There is an art studio on 16th Street that is home to unique paintings created by local businessman, philanthropist, painter, and artist Ralph Nagel. Take one look at Mr. Nagel’s one-of-a-kind pieces and you will be transported to the many countries he has visited. His paintings are a visual journal of his travels in India, the Far and Middle East, Europe, and Brazil. He has traveled high into the mountain communities of Bhutan, and survived an epic tsunami in Thailand. Nagel has also created works right here in Colorado and the Southwest.
Nagel has studied with notable teachers including John Hull, Molly Davis and Boris Shoshensky. Committed to plein-air landscape painting, he draws inspiration from Impressionists and the Barbizon School, but infuses his work with a contemporary, highly personal style.
Ralph begins the painting process making initial field sketches on site. These sketches are his templet for creating large paintings in his studio located in the historic Neustetter's Building on 16th Street. His art is versatile, bold, and fresh, a true reflection of the artist. Nagel works mostly in watercolor and acrylics, but is also an accomplished oil painter.
“I am especially drawn to his watercolor impressions of simple objects- like water lilies or his southwest rock formations. Ralph is masterful at leaving just enough white space for intrigue,” art historian Kathryn Charles tells us.
As philanthropist, Mr. Nagel founded ACE (The Alliance for Choice in Education), a k-12 scholarship program supporting more than 30,000 low-income students annually in Colorado, Montana, and Kansas. His involvement in Catholic charities is also visible in our Queen City.
Ralph’s remarkable success in business has offered him the opportunity to make an indelible mark in the city of Denver, and the thriving art community of Denver. To view more of Nagel’s artwork, visit Ralphnagelgallery.com.
“As in life, painting is about having the courage to take risks towards an outcome that is unknown”
- Ralph Nagel