Joshua LaRock

When Texas native Joshua LaRock returned home after years of travel and study, the call of the West could not be ignored. LaRock—as were members of the Taos Society of Artists—is a classically trained painter inspired by European masters, and it was a chance trip to the Southwest that sparked his first Western series. LaRock’s technical ability as an artist is among the best in contemporary painting today. His work has the calming sensitivity of the Old Masters mixed with the grit of the American West.

LaRock has received international recognition as a preeminent figurative artist. Notably, a portrait of his wife, Laura in Black, was part of the prestigious BP Portrait Award 2016 exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, London. LaRock has participated in exhibitions throughout the United States, Europe, and China, is recognized as an Art Renewal Center Living Master, and is much sought after as a workshop instructor. His paintings have been featured in various museums, including the Autry Museum's Masters of the American West and the Briscoe Western Art Museum’s Night of the Artists, and most recently, LaRock’s painting Monument Valley was acquired by the Booth Western Art Museum for its permanent collection. His work has appeared in such publications as American Art Collector, Art of the West, The Artist’s Magazine, Fine Art Today, Fine Art Connoisseur, PleinAir, and Southwest Art.

Today, LaRock continues his journey through the West with modern scenes harkening a classic nostalgia with a masterful touch.

Joshua LaRock is represented by Maxwell Alexander Gallery, Los Angeles, California.

Artist portrait: Joshua LaRock, Self-reflection (detail), oil on linen.

View the Autry’s interview with Joshua LaRock here. Recorded live January/2023.