Walt Gonske worked for many years as an illustrator in New York. He moved to Taos, New Mexico in the early 70's after making a preliminary trip to visit his sister. In New Mexico, Gonske was immediately impressed by the quality of light. At first he mainted watercolors, which were sold in local galleries modestly. After switching to oils, he had the benefit of a critique by Ray Vinella (one of the original Taos Six) who advised Gonske to paint on site, thus Gonske became a "plain aire" painter. Working almost exclusively on location, Gonske quickly received the recognition which he richly deserves. Gonske has, since those days been accepted to numerous museums and received many honors.

Exhibitions (Selected) Southwestern Watercolor Society Society of American Impressionists National Academy of Western Art Cowboy Hall of Fame Invitational Museum of the Southwest, Midland, Texas Artists of America, Denver, Colorado

Awards (Selected) First Place, Southwestern Watercolor Society Bronze Medal, National Academy of Western Art John and Mary Lee Stacy Grant Silver Medal, National Academy of Western Art Gold Medal, National Academy of Western Art

Collections (Selected) The Dunnegan Collection, MO The Eitenjorg Collection, IN Gilcrease Museum, Tulsa, OK The William and Joffa Kerr Collection, OK THe Morton and Donna Fleisher Collection, AZ

Publications (Selected) Watercolor Page, American Artist Treasures of the American West Contemporary Western Artists Modern Oil Impressionists Masterworks of Impressionism

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