Taos landscape painter, Chris Morel, left his home state of Maryland a few years after graduating from art school and headed for Austin, Texas.  The Maryland art market in the mid 80s was not strong, and Morel believed that the art world of Austin would allow him to become a full-time fine artist.  He found work as an illustrator for the Texas Park and Wildlife Department, where he worked for several years.  By 1990 Morel was able to open his own studio, began painting full time and started to sell his water color and oil works in retail galleries.   

In 1994 Morel moved to Ranchos de Taos in northern New Mexico.  He learned the craft of plein aire painting.  His subject matter felt the influence of the high desert as well.  His preferred material at present is the mountain valleys of New Mexico, their plant life and the adobe structures of those who live there.

Morel’s work has been recognized by many fine art institutions in the West.  He has shown at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center in Oklahoma City, at the Albuquerque Museum and at Tulsa’s Gilcrease Museum.  His work has been featured as well in numerous fine art publications including Southwest Art, American Art Collector and International Artist.