6 Most Famous Arizona Landscape Artists

Ed Mell, Mountains

Arizona has a long history of inspiring artists from around the world, particularly those who are drawn to its unique and diverse landscapes. The state's vast deserts, towering mountains, and stunning vistas have been captured in countless paintings, drawings, and other forms of art. In this article, I will explore the lives and works of six of the most famous Arizona landscape artists and examine their impact on the art world. I chose these artists due to their having lived in Arizona and made a significant cultural impact with their art.  Obviously, there are many others I could have chosen, this is just a starting point.  

1. Ed Mell 

​Ed Mell (1942-) is a contemporary artist who has lived and worked in Arizona for over 40 years. He is best known for his paintings of the state's rugged mountains and dramatic skies. Mell's use of bold, vibrant colors captures the beauty and energy of the landscape, while his unique style combines impressionism and abstraction. His work has been exhibited in galleries and museums across the country, and he has won numerous awards for his contributions to the art world. Mell's paintings are featured in the collections of the Phoenix Art Museum, the Tucson Museum of Art, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Learn more about Ed Mell at the Ed Mell Gallery.  

2. Maynard Dixon

Maynard Dixon (1875 – 1946) was a prominent artist who lived and worked in Arizona in the early 20th century. He is known for his depictions of the American West, including its vast and rugged landscapes. Dixon's paintings often captured the stark beauty of the desert and the everyday lives of its inhabitants. His work remains an iconic representation of the American West and continues to inspire artists today. Dixon's paintings are held in the collections of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and the Whitney Museum of American Art. Learn more about Maynard Dixon at: ​https://www.maynarddixon.org/

3. ​Merrill Mahaffey 

Merrill Mahaffey (1937-) is a contemporary artist who has lived and worked in Arizona for over 50 years. His impressionistic paintings of the Arizona landscape are characterized by their use of light and color to convey a sense of the state's natural beauty. Mahaffey's work has been exhibited in galleries and museums throughout the country, and he has received numerous awards for his contributions to the art world. His paintings can be found in the collections of the Phoenix Art Museum, the Tucson Museum of Art, and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. Learn more about Merrill Mahaffey at his website HERE.  

​4. Ted De Grazia 

​Ted De Grazia (1909 – 1982) was a popular artist who lived and worked in Arizona in the mid-20th century. He is known for his colorful and whimsical depictions of the Arizona landscape, as well as his paintings of the state's indigenous peoples. De Grazia's work remains popular today, and his paintings can be found in galleries and museums throughout Arizona. The De Grazia Gallery in the Sun, located in Tucson, features a large collection of his work.

​5. William Herbert Dunton 

​William Herbert Dunton ( 1878 – 1936) was a prominent artist who lived and worked in Arizona in the early 20th century. His paintings often depicted the vast and rugged landscapes of the American West, including those of Arizona. Dunton's work remains an important representation of the West and continues to inspire artists today. His paintings can be found in the collections of the Phoenix Art Museum, the Gilcrease Museum, and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.

6. Margorie Helen Thomas 

Marjorie Helen Thomas (1885 -1978) is a contemporary artist who lived and worked in Arizona for over 30 years. Her paintings often depict the state's landscapes, particularly its desert scenes and mountain vistas. Thomas's work has been exhibited in galleries and museums throughout the country, and she has won numerous awards for her contributions to the art world. This is an artist that likely deserves greater recognition than she has gotten, and I am eager to see more of her paintings.  ​Her paintings can be found in the collections of the Phoenix Art Museum, the Tucson Museum of Art, and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art.

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Arizona has been the inspiration for countless artists, particularly those who specialize in landscape painting. The six artists I have highlighted in this article - Ed Mell, Maynard Dixon, Merrill Mahaffey, Ted De Grazia, William Herbert Dunton, and Marjorie Helen Thomas - have each made significant contributions to the world of art with their unique styles and perspectives. Their paintings have captured the beauty and diversity of Arizona's landscapes, from the rugged desert terrain to the snow-capped peaks of the mountains. Through their art, these artists have left a lasting legacy and have become an integral part of Arizona's cultural heritage. Whether you are an art lover or simply curious about the state's landscape and history, their works are sure to leave a lasting impression. I hope they inspire you to paint the great Southwest and celebrate the beauty of Arizona.  Happy trails!

Bruce Black's Paintings 

I am  an artist, art teacher, and longtime Arizona resident. My landscape paintings focus on Arizona and the great American Southwest.  You can see more of my own artwork HERE.  

Bruce Black, Light Over Sedona, 9 X 12, oil on canvas. 2022 *