A native Texan, Sean Hudson has called the desert home since 2014 when he began his MFA ‘17 at UNM. Despite Hudson's extensive experience depicting a variety of landscapes, the artist has landed on an iconic and truly unique method of representing New-Mexico’s naturally minimalist landscapes through his hand-routed oil paintings.

Hudson captures fleeting moments of color he observes in nature—a hazy rainbow, burning sunset, or sprouting blossom—producing flawless gradients in oil on sculptural wooden panels. The artist then applies his palm-router like a pen to carve out delightfully tactile grooves that transform the panels into euphoric vistas.

Following the easy lines of Sean's router produces a soothing visual meditation; bathed in the glowing aura of citron yellow, coral or cyan oil paint, a vast desert expanse stretches endlessly into horizon, dotted with wiry shrubs perfectly rendered by a quick twirl. The artist's carefree, gestural marks embody the playful energy of his hand, representing various natural elements: clouds, plants, earth, energy. In the distance, a friendly mesa beckons further exploration. To view one of Sean’s paintings is to gaze upon the desert through his eyes - joyously, with the relaxed optimism of knowing we are one with it. 

For more information please email hi@smokethemoon.com.