Artistic Career
Berninghaus developed a reputation as an artist and in 1899, he was given a commission by the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad to produce promotional sketches of the Colorado and New Mexico landscapes. He spent a week in Taos, New Mexico, where he met and befriended Bert Phillips, who had established himself there the previous year.
Berninghaus was captivated by the local Indian culture and the landscape and light of the area, and returned to Taos nearly every subsequent summer. These visits grew longer, soon turning into six-month retreats. In 1915, he became a founding member of the Taos Society of Artists, along with his friend Bert Phillips and four other artists. He was the first (temporary) chairman of the Society. He also spent more time as secretary of the Society than any other member.
He continued to reside in St. Louis until 1925, when he finally made the move to Taos. After the Society disbanded in 1927, he became active in the Taos art colony.
Read more about this topic: Oscar E. Berninghaus
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