Welcome to the world of Monty Singer, a talented artist whose plein-air paintings transport you to the breathtaking landscapes of the Southwest. Each stroke of his brush captures the essence of nature, infusing it with vibrant colors and captivating light. Let's delve into the unique appeal of Monty Singer's plein-air paintings and the influences that have shaped his remarkable art.
The Unique Appeal of Monty Singer's Plein-Air Paintings
Monty Singer's paintings possess a unique allure that holds the interest and attention of viewers. Through his masterful use of color and light, he brings the natural landscapes to life, creating a visual symphony that resonates with the observer's soul. Monty Singer captures the ethos of the Southwest, transporting you to the vast desert, majestic mesas, and expansive vistas.
Using high-quality materials, Monty ensures that his paintings withstand the test of time. Each artwork is filled with his passion, telling a story and evoking emotions in the viewer. Whether it's the serenity of a desert sunset or the rugged beauty of a canyon, Monty's paintings invite you to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
Influences and Experiences Shaping Monty Singer's Art
Born and raised near the western edge of the Navajo reservation, Monty Singer draws inspiration from his Navajo heritage and deep connection to the Southwest desert. His artistic journey began while growing up watching his father Ed Singer paint in his Gray Mountain studio near Cameron, Arizona. From an early age, Monty showed an innate talent for drawing, eventually expanding his skills to pastels and then oils.
In 2015, Monty ventured into plein-air painting, recording the beauty of landscapes realistically in their natural setting. This approach allows him to embrace the Alla Prima technique, painting in the moment and capturing the fleeting essence of each scene. His connection to the land and the history of the Navajo people imbues his work with a powerful sense of purpose. Monty states:
“the obstacle a plein air painter experiences in the Southwest is that there’s no fog or haze from moisture in the air; so capturing the clarity of mesas, mountains and an expansive desert that can be seen for literally hundreds of miles in the distance is challenging”.
On a purely technical level, Monty says that he is trying to apply a sense of dazzling color to the arid desert landscape of his beloved Southwest desert. Monty commented,
“I am Navajo and now in the mid years of my life, I am connecting more with the history of what my people have endured during their clash with the expanding Western American empire. As I read books on the history of the Navajo Long Walk or the Navajo Code Talkers, I am filled with a desire to represent in painting the lands where all this history unfolded. My work is about the moment when the divide between subject and object disappears. To me, that is the very nature of working In Situ. My hope is to capture the energy of that moment in paint. I never wanted to be a painter, but now I consider it a sacred duty. And while my approach is somewhat classical in technique, my eye and my brush stroke are Indigenous in its history and vision.”
Exploring Monty Singer's Notable Works
Among Monty Singer's notable landscapes, two representational paintings stand out. The first is a mesmerizing depiction of Merrick Butte in Monument Valley, showcasing the stunning rock formations and vibrant colors of this iconic landscape. The second painting captures a mesa bluff off Highway 550 in New Mexico, San Ysidro, evoking a sense of tranquility and vastness.
Monty's technique involves using a combination of brush and palette knife, allowing him to create texture and depth in his paintings. Monty imbues his work with a sense of dazzling color while keeping the image grounded in realism. The result is a harmonious blend of textured realism reflecting the unique beauty of the Southwest.
Recognition and Awards
Monty Singer's talent and dedication to his craft have garnered recognition and numerous awards. His work has shown at prestigious art fairs such as the Santa Fe Indian Market, the New Mexico Masterworks Show and the Heard Museum Indian Arts Fair. Additionally, his paintings have found their way into museums and private collections, a testament to their enduring appeal.
Conclusion
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Monty Singer's plein-air paintings and experience the beauty of the Southwest like never before. Each stroke of his brush reveals a deep connection to the land, reflecting the rich heritage of the Diné people. Whether you're an art enthusiast or collector, Monty Singer's paintings offer a glimpse into the timeless beauty of nature. Bring the essence of the Southwest into your home. Experience the breathtaking landscapes and the stories they tell.
How does landscape influence the act of creation? How do artists translate this influence into a landscape shaped by their own hands?
Artist Statement:
Hemingway said, ''You have always written before and you will write now. All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence you know.''
I am a Navajo painter in America. Painting the truest brushstroke I know, is to be completely present before the void, like a Zen monk sitting in still silence before a blank wall. In an effort to focus my life, I studied Zazen meditation. On a given day sitting meditation, the chaos and disorder of body and mind fall away to form and stillness. Sometimes, satori will happen, although that is not the goal, as the purpose of Zazen is to just sit.
As a painter in the field, within the primordial chaotic void of nature, the purpose is one true brushstroke. Sometimes more than one true brushstroke is achieved and a flow state occurs and “It” paints. On those fortunate days I stand back and just observe the painting emerge.
In my childhood I was constantly drawing. I drew as a means to cope with a violent upbringing on the fringes of the Navajo reservation.
However, becoming a painter was not something I envisioned for myself. I returned to drawing and painting in my thirties. I realized I had something to say with color and paint. I stopped seeing life exclusively in black and white and for the first time was able to capture time, color and emotion in paint. The need to express what I saw and felt in a moment became my purpose.
At times, I analyze and overthink everything to the point of paralysis. Whether it is landscapes in the field or the figure in my studio, painting In Situ breaks my habit of over analysis and over thinking. The clock is running. The sun is moving. The light is changing. The model has to take a break. I have to make decisions fast. My work is a continuous practice to capture a moment of my mind and spirit in paint and color.
It is a meditation, a love of light and life. Although my methods may be classical and European in the approach, every brushstroke is translated through indigenous hands, eyes, and experience.
I am always observing, and always learning. Painting is practice.
Monty Singer
2023
The two paintings featured have been purchased from the artist directly at SWAIA Winter Indian Market, a reputable art market in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in the Southwestern United States.
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