Dustin Van Wechel-Western Art Collector, September 2013

As seen in the September 2013 issue of

UPCOMING SHOW

S HOW LO C AT ION JAC K S ON, W Y

Up to 15 works September 2-15, 2013 Trailside Galleries 130 E. Broadway Jackson, WY 83001 (307) 733-3186

DUSTIN VAN WECHEL

Wild habitats

L

ast November Arizona-based artist Dustin Van Wechel began preparing work for his first solo showcase at Trailside Galleries in Jackson, Wyoming. The rugged mountain landscape provides an ideal backdrop for the artist’s expertly crafted oil paintings of Western animals that call the Rocky Mountains home.

Painting nearly seven days a week, Van

Wechel’s latest body of work clearly expresses his exceptional comprehension of design, brushwork and color usage. In the new pieces The Mentor and Just Passing Through, he experiments with a strong vertical and horizontal format, respectively.

“I’m trying different ways of looking at compositions; I’ve been playing with extreme

narrow pieces,” he states. “I think it’s my strongest body of work to date. I’m happy with where the pieces have headed.”

Van Wechel’s contemporary interpretations stem from firsthand experiences or personal observations. Just Passing Through was sparked by a trip to Yellowstone National Park last fall where he came upon reference for the stream

Mischief Makers, oil, 24 x 30"

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at the base of Moose Falls.

“Everything was organized in a way that made for an interesting composition,” he reflects. “It was great early-morning light and I was thinking it would be perfect if some moose walked by.”

In an artist’s world anything is possible, so Van Wechel decided to incorporate two bull moose he had encountered a few days prior in Grand Teton National Park. The result is a stunning wildlife panoramic achieved as light filters through the stand of trees during the “golden hour.”

The Mentor offers an interesting take on a common subject matter and has been commanding a wave of interest from collectors.

Particularly noteworthy are the perspective and the angles in the scene, and the use of natural elements like the trees and rocks.

Unified by drama and his distinct use of light, each Van Wechel painting is filtered through his own experiences and his skills as an artist. In each piece he attempts to create more than just a simple portrait of an animal.

“Painting wildlife provides a well of opportunity to communicate not only my personal experiences and perceptions of my subjects, but also provides a window into understanding what moves me as an artist and who I am as a person,” notes Van Wechel.

Trailside Galleries will present Van Wechel’s new wildlife paintings this September in conjunction with its annual Fall Gold show. The artist’s works will be sold by draw on Saturday, September 14.

Just Passing Through, oil, 24 x 48"

Fo r a d i re c t l i n k to t he ex h i b it i n g g a l l e r y g o to

Prairie Garden, oil, 12 x 16"

w w w. we ste r n a r tc o l l e c to r. c o m

Price Range Indicator Our at-a-glance Price Range Indicator shows what you can expect to pay for this artist’s work.

2003 2008 2013 Penthouse View, oil on linen, 40 x 30"

Small $800 $1,000 $1,300

Medium $2,000 $3,000 $5,400

Large $5,000 $7,000 $15,000

The Interlopers, oil, 24 x 18"

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