houston, and the Heritage Museum, Norfolk, VA.

Robles currently exhibits at the Albuquerque Museum Foundation in its annual Miniatures Art Show, the Taos Gallery, the Matteucci Gallery in Santa Fe and the Concetta Gallery in Albuquerque.