About
Artist Statement
For the most part my work is serendipitous. I sit down in front of the blank panel or paper and wait until the surface calls me in. Since 2004, I have been using a variety of different papers and mat board instead of canvas.
I am not one to plan things out too much. Sometimes I get an idea while doing something else, or I wake up with an idea that has to sit and simmer until I can get into the studio, and then I go with it. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t. I often don’t know where I’m going, so occasionally I end up on a deadend road. I use mostly acrylics, with some oil pastel or oil stick highlights, and I also play around with collages and mixed media. I like painting intimate pieces that fit into your average home or office.
I try a combination of different styles and motifs. Simultaneously on a given day I might make a landscape, and then before bed do something totally abstract.
I hope that my work has some mystery.
During Covid my work became what I call mystical/imaginary landscapes, composites, not realistic depictions of a particular place – most come from an inner consciousness, fleeting moments, that are rooted in the southwest soil and air, and from having lived in Turkey and Afghanistan.
In photography I love reflections, architecture, and store windows, especially mannequins. I have been taking photographs since my days in the Peace Corps in Afghanistan.
For the most part I am a self-taught Albuquerque artist. I have taken a few UNM Continuing Ed classes and some short courses at Harwood. I feel that my painting is an autobiography.
Note: This website is still under construction. Please email me: nmrvb2@gmail.com to make arrangements to see more than what is on display here. All images copyright 2025-2026.
Biography
Randy was born in Roswell and lives to tell about it sans anything to do with aliens. After a BA at UNM he served two years in the Peace Corps in a free Afghanistan and then travelled with a backpack for six months through India, Nepal, and from Kenya up to Cairo. Next came a tumultuous time in chaotic Iran. During a 21 year career as a Foreign Service Officer, he lived in Istanbul, Ankara, London, Belize City, and Washington, D.C. These experiences gave him the opportunity to explore the world's museums both great and small and exposed him to sights and sounds that influence his art. Now that he has returned home to New Mexico, he says all those experiences combined with the beauty and mystery of New Mexico color his painting. In 2016 - 2017, the NM Philharmonic featured his music series on each evening's program. His work has also been on the cover of the NM Bar Bulletin ten times and in dozens of private collections from Hawaii to New York. His work is also included in corporate collections held by the New Mexico Cancer Center, the New Mexico Philharmonic, Michelle Baca & Associates, and Willie Schmerler & Associates.
Exhibits
Windchime Champagne Gallery 2006 – 2008
Albuquerque
105 Art Gallery 2009 – 2010
Albuquerque, NM
Matrix Gallery 2010
Photo NM
Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque Arts
Photo Contest July 2013
Matrix Gallery 2016
“Three Friends”
Albuquerque
Harwood Art Center 2014 - 2025
Annual 12 x 12 Show
Albuquerque, NM
Art Gallery Studio 606 2016
Albuquerque, NM
NM Philharmonic
Season Programs 2016 - 2017
Peoples’ Choice 2014 -2020
The Factory on Fifth
Albuquerque, NM
Hibben Center UNM November 2021
"Bread in Afghanistan"
Photo Exhibition
Albuquerque, NM
Gallery With A Cause Summer 2023
Albuquerque, NM
Tortuga Gallery "Rejects"
Exhibition October 2024
Griegos Public Library November 2024
Albuquerque, NM
New Mexico Art League
"Flowers" Exhibition June 2025
"Small Works" Exhibition. December 2025
NM Bar Bulletins July 31, 2013
February 25, 2015
December 14, 2016
June 28, 2017
December 20, 2017
September 9, 2020
March 9, 2022
June 14, 2023
August 9, 2023
June 26, 2024
January 8, 2025