Serenity, delicacy and harmony—these words describe Sheldon Orrin Parsons’ (1866–1943) art and how his paintings reflected his appreciation for the natural beauty around him. Born in New York, he was also involved with the National Academy of Design, an organization that supports the arts through expositions.
At the age of 29, Parsons began his career as a portrait artist, spending 17 years in New York painting well-known figures. During this period, he also explored landscape painting.
After losing his wife in 1912 and receiving a tuberculosis diagnosis shortly after, 47-year-old Parsons sought recovery in the dry climate of Santa Fe. There, inspired by the dramatic New Mexico landscape, he gave up figure painting to dedicate his work to local scenery. Despite these personal hardships, he continued to find joy in painting the landscapes around him. His contributions to the arts eventually led him to become the first director of the New Mexico Museum of Fine Arts in 1918.
He continued to support the local arts community until his death in 1943, after years of health struggles. His paintings remain a testament to his deep appreciation for the beauty of nature.
—Prepared by the World Tribune staff
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