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This fine art photographer’s eye for detail is captured in his images of nature at its best wherever he travels in the United States. His love and respect for butterflies, birds and wildlife is obvious. The artist’s keen desire is to witness the beauty and awe of untouched landscapes and subjects at all times of the day and night. Perhaps then, through his photography, he can draw others into the unparalleled beauty and experience of the great outdoors.
Gordon Ray Vanus’ fine art photography career began late in life after his lengthy business management career. The artist’s love for photography started at the age of 10. Using his parents’ old box camera, Gordon photographed miniature model cars. Twelve blurry images later he was hooked. Gordon learned the mechanics and the art of photography during 4 semesters of high school classes in Southern California. The artist’s interest in photography continued through military service, college, and the start of a family. Even through there was little budget for equipment his eye for color and composition continued to develop.
In 1972 Gordon purchased his first single lens reflex 35 mm camera. Within a month, the artist was awarded a first place in a local Kodak photography contest. But like so many others, Gordon’s family and a hectic business career left little time for his photography hobby. In 1998 Gordon’s interest in photography was reawakened by the possibilities within digital photography. After hours of home study, several digital cameras, thousands of photographs and a software class later, Gordon R. Vanus Fine Art Photography was launched.
In the last few years, Gordon has been a regular contributor to local media, both print and broadcast. The artist has participated in several juried art shows and has a selection of his nature photographs exhibited in Lexington, Virginia, Salisbury, Maryland, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Rio Rancho, New Mexico and Edgewood, New Mexico.
Gordon and Priscilla, his wife of 30+ years, have a son, Jacob and 2 grandsons. The Vanuses and their Jack Russell Terrier “Emily” reside in Edgewood, New Mexico and is also the location of the artist’s studio. The surrounding area’s beautiful changing seasons, bring with it amazing flora and fauna. This is Gordon’s current favorite location for his diverse nature photography.
Accomplishments
- 2009 September Juried into Black and White Art Show, The Wooden Cow Gallery, Albuquerque NM
- 2009 August Accepted as a Member in The Wooden Cow Gallery and Art Space, Albuquerque NM
- 2009 June Hammers & Hooves Horse Fair, Photography Contest Award Winner, Wildlife West, Edgewood NM
- 2009 July Juried into Pixelated Show - Digital Art, The Wooden Cow Gallery, Albuquerque NM
- 2009 May Juried into Eye Candy Art Show, The Wooden Cow Gallery, Albuquerque NM
- 2009 May Mountain Arts Festival, Cedar Crest NM
- 2009 March Art Fair, Wildlife West, Edgewood NM
- 2009 February - Present Juried into The Wooden Cow Gallery and Art Space, Albuquerque NM
- 2009 January - March Rio Rancho Art Association Artist Exhibition, Lovelace West Mesa Hospital, Rio Rancho NM
- 2009 January - March Landscape Art Exhibition Esther Bone Library, Rio Rancho NM
- 2008 - 2009 December - February Rio Rancho Art Association Artist Exhibition, Chamisa Hills Country Club, Rio Ranch NM
- 2008 November Rio Rancho Art Association Artist Exhibition, Albuquerque Little Theater, Albuquerque NM
- 2008 August Old Vehicle Photography Exhibit, Esther Bone Library, Rio Rancho NM
- 2008 June, July, August Juried Art Show, Tijeras Open-Air Market, Tijeras NM
- 2007 - 2008 November, January Nature and Architecture Photography Exhibit, Edgewood NM
- 2007 September, October Juried Art Show, Turquoise Trail Gallery, Cedar Crest NM
- 2007 April - September Nature Photography Exhibit, Lexington VA
- 2007 March, June Juried Art Show, Wild Life West, Edgewood NM
- 2006 - 2007 Photographic Contributor KOAT Television, Albuquerque NM
- 2006 - 2007 Photographic Contributor The Independent, Edgewood NM
- 1972 Kodak Photography Contest - First Place Award, Ontario CA
Education
- Associate in Science Degree Crafton Hills Community Collage, Yucaipa CA
- Business Management Program University of Redlands, Redlands CA
Affiliations
- East Mountains Artists Association
- Rio Rancho Art Association
- New Mexico Veterans Artists Association
- The Wooden Cow Gallery and Art Space