Painting the Colors, Light, & Feel of the Southwest
Experience Art Beyond the Canvas
As featured in…
As featured in…
Experience the Beauty of Art That Brings Stories, Emotions, and Timeless Aesthetics into Your World
Step into a world where every piece tells a story. My original paintings and fineart prints captivate and elevate your surroundings.
MEET THE ARTIST
Mike Mahon
Collectors don't just want beauty, they want meaning. My favorite writer, C.S. Lewis said, "Reason is the organ of truth, but Imagination is the organ of meaning". My paintings have been described as "impressionistic realism". Being true to Lewis, my work is representional with an extra punch of color and contrast to excite the imagination and stimulate the memory of favorite landscapes and people.
“I lift the visual veil that most of us see the world through. I want to reveal the wonderfully bright colors and contrast that exist in nature when you really learn to observe. Authenticity is my watch word.”
My love of art grew naturally being raised on the flat plains of West Texas as well as in mountainous Northern New Mexico. Both are vastly different, yet strangely complementary places. One would always make me long for the other. My broad Southwestern subject matter is an honest outworking of my family’s roots.
"The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls." — Pablo Picasso
“The spontaneous, loose, and lively characteristics of plein air painting is what I try to replicate in all my work, whether in the studio or on location.”
“Plein Air painting is an extreme sport!“
My grandfather moved his family from Fort Worth, Texas, to Taos, New Mexico, in 1913, to be the towns’ only pharmacist, living next to Kit Carson’s residence and the one-time Stables Gallery. He sometimes bartered his prescriptions for the paintings of struggling artists, who were part of the original Taos art colony. The turn of the century artists explorers who discovered Taos and northern New Mexico's extraordinary landscape and light came by wagon as my grandfather did. The least I could do is use my "Explorer" to capture this enchanted land.
Much of my work is on location painting en plein air. Nothing compares to the adrenaline rush of painting in nature battling time, weather, insects, dogs, and pesky tourists. Northern New Mexico is my passion!
Step into a world where every piece tells a story.
Caprock Canyon Tryptic 120"x30"
Art that Speaks.
Collections that Inspire.
ORIGINAL PAINTINGS COLLECTION
Every piece tells a story—inviting you to see, feel, and explore beyond the canvas.
ORIGINALS
Originals Collection
Fine Art Prints for the Discerning Collector
Set a mood of elegance that reflects your love of the Southwest and its people. Mike's fine art prints are crafted to spark conversation and captivate the imagination. Each piece is available in small, exclusive, limited editions—ensuring your collection remains unique and timeless.
From private residences to corporate installations, Mike’s creations grace walls around the country, bringing depth, emotion, and refined elegance to every space.
Mike has selected a few of his favorite and most popular images to make available as high quality giclée limited edition prints. The prints are in editions of only 50 prints, signed and numbered.
Invest in artwork that transforms your environment and resonates for years to come.
Limited Edition Prints
COLLECTOR REVIEWS
Words from those who’ve welcomed art into their lives.
“The detail Mike puts into his work is unmatched. So many collectors have said many times they can believe his pastel work! Clients, customers and collectors swoon over his vibrant color choices.’’
Mike's work definitely strikes a cord with our Texas residents! The canyons and landscapes are always the collectors favorites. They see the sentiment in the space seem to spark a personal memory for them.
The New Mexico pieces are equally as gorgeous and many clients associate it with a vacation spot they have been too or a road they have traveled along theirs life's journey.
We believe Mike’s work will be passed down for many generations to come!
— Reece Beddington,
Reserve Gallery, Amarillo, Texas
“Mike's work represents both exceptional artistic skill and that rare quality of emotional resonance that makes a piece truly unforgettable.”
“I was immediately struck by Mike Mahon's extraordinary mastery of light when I first encountered his work in a gallery in Taos, New Mexico.
What sets Mike apart is his intuitive understanding of how light transforms throughout the day - his palettes shift naturally with the conditions he's capturing, whether it's the soft, gentle colors of early morning or the dramatic warmth of sunset reflecting off mountains and fences.”
— Andrea Matus-Magee, Artist/collector, Santa Fe, NM
“Mike's paintings are a vibrant celebration of Southwestern culture, infused with the rich, colorful influences of Taos, Santa Fe and the New Mexico countryside.”
— Dennis & Kim Garvey,
Collectors, Amarillo, Tx
“[Mike] is a master of design and he is one of the best of the best in the New Mexico art scene..”
{Mike] is the consummate professional in the way he approaches the design and process of creating a painting. We are fortunate to own a lovely painting I purchased from him years ago and it has become not only one of our favorite pieces, but also evokes special memories of a week in Taos painting with Mike. His paintings just say “New Mexico” with his beautiful colors, skillful composition, and his mastery of his medium, both in pastel and oil. His deep roots in New Mexico are evident in the historic locations he choses to paint. He is a master of design and he is one of the best of the best in the New Mexico art scene. I am blessed not only to be a collector but to call him a friend and a teacher.
— Elizabeth Cooper,
Owner Operator BlueBird Studios, Santa Fe, NM
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THE PROCESS
Bringing an idea to life through art begins long before the first stroke is made.
Inspiration can strike in the smallest of moments—a shadow dancing across a wall, the texture of weathered stone, or the quiet stillness of dawn. For Mike Mahon, the process is one of observation and patience, waiting for the right alignment of light, emotion, and space. In the case of a portrait, there are three key predictors of success: Pose, Lighting, and Design.
Every composition is a deliberate act, balancing form and feeling. Whether behind the lens or standing before a canvas, Mike crafts pieces that invite reflection and connection. These works become more than visual—they become experiences that resonate deeply, offering viewers a chance to pause, feel, and rediscover the beauty hidden in the everyday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the artworks available in different sizes or formats?
Yes! Many of our pieces are offered in a variety of sizes. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece or something more intimate, we can help you find the perfect fit for your space.
Are these artworks part of a limited collection?
Absolutely. Our collections feature exclusive, carefully curated works—many offered in small editions or as one-of-a-kind originals to maintain their uniqueness and value.
Do you charge for shipping?
Shipping is free for standard shipping within the continental United States. Expedited, outside the USA, and/or custom shipping request are handled on a case by case basis.
Can I schedule a private viewing or consultation?
Of course! We offer personalized consultations to help you select the ideal artwork for your home, office, or collection. Contact us to arrange a private gallery viewing, virtual tour, or design consultation. Whether you are interested in a particular painting or print or a collection of pieces, we can use pictures of your room and show you exactly what the piece would look like in your environment.
Painting the Colors, Light, & Feel of the Southwest
