With an innate interest in New Mexico’s culture and its history surrounding Native Americans, Santa Fe artist Ralph Roybal began his career as an apprentice in some of the leading bronze foundries of the southwest. Beginning in his early twenties, it was at Santa Fe Bronze where, under the guidance of famous sculptor Ernest Berke, Ralph began to realize his potential in bronze work. Over the years, Ralph perfected his craft with an acute sense of detail and careful study and focus on the essence of natural patina though the use of polychrome. Much of his subject matter, based on influential 19th century North American Native tribes and tribal leaders, depicts notable figures like Geronimo, Black Hawk, Sitting Bull, and Crazy horse, to name a few, and has been exhibited in galleries from Denver to Houston, Scottsdale to Taos, and Santa Fe to Albuquerque. His well known works have also won many first place awards in various Fine Art exhibitions and shows, and can be found in the Permanent Collection of the Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Ralph’s studio, located in Rio Rancho, NM, allows him to personally create and complete all but the casting of his works. After detailing and applying the patinas, each bronze is signed, numbered and marked with his copyright. In July of 2010, his artwork was honored with a first-place award in the prestigious Contemporary Spanish Market held annually in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Ralph’s Fine Art bronzes can be found in private collections throughout North America and worldwide.