Judd Mercer

Desert Watch

2021

Judd Mercer (b. 1982) is a contemporary landscape painter whose work captures the nuanced interplay of light and form in natural environments. A Colorado native with deep connections to the mountainous terrain of his home state, Mercer works primarily in oil and gouache, employing both mediums to "tell stories through light"—a central tenet of his artistic practice. His distinctive approach features complex color layering and chiseled brushwork that creates a characteristic "chunky" quality, particularly evident in his rock formations. Mercer balances extensive plein air painting with digital composition planning to enhance dramatic elements. His journey began in industrial design before transitioning to visual art under mentors including Greg Manchess and Cynthia Sheppard. Mercer's achievements include recognition as a Laguna Plein Air Painters Signature Artist and awards including the Laguna Art Museum/Bob Braun Presentation Award. Through his work, he aims to capture the awe-inspiring, ever-changing dynamics of landscapes and the profound experience of being in nature.