Gustave Baumann

  • Installation views of Gustave Baumann works on view at the Owings Gallery on East Marcy Street

    Installation views of Gustave Baumann works on view at the Owings Gallery on East Marcy Street

  • Gustave Baumann (born June 27, 1881, Magdeburg, Germany - died October 8, 1971, Santa Fe, New Mexico, US) is considered one of the most significant color woodblock printmakers of the 20th century. His work has become synonymous with the American Southwest, particularly New Mexico, where he lived and worked for over fifty years. The rich landscapes and unique cultural elements of the West provided the subjects for the majority of his prints, cementing his reputation as an iconic American artist.

    Though Baumann was born in Germany, he immigrated to the United States in the early 1900s. After a brief period in Chicago, he moved to Brown County, Indiana, in 1910. It was during a visit to New Mexico in 1918 that Baumann first encountered the landscapes and culture that would deeply influence his art. He made Santa Fe his permanent home in 1919, where he created many of his most celebrated works. Baumann's images of New Mexico-particularly scenes of Santa Fe-have become iconic and are highly sought after by collectors.

  • Baumann's mastery of his medium was a result of his meticulous technique and sharp tools. His wood of choice was...
    Madison Square
    Color woodblock print
    13 3/4 x 11 inches
    No. 33 in an edition of 100

    Baumann's mastery of his medium was a result of his meticulous technique and sharp tools. His wood of choice was basswood, a material prized for its smooth grain and lack of knots, which allowed for clean, precise cuts. The process of creating a woodcut is a slow, deliberate one. The artist carves away areas of the wood block that are not meant to hold ink, leaving a raised surface. A brayer is then used to roll ink onto these elevated areas, transferring color onto paper with incredible precision.

    Baumann's patience was key to his success. The act of cutting the blocks was labor-intensive, requiring attention to every detail. His commitment to the process and his craft was central to his artistic vision.

  • Baumann's prints were composed of five to seven separate blocks, each representing a different layer of color. The interaction of...
    Processional
    Color woodblock print with silver leaf
    13 ¾ x 12 ¾ inches
    No. 65 in an Edition of 120

     

     

    Baumann's prints were composed of five to seven separate blocks, each representing a different layer of color. The interaction of these blocks was essential to achieving the complex color compositions that define his work. For example, the first block, often black, would serve as a foundation. A second layer, such as a blue block, would be printed over the black, resulting in a rich, dark blue. As subsequent blocks were added, colors would blend and shift, creating depth and texture.

    This multi-block technique required a keen understanding of how colors would interact, allowing Baumann to craft prints with a sophisticated range of hues and tones. 

  • Baumann's commitment to creating archival-quality works was evident in the materials he selected. He used dry pigments mixed with a...
    Aspen Money, d. 1946
    Color woodblock print, State II
    13 ½ x 12 7/8 inches
    No. 62 in an Edition of 125

     

     

    Baumann's commitment to creating archival-quality works was evident in the materials he selected. He used dry pigments mixed with a special varnish of his own making, ensuring that his prints would stand the test of time. The paper he chose was cotton or linen fiber, often custom-made for him in Germany. These papers featured Baumann's distinctive hand and heart watermark, a symbol of his dedication to quality. This continued until World War II, when the paper factory he relied on was destroyed.

  • Over the course of his career, Gustave Baumann produced nearly 190 fine art woodblock prints, alongside countless book illustrations, Christmas...
    From Hillside Gardens, d. 1941
    Color woodblock print with silver leaf
    13 1/2 x 12 3/4 inches
    state II, No. 51 in an Edition of 125

    Over the course of his career, Gustave Baumann produced nearly 190 fine art woodblock prints, alongside countless book illustrations, Christmas cards, and other smaller works. In addition to his printmaking, Baumann was a skilled painter, further showcasing his versatility as an artist. His work can be found in renowned museums and collections around the world, ensuring that his legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences today.

    Baumann's time in New Mexico, where he created much of his most celebrated work, was foundational to his artistic identity. His prints, often depicting the landscapes, people, and architecture of Santa Fe and the surrounding areas, have become iconic representations of the American Southwest. These pieces continue to resonate with collectors, reflecting Baumann's deep connection to the region.