Joseph Henry Sharp, who made paintings of Native Americans throughout his life, visited Taos on a trip through New Mexico in 1893.
"[1] On July 19, 1915 Joseph Henry Sharp, E. Irving Couse, Oscar E. Berninghaus, W. Herbert Dunton, Ernest Blumenschein, and Bert Phillips formed the Taos Society of Artists.
[3] Their work defined the first several decades of the Taos art colony, and was distinguished by depictions of Native Americans in traditional clothing, area Hispanics and Anglo-Americans and landscapes.
Initial critical reaction of the works was that they were unrealistic and overdone: vivid colors, too emotionally evocative and strong vibrational quality.
The primary reason for the requirements was to ensure that the artists were well-intentioned and capable of capturing the character and spirit of the people.
[9] Some artists from Santa Fe, another developing arts center, were included as Associate members: Robert Henri, Albert L. Groll, Randall Davey, B.J.O.
Most notably they created "range-finder paintings", 50 by 100 foot landscapes of Belgium and France used as military teaching tools.
"[9] The "Taos Six" applied academic techniques to Native themes to produce a uniquely American school of painting.