Meet Ralph Oberg | Fine Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ralph Oberg and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ralph, what inspires you?
The mountain wilderness and its wildlife.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have had a 50 year career, being an artist is all I have ever done since 1973. It was not easy, but I was able to stick with it through many lean years. I did a gradual progression of persistent study, practice and a dose of luck while following my bliss from mountain wilderness backpacking from AZ to AK and CO to CA, Canada, Nepal and the Alps. I maintained my freedom to do what I love by learning to live within my means. The second 25 years, coinciding with my marriage to painter Shirley Novak, has seen my career successfully grow and fulfill my hopes and dreams.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Having been raised in Aurora from 1954, I have witnessed the growth of Denver and CO. My love of the mountains was always primary, and as a young man I had little to spend on city life. Of course the Denver Zoo and Museum of Nature and Science were seminal. I currently live in Montrose and haven’t lived in Denver proper since leaving in 1973. Not a big city person!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In the late 80’s and early 90’s I took many week long workshops with. established painters I admire, including Don Malick, Wayne Wolfe, Clyde Aspevig, Len Chmiel, Hollis Williford, Ned Jacob and Skip Whitcomb. They helped me raise my skill level, especially en plein air, and pointed the way to the Western Fine Art market.

Website: Ralphoberg.com

Image Credits
Photo by friend John Eichenour in the Gore Range.