Perspectives Fine Art

José Mondragon

 "New Mexico is timeless land of ancient cultural traditions and striking environmental diversity. It is a place that continues to lure me with its clear skies and abundance of sunshine. The limitless landscape encourages both to retrace the paths of New Mexico's rich heritage and to leave my own footprints on the pages of the state's rich history. To paint it, is a privilege. To live it, is a dream "

-José Mondragon

The study of art is a lifetime endeavor.  One that José Mondragon has religiously followed over twenty years of hands-on involvement.  After studying art in the European fashion and with many notable modern visionaries, José has returned to the Southwest and has come into his own.

Throughout his work, the dynamic use of paint transcends images of the Southwest, creating an abstract cornucopia of planes and forms.  As the eye ventures further into one of José's creations, an image of the artist himself emerges:

A simple man, a simple painter, with a large heart and eyes that see the world in a way most could only dream.  The basis of this knowledge lies in New Mexico and José gives all credit to it.  He once said,

In Santa Fe creative people are treated with the welcome and appreciation that is supposed to exist only in New York Los Angeles, Milan, or Paris.  The best of the best come here looking for the same acceptance and enlightenment. It is a true land of enchantment.

José Mondragon's style of painting is crafted around the styles of many that came before him and those of artists today.  Local legends like Dan Namingha influence his harmony of a picture.  The late Fritz Scholder, Cady Wells, Agnes Pelton and his appreciation of the rainbow of colors available have all influenced his work.  Richard Diebenkorn, with his roots to New Mexico and his power in depicting the land through abstract principles has also been an inspiration.  The list can go on.

With hard work, open eyes, and a connection to the land, José Mondragon will continue to rework what has been seen and what is possible to see. That is his dedication to art.

Abstract Works

Figurative Works

Works on Wood