Tuesday Art ATTACK- Ernest L. Blumenschein "Star Road and White Sun"

On May 26, 1874 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, one of the most notable southwest artists, Ernest Blumenschein, was born. When he was four years old his Mother died and his father took a job as the Dayton Philharmonic composer, moving the family to Dayton, Ohio. From a young age Ernest showed a talent for music and was encouraged by his Father to pursue those skills. After High School he attended the Cincinnati College of Music but was diverted from his original plans to follow in his father’s footsteps after taking a class at the Cincinnati Art Academy. Ernest fell in love with art and abandoned his dream to become a musician, dropping out of music school and enrolling at the Cincinnati Art Academy. He continued his studies at the Art Students League of New York and the Académie Julian in Paris, France. After graduation Ernest became a commercial illustrator, creating pieces for many books and magazines. In 1898 his work took him to New Mexico with colleague, Bert Phillips, were his art was heavily influenced by the western scenes of the town of Taos. Upon his return to New York, Ernest was unable to escape his fascination with the west, visiting Taos many times to explore this new passion. In 1915 he moved to Taos full time where he produced his most noted work featuring the American Indian. He also helped found the Taos Society of Artists that ultimately transformed his home into a museum after his death. Ernest continued to paint until he was an old man, ultimately passing away in 1960. This is an excellent example of his work, entitled "Star Road and White Sun" it is an oil painting created in 1920.