Vibrant Abstract Desert Paintings Celebrate the Vast Beauty of the Western U.S.

Abstract Landscape Painting by William Haskell

The beauty of the Western U.S. is alive in the work of artist William Haskell. The Santa Fe-based creative depicts the varied landscapes in this part of the country through striking abstract paintings. Featuring bold shapes and vibrant hues, the likes of mountains, cacti, and waterways help each piece communicate the inherent beauty of the desert, along with its vastness that makes it feel so wild and free.

Inspired by the terrain since he was a young child, Haskell is drawn to the intense light and shadow that can be seen in the chiseled canyons and among the brittle leaves of desert plants. He’s since developed a visual language that you’ll find throughout his works. “The dust devil or tornado is used as a metaphor for life and represents the change our lives and our world are constantly going through,” he explains to My Modern Met. “The dust devil has many different meanings to many different cultures but often represents ghosts or spirits. The cactus has such a beautiful and modern shape to me and is an ultimate survivor.”

Scroll down to see Haskell’s paintings. His work is available as prints and accessories in his online shop.

Artist William Haskell creates abstract landscape paintings inspired by the beauty of the Western U.S.

Abstract Landscape Painting by William Haskell

Desert Landscape Paintings by William Haskell

Abstract Landscape Painting by William Haskell

Featuring bold shapes and vibrant hues, the likes of mountains, cacti, and waterways help each piece communicate the inherent beauty of the desert…

Abstract Landscape Painting by William Haskell

Abstract Landscape Painting by William Haskell

Abstract Landscape Painting by William Haskell

…along with its vastness that makes it feel so wild and free.

Abstract Landscape Painting by William Haskell

Abstract Landscape Painting by William Haskell

Abstract Landscape Painting by William Haskell

Haskell is drawn to the intense light and shadow that can be seen in the chiseled canyons and among the brittle leaves of desert plants.

Desert Landscape Paintings by William Haskell

Abstract Landscape Painting by William Haskell

The results are striking, and an homage to this majestic terrain.

Desert Landscape Paintings by William Haskell

Desert Landscape Paintings by William Haskell

Desert Landscape Paintings by William Haskell

Desert Landscape Paintings by William Haskell

Abstract Landscape Painting by William Haskell

Abstract Landscape Painting by William Haskell

Desert Landscape Paintings by William Haskell

William Haskell: Website | Instagram| Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by William Haskell.

Related Articles:

Abstract Painter Captures the Effortless Beauty of the Arizona Desert [Interview]

Artist Paints 50 Landscape Paintings Capturing the Natural Beauty of Every U.S. State

Brightly Colored Landscape Paintings Transmit Joy and Serenity

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled 'Embroidered Life' that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
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