2025 Spirit Artist Statements

Western Spirit Artist Bios

Lee Alban

Lee Alban, like many professional artists, began drawing as a child. Throughout his school years his interest in art intensified but he chose not to pursue an art career. It was a life choice based on the ability of an artist to support a family, and other social considerations. Instead, he followed his love of biology and became a secondary school teacher, married, raised two children and eventually retired at age 52. At that time, he entered the Schuler School of Fine Arts in Baltimore, Maryland. The Schuler School is a small traditional atelier that has produced some of the country's premier artists. ***

Proficient in many styles of painting, Alban fell in love with realism. His professional career earned him top awards in portraiture, figure, still life, and landscape, from major art organizations in the U.S. The Excellence in Still Life Award from Oil Painters of America and the Gold Medal Award from the Allied Artists of America. Award winning western paintings include Navaho Heritage, To Touch the Earth is to have Harmony with Nature, Dreams are Wiser than Men, Know the River has its Destination, Preparing for Trouble, Two Cookie buy In, Sedona Sin Rojo, My Spirit May Come to You Without Shame, Desert Blooms, and more. Awards have included Best of Show, Gold Medal, Silver Medal, Best Landscape, and Best Narrative. In 2024 Lee received the coveted John Stevens Jones Award for “How the West was Won” at the Bosque Art Classic.

In 2023, Lee was offered a feature article in Art of the West Magazine. His western paintings have also appeared multiple times in Western Art Collector, Southwest Art, American Art Collector, International Artists, and Fine Art Connoisseur. He has earned signature memberships in the Oil Painters of America and the National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society, the Allied Artists of America and American Artists Professional League.

Dan Andrews

"I strive to make each painting an emotional statement about a particular animal's nature," says wildlife artist, Dan Andrews. This commitment requires not only a detailed understanding of each bird or animal's physical characteristics, but their habits and habitats as well. As a native Coloradoan, Dan has learned about Rocky Mountain wildlife by spending many hours in the field. Recent field trips to Denali National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Bosque De Apache Wildlife Refuge, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and numerous locations in Colorado and Wyoming are very important in the generation of new ideas for Dan's paintings. Dan graduated from Colorado Institute of Art with an Associate’s degree in graphic design. Dan has exhibited his work at many national and local art shows including The Saratoga Arts Festival, Buffalo Roundup Art Festival and the Western Spirit Art Show. Recent awards include artwork selected for the 2024 Arkansas Quail Stamp, 2018 & 2022 Colorado Duck Stamp,1st Place 2018 & 2022 Wyoming Conservation Stamp Contest, People’s Choice award at the 2022, 2023 & 2024 Saratoga Fine Arts Festival, 1st place in oils at the 2023 & 2024 Saratoga Fine Arts Festival and Best of Show at the Casper Petroleum Annual Show.

Catherine Barnes

Kevin Bartlett

Kevin Bartlett and his young family left the East Coast and moved West in 1996, and, with the exception of four years as a Texas resident, has lived in Farmington, NM. However, it was while living in Texas that Kevin’s interest in photography blossomed. Attending classes at a local junior college provided the basics and, with his first “real” camera - a Nikon D90Kevin was off and running. Kevin’s work straddles both contemporary realism and a fascination with capturing and displaying movement. Kevin’s work has been accepted by numerous art calls throughout the country. He has twice received Northwest New Mexico Arts Council’s Choice Award. As a result of participation in Farmington Museum’s Gateway to the Imagination National Juried Art Show, Kevin’s work is now a part of the Museum’s permanent collection. Kevin’s artwork recently received best in show recognition by Aurora Artist Guild in their 29th Annual Gateway to the Rockies Art Show in Aurora, CO.

Sarah Baynard

My name is Sarah Baynard, and I am currently working towards my degree for Art Education. I tend to work in two dimensional mediums, such as acrylic and printmaking. Much of my art is inspired by Western culture, which has been a large part of my life. I have grown up in Wyoming my whole life, which surrounded me with this culture of the Midwest. Acrylic is my most “comfortable” medium, but I have enjoyed getting into printmaking. My second year into my Associates of Art was where I started working up my skills with 3D forms, such as ceramics and paper casting.

The subjects of my art are often objects or themes I find in my relationships and culture. The boots I made with drypoint printmaking belonged to one of my friends, and I was inspired to paint the cow skulls during Cheyenne Frontier Days. Whenever I have an inspiration block, I look around me. Whatever I think of, I try to draw inspiration and just make. Don’t think, just make. One thing one of my art professors in college always said is “think less, make more.” Granted, this saying did make me roll my eyes when I first heard it, but in reality, it was helpful. Before I started pursuing art in my career, I found myself taking weeks to think about my next project, and needing to plan the whole thing from start to finish. I found that the less I thought (or overthought), the better quality my work was.

My future goal is to become an art educator. My original plan was to become a history teacher, but halfway through my first semester, I decided I should pursue something that I actually want to do. If I can educate others, while also doing what I love, I believe that it would be my most fulfilling option.

Kimberly Bowen

Kimberly's subjects include western and wildlife paintings depicting a rather contemporary modern, new west spirit. Her work has evolved over the past 25 years into a non-traditional twist of the American west along with other renditions that capture her interests.

Using a touch of realism mixed with impressionistic and near abstract strokes, Kimberly creates an illusion of the subject rather than the full specifics.

While horses have always been the biggest source of inspiration, over time, she has turned her attention to many other subjects: cowboys, bears, bison, and landscapes now grace her easel and have become the primary subjects.

She uses acrylic paints, texture, and a warm palette of earth tone colors. There are fun, serious, and serene designs with her subjects inviting the viewer to use their imagination to access and complete the story playing out on canvas.

Kimberly’s work has been displayed in a few select galleries, museums, and showrooms. She has also graced the walls of corporate and private collections throughout the US. She paints year-round in her Colorado home where she lives with her husband Dave and her son Cameron, who remain her biggest supporters and constant inspiration.

Molly Box (McCarty)

Molly Box (McCarty) is a contemporary wildlife artist.

Her passion for wildlife, fly-fishing, and the great outdoors can easily be seen through her work. Molly is best-known for her signature mixed media drawings and oil paintings of North American wildlife and fish/fly-fishing themed work.

"I believe very strongly in observing your environment and creating art based on your surroundings and experiences. I grew up in Wyoming and reside in Colorado, so I naturally have a love for the West and interest in wildlife. I’m an avid angler and outdoorswoman. I also believe that the American West is young, new, vibrant, colorful, and ever-changing so I try to reflect that in my work."

Michael Brown

My name is Michael Brown. I am a freelance photographer based out of Sioux Falls, SD and a 1977 graduate of the University of South Dakota, with a major in Mass Communications and minors in History and Math. My professional experience is now going on 48 years. My primary focus was on sports and events, and I would do landscape, wildlife and fine art photography as time allowed. Now my full attention is on wildlife, landscape and fine art photography.

While photographing wildlife and landscapes, ethics and respect are my guiding principles. At no time do the creatures feel threatened by my presence and gaining permission to be on private land is key. This is reflected in the images you see. My wall art prints have been purchased by regional hospitals, businesses and private clients. I have also been part of regional art shows and exhibits. Several of my works have been purchased because of these shows and exhibits. They have included:

• The Prairie Cancer Center on the Avera Campus in Sioux Falls, SD • Augustana University - Center for Western Studies “The Buffalo: Master of the Plains”

• The Washington Pavilion Art Gallery titled: “Heartland Horizons” • The 44th Annual Western Art Show in Cheyenne, WY

I have also been honored to have several of my works purchased by national wildlife conservation groups and publications.

www.mgbphotosd.com mgbrown54@gmail.com

Bill “Three Feathers” Bunting

Cylas Christner

Jenifer Cline

Color, texture, emotions, and the challenge of light are what drives my work. Plein Air is my particular focus as it allows me to portray the immediacy of the moment. I paint with oils, almost exclusively on site. My outdoor experiences with weather, wildlife, light, scenery – these are the stories I tell with my work. I utilize diverse types of grounds including canvas, smooth boards, wood, textured grounds, aluminum, and copper. I strive to show an impression of the subject, leaving expressive brushwork and experimenting with atmospherics and color for emotional power.

Drawing on my 20 years of experience with sculptural works, I explore how color and light create shape and depth in an oil painting. Many of my sculptures are displayed in local schools from my program of Sculptures in Your Schools. I have concentrated on oil paintings for the last 15 years. History Colorado Center and Denver Parks own my paintings, and I have exhibited and won awards in National and Western regional shows.

In my show, “In Search of Charles Partridge Adams” I found the locations of Partridge Adams’ Colorado paintings from the 1900s and created my own interpretations of the scenes. I presented a show called “Tetralogy, A Focus on Four” consisting of thirty-six paintings featuring different types of connections. A recent gallery show of 24 paintings featured my favorite places to paint in Rocky Mountain National Park. To me, it is most important that viewers feel the joy I feel in my surroundings and in the life that I endeavor to paint.

www.jenifercline.com jclinestudio@gmail.com

Billie Colson

Billie J. Colson was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. She met and married her husband Ron in Houston in the early 80’s. They then moved to DeSoto, a suburb of Dallas and started a family. There Billie became involved with the DeSoto Art League and served as president for the organization for the 1994 – 1995 and 1995 –1996 sessions. She and her family relocated to Loveland Colorado in the summer of 1998.

Billie has been painting and drawing since she was old enough to hold a pencil. She has always had a passion for drawing animals. For most of her younger years she drew horses, but as time progressed she starting doing many other subjects.

Billie also studied with some outstanding artists in the Dallas area; artists James R. Spurlock and Greg Conlin both became very influential to her. Both Conlin and Spurlock introduced Billie to a new medium, pastels, which is now her medium of choice, she also paints in oils.

Since moving to Colorado Billie has entered and placed in several national level art shows. She continued her art studies with Colorado artists Patti Andre, Jeannie McKenzie, Mike Beeman, Dave Santillanes & Jeff Legg.

Billie coordinated and started Downtown Loveland’s second Friday event “A Night on the Town”. The event will be celebrating its second anniversary this May. In October 2006 Billie opened Independence Gallery in downtown Loveland Colorado and invited a dozen other area artists to join her in this venue.

Now that her two sons are on their own Billie plans to continue exploring the world of art. Her choice of subject matter is always changing for she say’s “there are so many wonderful and beautiful things to paint.”

Mary Cunningham

Printmaker and painter, Mary Cunningham now lives with her husband on their small ranch northeast of Laramie, Wyoming where she works as an artist and director for a large sheepdog trial. A lifetime of living on the land has taught Mary to notice moments that present themselves each day and informs the thought process behind her work. She uses her childhood nickname “Maym” for her business and signature.

Largely a self-taught artist except for a few years studying art at the University of Wyoming, Mary’s printmaking and painting utilizes drawing with opportunities for tonal and textural variations. Mary uses her own photos and experiences for references.

Field work is the foundation that Mary takes to the studio to create images that tell stories and convey her inspirations. It’s a form of visual prose that speaks of the things that touch her life. She’s learned alot from painting and drawing in nature. It teaches you to work fast to capture the light and form.

Intaglio printmaking is unique unto itself and not well understood and appreciated by many. Mary employs a variety of intaglio techniques that incise an image into the copper plate, working the imagery multiple times to get the desired effect. She enjoys the variations of artistic expression that intaglio allows while using a 500 year old technique.

Mary lives a simple life . . . “We have chosen to follow this path, guardians of the land and livestock. Our wealth is measured in the sunsets on the high plains, the call of birds as spring awakens and the quiet murmur of a ewe as she nuzzles her newborn lambs. This lifestyle is threatened and understood by few. Perhaps I can help in a small way by sharing my story through my art.”

Sam DeCosta

As a fifth-generation Colorado farm girl, I have always been inspired by the scenes and people in the agriculture industry, nature and the West. I fell in love with photography at a young age and spent a lot of my youth photographing wheat fields, tractors and farm equipment and any animals that crossed my path. After going to college for photojournalism, I decided to pursue photography explicitly as a career. Doing so has led me to a myriad of experiences in the portrait and event world, but by far my favorite subject matter has continued to be Western life. I love photographing brandings, rodeos and harvest time. I also love black and white photography and the pairing of that with the Western images has only ever seemed obvious to me. Most of my work focuses on authentic Western moments, people and landscapes.

Jimmy Devine

Jimmy Devine, a native of Brooklyn, New York, has been involved in professional art since his graduation from Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana. Devine has worked as a Fashion Artist, a Television Art Director, Sports Illustrator and now devotes his time to the painting of cowboys from Old West legend and lore. Specializing in western art, history and the Wyoming traditions have enabled him to depict his subject matter with startling realism.

"After a number of years of illustrating for different publications and the like, I am now enjoying painting scenes of the Old and Contemporary West. Using many mediums, I paint in a realist style with close attention to the details of cowboy gear in the mid-nineteenth century and present day. I am inspired by the styles and imagination of Howard Terpning, David Grove, Bart Forbes, Cliff Spohn, Bernie Fuchs and Tucker Smith. My favorite subjects are the Old West Cowboys and Contemporary Cowboys depicted in everyday scenes of cowboy life. Recently, I have gone back to painting rodeo cowboys. The opportunity to paint the American Cowboy of the West is the inspiration that drives me to paint."

Photo by Stephen Ourada

Steven Dorian

I began my education at The School of Visual Arts and The Art Students League in New York to study painting. At the League I discovered my passion for sculpture. Needing to support myself I found the Granite Memorial Industry an excellent opportunity to earn a living while learning to carve granite. On a part time basis i apprenticed myself to local carvers in the Industry while still attending The League. After my time at The League, I began working full time as a carver in the granite industry. Reaching a point of stagnation I moved to Carrara, Italy where I could carve the finest marble in the world and work alongside Italian Artisans. My only regret is that I left too soon.

Upon my return to New York, I joined the Bedi-Makki Art Foundry in Brooklyn, New York, learning the process of bronze casting. Another wonderful experience. After 9/11, I felt it was time for me to return to my roots , come full circle. I moved to Colorado where I continue working to this day developing myself as a fine art sculptor.

My desire to create sculpture is undaunted, My passion for sculpture is undying.

David Dorsey

Jessica Edwards

Jessica’s journey into woodturning began in 2014, inspired by time spent in her grandfather’s woodworking shop in Minnesota. Her first project—a simple candlestick—ignited a passion that quickly grew into a lifelong pursuit. Largely selftaught, she honed her skills through books, online resources, and mentorship from fellow woodturners.

In 2019, following a transformative period in her life, Jessica founded Turning PNT Studios, turning her passion into a fulltime career. Her work blends traditional woodturning techniques with contemporary artistry, ranging from production pieces, like her signature gnomes, to one-of-a-kind creations inspired by nature and evolving design trends. She values creative exploration, embracing both the beauty and imperfections of the medium.

Beyond her own practice, Jessica is deeply involved in the woodturning community, teaching classes, demonstrating at national symposia, and engaging in initiatives like the Women in Turning Virtual eXchange. Through her work, she hopes to inspire others to discover the joy of craftsmanship and the endless possibilities within a simple piece of wood.

Alison Ehmig

Kristi Ekern

I get most of my art ideas while exploring outside in nature. The mountains are my muse. I don’t set out to find or do a certain project, but what I see while adventuring catches my eye and turns into a project. I often take pictures of patterns that I find in the trees, flowers, water or ice. Sometimes I combine photography with painting and add details into a photo with acrylics. I also create hand-made miniatures and paint dried wildflowers to use as the subject in a photo out in a natural setting. My art has been shown in over 20 different galleries/shows. I like to create or capture the unusual that will in turn catch my viewer’s eye.

Shane Epping

Shane Epping, PhD, is the first-ever Bobby Model

Photojournalism Professor at the University of Wyoming, named in honor of the late Bobby Model, a former National Geographic photographer from Cody and a UW graduate. Before arriving at UW, Epping combined his interests in photography and education by working as a professional photographer and video producer for an institution of higher education for more than a decade. Navigating the world of marketing and institutional messaging, Epping rooted his visual storytelling in photojournalism, where telling truths with a camera served as the foundation for communication. He is an advocate for representing all walks of life, with particular attention paid to those on the fringes who may be marginalized in varying forms. His freelance photos have been selected for publication by the Wall Street Journal, ESPN/ABC, CBS Sports, the Associated Press, Fox Sports, the Huffington Post, NFL.com, NBC Nightly News, the Washington Post, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Kansas City Star, and Runner’s World.

Epping teaches photojournalism courses, including introductory photography and entrepreneurship as it relates to professions focused on creativity. He has experience teaching multimedia journalism inclusive of still photography, video, audio production, and website design. He also is a Federal Aviation Administration-certified remote drone pilot and has been sought as a drone journalism instructor. Linking theory to practice, Epping has taught three separate skills-based courses and believes in learning by doing.

His research explores the intersection of photography and health care and examines how photojournalism serves as a conduit for social justice and meaning-making for people both behind and in front of the camera.

Scott Fabritz

Scott is a contemporary western artist who creates artwork that capture the beauty, people and forgotten items of the American west. Using a variety of mediums, including oil paint, watercolor and egg tempera, he creates intricate and lifelike paintings. His art is deeply rooted in the tradition of western art and captures the essence of the western experience. Scott has exhibited his work in galleries, museums and art auctions around Montana and Wyoming. Having studied art in the Midwest, and after graduating from the Kansas City Art Institute, he started working in the commercial art field outside of Chicago, where he would finish an occasional painting. Since moving to Bozeman in 2009, he has become inspired once again by the western history around him.

Jessica Fritz

Jessica Fritz is a colored pencil artist based in Cheyenne, Wyoming. With an education in International Affairs and graduate coursework in Negotiation and Dispute Resolution at Creighton University, she began her artistic journey in 2019. Wanting to get in touch with her artistic side, Jessica started working through Mark Kistler’s You Can Draw in 30 Days. The straightforward, yet valuable lessons connected her back to fond memories of drawing as a child at her makeshift piano bench desk while listening to Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker on repeat.

In 2021, a Christmas gift of Faber-Castell colored pencils and a membership to Bonny Snowdon’s Academy started Jessica’s colored pencil journey. In the time since, she has created numerous pet portraits for pet parents – memorial and otherwise. She strives to create timeless pieces that hold deep meaning and offer a tangible connection for clients to their furry friends. Jessica has also started expanding her artistic pursuits by drawing Rocky Mountain wildlife, and she works to continue developing her unique style.

Jessica’s work can be found online and occasionally at the Cheyenne Artist Guild during their monthly shows. When she is not at the drawing board, Jessica can be found bouncing ideas off her loving husband or curled up with her cats while reading a good book.

Howard Fullmer

As an artist, Fullmer explores the intersection of found materials, environmental stewardship, and transformation through work with salvaged .22 caliber bullet brass. Collected from outdoor shooting ranges near his home, the brass tells a story through its natural weathering, which gives it a unique range of values and textures. The discarded brass, once spent in the pursuit of sport or recreation, is reimagined and given new life.

Fullmer's work also serves as a commentary on the use of guns, reflecting on the role they play in society and their impact on both identity and the environment. The process of collection, cleaning, and reusing the brass is integral to his practice. As the ranges are often located near water sources, he also recovers discarded lead. Although the amount of lead may seem small in the grand context, he believes every bit contributes to a broader effort to reduce environmental impact and prevent contamination.

Fullmer's work is both a meditation on the value of discarded objects and a reflection on their potential for transformation. It serves as an artistic exploration and a quiet call to reconsider the environmental consequences of our actions. His fine art can be found in private and public collections and shows throughout the United States, where it continues to inspire, intrigue, and foster conversation.

A Professor of Illustration at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, Fullmer guides students in the art of visual storytelling and creative exploration. He holds an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts and a BFA in Illustration from Brigham Young University. While his career as an illustrator focuses on traditional techniques and digital media, this work with brass represents a distinct artistic practice. A father of three, he currently resides in Springville Utah with his wife of 30 years, Margaret, his black lab, Ned and a cat named Carl. Ironically, his current hobby is metal detecting.

Matt Gallien

Mary Giacomini

I paint peaceful places that I’ve been to and am inspired by. My goal in art is to convey this welcoming, calming place in nature to my viewers. My favorite medium is oil but I also love watercolor and pastel. I earned a BFA from the University of Minnesota, have taken numerous workshops and classes from instructors I admire and have been teaching art since the early 2000’s. I have called Colorado home for over 30 years and love my surroundings just outside of Loveland. I am an avid plein air painter that likes to chase the light. I participate in plein air events and have traveled overseas with my oils.

Pat Gilmore

Pat has been an animal lover his entire life. As a child, he used to sketch wildlife on a regular basis. During his high school and college years, art took a pause while he earned a bachelor degree from the University of Minnesota. In 1995, Pat got a job at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park which rejuvenated his passion for the arts.

By the year 2000, his first attempt at painting was so enjoyable, he couldn’t stop. Pat paints primarily with acrylics on clay board. He works to create a very realistic outcome, trying to capture the mood and spirit of his subjects.

Pat strives to create intriguing, challenging pieces for the viewer that include hidden details, quiet moments, real stories, all as a reflection into our natural world. His goal is to let simplicity and mystery captivate the viewer.

Kelsey Giroux

Kelsey Giroux-Maule is the Project Director for Strong Families Strong Wyoming, where she applies her expertise in federal grant writing, project management, and communitybased initiatives to support family well-being across the state. She also serves as Project Director for Wyoming Families First, a nonprofit sister organization dedicated to strengthening families and fostering positive community change. Kelsey holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honors from the University of Wyoming and a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Currently, she is pursuing a Master of Public Health at UC Berkeley, with a focus on interdisciplinary approaches to health and well-being.

Born and raised in Wyoming, Kelsey has always felt a deep connection to the state’s rugged landscapes and the forgotten relics of its past. Her travels have become journeys of discovery, capturing the quiet dignity of rusted structures and abandoned places that hold echoes of history. Through her art, she seeks to preserve these remnants of time, finding beauty in decay and resilience in neglect, while inviting viewers to see the hidden charm in Wyoming’s overlooked corners.

While watercolor remains a favorite medium, Kelsey’s artistic practice spans 2D art, book arts, and photography, with her work exhibited and published in multiple formats. She received the Maggi Murdock Award for Social Justice from the University of Wyoming Art Museum for her work exploring the intersection of art and advocacy. Recently, her creative focus has evolved into an interplay of 120mm film photography and wet plate collodion processes, blending historic techniques with contemporary storytelling. Through her work, she hopes to create meaningful interactions with art —allowing viewers to connect, reflect, and discover their own stories within the images she captures.

Ryan Goeken

Based in Laramie, Wyoming, Ryan Goeken is an illustrator of the natural world, using pen and watercolor to describe the beauty of Wyoming. Ryan studied biology and ecology during his undergraduate degree and also holds a masters in sustainable agriculture. Many years of study and work in the working landscapes of Iowa, the Philippines, and now Wyoming, have taught him to see the intricacies and interactions hiding in plain sight in the natural world. He especially loves illustrating wildflowers, exploring the specificities of their anatomies and their habitats. In seeking and finding the small things, he hopes to help train his own eyes and the eyes of others to seek and perceive the beauty and importance of all things.

Lauren Gonzales

Lauren Gonzales was born and raised in the beautiful State of Wyoming, where her love for the outdoors deeply inspires her art. Lauren specializes in beading animal skulls using materials like seed beads, leathers, and metals. She loves the challenge of working with perfectly imperfect skulls, letting her detailed beadwork bring out their distinctive features and untold stories.

Recently, Lauren's work has been featured in several events, including the Art for Art Immersion Experience and Auction, the Life in the West Art Gallery, and the 43rd Annual Western Spirit Juried Art Show and Sale. These opportunities reflect her dedication to her craft.

Lauren invites you to explore her creations and connect with the beauty of the American West through her art.

To see more of Lauren's work, follow her on Instagram @thebeadandbonestudio.

Renee Gould

Renee Gould is an artist deeply connected to the Western agricultural lifestyle. She draws inspiration from her home, a farm filled with beautiful livestock, skilled working horses, and the warmth of household pets. Her passion for this lifestyle extends into her artwork by telling the stories of her life, family, community, and their relationships with the animals.

Art and horses have always been a part of Renee's life. Since childhood she has been immersed in horse riding and training across multiple disciplines, shaping her artistic journey. Despite now navigating motherhood with two young children, Renee finds solace in painting. Her time is split between the saddle and the canvas, where she translates her equine experiences into stunning oil paintings.

Edward Hansen

Having grown up in the Colorado I have been always drawn to the rockies and draw I have.

Something about being in the timber on a crisp evening and hearing an elk bugle or maybe just the breeze in the aspens. From the highest peaks with the goats to the meadows with the coyotes its that feeling I love and try to capture.

Painting the west is My passion.

When I retired I started painting in earnest. I am a realist painting in oils. Landscapes, Wildlife, stilllife and the acasional whimsy.

I am

Edward Hansen

Find me at: edwardhansen.fineartworld.com

Denise Hawkins

My current photographic style is centered around landscapes, wildlife, and often abandoned architecture. I aspire to capture the unusual in the usual, the extraordinary in the ordinary. Accentuated with natural lighting and strong compositional values, scenes and snippets of time are made permanent through the lens. I often photograph abandoned structures and vehicles as a way of elevating their decrepit state into something worthy and beautiful; remembered. Often, the setting in which they’ve been left adds to the overall feelings of loneliness, abandonment, and juxtaposition between the man-made and natural. My art heroes and art education have made a mark on my senses - how I see compositions and form, translate sentiment, and use light. I am also especially drawn to patterns, symmetry, and line elements.

John Henley

John is a contemporary abstract sculptor working with steel, wood and found objects. His work is collected nationally, and he exhibits throughout the west, southwest and through public arts projects. He has been a guest instructor at the University of Colorado, Denver, as well as elementary and middle schools. His studio and sculpture garden are in Granby, CO.

John was born in rural Indiana, and was raised by depression era parents, who valued simplicity and function, something he tries to continue to value today. As a young man John began his creative work in photography. John travelled the world spending most of his time in Asia and the Pacific.

He realized that beauty was not limited to any single culture, geography or religion, and that similarities occur throughout the world. He settled in Hawaii for a time before moving to Denver.

John moved to Colorado in 1989, where he feels he will finish out his life. John currently resides in Granby, CO, with his wife and his two faithful German Shepherd shop dogs. Creation. I.E. Something from nothing, or something from a collection of raw materials that simply “becomes”. Simply put, I love creating.

Throughout my journey, I have found recurring themes that continue to evolve in my work. Inter-dimensionality, nature and reflections on myth and faith.

My work often includes the use of linear planes to create depth and three-dimensional space utilizing the Japanese “concept of Ma”.

It is very important that all my work reclaims raw materials whenever possible. This is part of the creative challenge of my work, incorporating current and past technology into the creation.

Tim Hess

Tim states "My start in art was uneventful!" He use to draw during school when teachers wanted a map with their details on it. He was directed by his parents toward college with an education that would be "useful". But there seemed an itch that he couldn't scratch learning economics. College was a failure for him- three different colleges in three years. He joined the U.S. Navy and flew in helicopters, learning technology, but still creating murals or drawings to the delight of his fellow sailors.

After the service, he finished college, but felt the itch again. He got together with an old classmate who taught him how to do a cardinal in stained glass. That was 50+ years ago. During that time, he made things he liked and if someone liked them, he gave it to them.

Two years ago, a brewery asked if he would display and sell his works. His fears: No one would buy anything, proving he shouldn't be selling; or one selling everything and spending his life making stained glass 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year! It ended that he just kept up with sales. Last year, another brewery, asked "Why don't you display here? We have all these empty windows!" I never would curse not having enough windows again!

He now works on stained glass 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year. For some reason, doing what he loved, the itch went away.

Stained glass is his passion! His works range the gamut from wildlife to multicolored works. The Indian art he does is based on his family history, his mother's side linked to the Black Feet Indians. There are stories with each piece based on his research.

Svetlana Howe

www.svetlanahowe.com

Svetlana Howe is a Laramie, Wyoming based artist who uses watercolor to create original artwork of beautiful florals and local landscapes.

Early in her life she became fascinated with different aspects of design and fine art, especially painting made with ink and watercolor.

Svetlana was born in Russia. After High School she completed Technical University with an MA in mechanical engineering and taught some technical subjects in Saratov Industrial College. But her passion for art brought her back to school and she obtained an MFA at Ural State University and Saratov State Art College with a major in “Fine art and fashion design". At this time, she started her own business as a fashion designer and did that for 7 years until emigrated to the US.

She was a member of “Art on Mountains” Gallery and teaching private classes in Fort Collins, Colorado before she and her husband moved to Wyoming. For several years she has been sharing her knowledge and passion for art with her students as an Art instructor at Laramie Community College and Epson center. Svetlana works as independent watercolor artist and takes part of variety of national and international art exhibitions and plein air competitions. You can see her art work at “Works of Wyoming” Art Gallery in Laramie, WY and at the Wyoming State Museum store, Cheyenne, WY.

Debbie Hughbanks

Debbie Hughbanks is a professional artist specializing in wildlife, equine & domestic animal paintings, as well as figurative and western themed pieces. Painting most often in pastel or acrylic she still finds time to explore other avenues including scratchboard and mixed media work. Debbie is an artist that is passionate about the creation of art and finds her inspiration all around her studio located in northeastern Washington State. Fascinated by animals, nature and interesting people she meets along the way there is never a shortage of subject matter to spark her creative flame. The connection she feels for the subjects she paints, as well as the passion and joy she experiences in the actual creation of the work, is evident in each unique completed piece of art. Debbie regularly participates in national and international juried shows garnering numerous awards along the way for both her pastel and acrylic work. Her work has also been featured in many art publications through the years. Debbie is a Master Signature Emeritus Member of WAOW, a Signature Member of NPS, a Founding Signature Member of the Cowgirl Artists of America and a member of the International Guild of Realism.

I paint because I must paint. The creation of art is a passion, a need and a desire that I feel I must meet on some level every day whether it is simply planning the composition of the next work in my mind or placing the finishing touches on the pastel or painting I have had in progress for days. My inspirations come from the animals, people and surroundings that I love . . . for I find I am passionate about these things, as well, and want to be able to share them with others through my work. My hope is that the joy I feel in the creation of each piece will come through to those who view my art and that something in a particular painting will speak to each viewer on a very personal level. Who could ask for more as an artist?

Susan Humphrey

The beauty of Colorado is my spirit! For someone to enjoy my artwork, is like looking into my heart and sharing something that is so personal, I keep it guarded at times.

I use my photography as a record of the history, as well as the awesome beauty of the area where I have lived my entire life.

I remember all of the family stories about moving cattle on our ranch, the wildlife seen and the accidental rodeos along the way.

I love the way that you can stand in the high alpine and see the desert adobes in the distance. The more art I create, the more amazing detail I see. I have also become fascinated with the wild horses throughout the area and other places.

My goal is to enjoy the beauty and history of our area, to preserve the important things in my life. I want my grandchildren and their children and their children, to look at my art and photos and know exactly who I am and what I love.

Kathy Hur

My paintings are primarily about form, color and texture and how these properties can be combined and arranged to interpret the natural world. I start a piece with a very general notion of a scene but work intuitively and let the painting change as I work. I find acrylic to be the medium that works the best with this approach as it dries quickly; so I can paint out, glaze over, scrape off and rearrange the shapes as I need to. I like the outdoors and create scenes from memory aided by sketches and snapshots. Kathy has lived in the Upper Midwest, West Texas and now the Pacific Northwest. She earned a degree in studio art at Texas Tech University. Art remained on hobby status until several years ago. Workshops and museum trips combined with hours in the studio have brought her to this point. She has participated in numerous regional and national shows and competitions. More of her work can be seen on line at kathyhurfineart.com or in person at Red Trillium Gallery in Troutdale, OR.

Olga and Aleksey Ivanov

Much has been said, written and discussed about this dynamic duo. Olga and Aleksey Ivanov are clearly a team built on ingenious creativity, mythology, technical precision, playful storytelling combined with a traditional execution proving masterpieces each time they offer a painting.Olga and Aleksey Ivanov are considered two of the top Egg Tempera Fine Artists in the country today. Their modern approach to an ancient art form shows reverence to the medium. Both artists work in tandem depicting images that reflect exquisite compositions full of whimsy, intellect and trickery.Renaissance art, the Colorado landscape and images of contemporary Western life infuse the work of Moscow-born artists Olga and Aleksey Ivanov, a husband-and-wife team who collaborate on every painting they produce. Employing the ancient and somewhat temperamental medium of egg tempera, they create images that might be interpreted as inventive, playful and often ironic icons of our times.The Ivanovs began their creative lives together as artists working individually. Now all of their works are collaborative. It’s quite a process and they worked out how to do it with a few paintings started that travel from Olga’s easel to Aleksey’s and back. The Ivanovs’ paintings are unique because of their subject matter, joint execution and medium.

Olga and Aleksey live and create in their mountain home called #hylandstudio in Evergreen, Colorado.

Lori Jones

Lori Jones grew up on a large cattle ranch in Northwestern Colorado, where she and her sisters learned the value of hard work, the weight of responsibility and a deep love of the land. Horses were always at the tip of her pencil and remain one of her favorite subjects, along with the family and friends that she gets to cowboy alongside on a daily basis. Lori works from her own references, capturing her life on the ranch in great detail, and creating images that are deeply personal to her. She and husband David raise Quarter Horses and Angus Cross cattle on their ranch in South Central Kansas, and when she's not in her ranch studio, she can be found horseback in the great wide open or chasing grandkids and dogs beneath the spectacular Western sky.

Margaret Josey-Parker

I spent my formative years in the West. As a child, I loved riding horses, gathering cattle and bucking bales at my grandfather’s ranch in New Mexico. As a young adult, I cherished hiking the canyons of Arizona and Utah.

All the places I have lived out West have an abundance of gorgeous visual stimuli; from the desert South West to the lush environs of the Pacific Northwest where I completed my MFA, and now the open plains and mountains of Colorado that I call my home.

My work has a modern cowboy aesthetic and is reminiscent of western life and landscape. It reflects my love for the topography and rich cultural history of the American West. Inspired by objects in nature from seedpods to land formations and weightless clouds or man made utilitarian tools, I often integrate steel and wood elements, rusted, metal machine parts or stones into my volumetric ceramic forms, in hopes of attaining a poetic composite of materials.

I believe that art is a visual language of personal symbols –and my work is a rough sketch of my life. I create sculptural objects that comfort me, but also challenge my notions of reality, beauty and spirituality.

MFA University of Oregon

MA and BFA Northern Arizona University

Currently Teaching at Front Range Community College, Studio Arts Boulder and from my home studio in Hygiene, Colorado.

Kathy Jowett

Kathy Jowett was born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, and graduated from Florida State University with a BA in Art Education. She taught art in Pinellas County, Florida, for nearly a decade before moving to Central Florida, where she opened an independent bookstore with a small art gallery showcasing Florida artists and their limited edition prints. After 18 years in the bookstore business, Kathy transitioned to a rewarding career in interior design and sales management, which she pursued for 16 years before retiring.

Now, Kathy spends her days in her studio, located in the loft of her old barn, where she can enjoy the peaceful view of deer playing outside her window. Kathy and her husband split their time between two homes: one nestled in a longleaf pine forest in rural Florida, and the other in Westcliffe, Colorado, with a breathtaking view of the Sangre de Cristo mountains.

Kathy has always been passionate about drawing, using a variety of mediums, though she currently favors color pencils and graphite. She enjoys experimenting with different types of paper and surfaces, striving to capture the soul of her subjects- whether people or animals. Her artwork often reflects her deep connections with people she loves and respects, along with the animals they care for. Since acquiring their home in Colorado, Kathy has embraced a Western theme in her work, drawing inspiration from the rugged ranch lifestyle.

Having successfully navigated three careers, Kathy is now embarking on her fourth: focusing full-time on her art. She and her husband share a mantra when hiking in the mountains: “We are old, but we are tough,” and Kathy applies that same philosophy to her art. Creating thoughtful and meaningful pieces is hard work, but she embraces the challenge, grateful for the opportunity to pursue her true passion-drawing.

Kay Juricek

I’ve been painting landscapes for quite a while, and lately I’ve been fascinated with the North Park Region of Colorado, the Nebraska Sandhills and the expansive pasturelands of the Intermountain West. These areas have different geology and landforms but are similar in their open, uncrowded beauty and their long distances that are never lonely but instead beautiful, intricate and full. These places touch the soul in a way that writer N. Scott Momaday said best:”You become one with a spirit that pervades geologic time and space.” In my work I strive to capture that spiritual and transcendent beauty.

I was raised on family farms that were homesteaded in the 1860s. My family loved the land and shared with us their joy of traveling out West whenever possible. My ties to the Rocky Mountain region grew from these highly anticipated trips to Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico and points beyond, and as a result I moved west to Laramie Wyoming after graduate school. I earned my B.F.A. in printmaking and painting from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln and my M.S. from Columbia University in New York, NY. I worked as a university and state agency librarian for many years in Colorado and Wyoming while painting and exhibiting my work, and now paint in my home studio in Denver. My works have appeared twice in the publications New American Paintings, Artist Magazine and Escape into Life, as well as in regional and national juried and invitational shows such as the Art of Illusion, Pomona, CA, The Coors Western Art Exhibit and Sale, Denver CO, the Colorado Governor’s Art Show and Sale, Loveland CO and the Western Spirit Art Show and Sale, Cheyenne, WY, among others.

Valeriy Kagounkin

Debra Keirce

Join my art journey at DebKArt.com

Debra has earned several honors in acclaimed art circles. She is proud to be a US coast guard artist, and winner of the 2022 George Gray award. She is the recipient of a rare artist residency at sea with crew on the U.S. National Security Cutter Stone. Also, eleven of her paintings were commissioned and are hanging prominently in the newly remodeled Boston Langham 5 star hotel. Debra is an Art Renewal Center Associate Living Master, (ARCALM) and holds signature memberships in the National Oil and Acrylic Painters' Society, American Women Artists, Southwest Artists, and Miniature Artists of America.

She is also a juried member of several societies, including Copley Society of Art (as well as their juried portrait registry,) Salmagundi Club, International Guild of Realism, Women Artists of the West, and American Artists Professional League.

Debra had a career as a biochemical design engineer in the 1980’s and 1990’s. Her project management and problem solving skills serve her well in her art career. She has studied painting and drawing with many instructors and programs over the years, but is currently working through the Ani Art Academies curriculum that was created by trompe l’oeil painter Anthony Waichulis. In 2010 she turned her passion for the visual arts into a full time career.

Reenie Kennedy

An award-winning artist, Reenie Kennedy focuses on her love of wildlife and often combines that with her exquisite floral artworks. She has been prominently featured as the cover artist in noted art publications and has been juried into important traveling exhibitions as well. She studied art at San Diego State University and has learned from renowned artists James Gurney and Kathleen Dunphy. Her work was most recently published in The Best of Acrylics in late 2024.

No one said it better than John Updike: “Art offers space – a certain breathing room for the spirit.” I am constantly amazed, and always intrigued, that art has an endless supply of lessons to teach me . . . and nature an unending supply of inspiration. The idea that I will never finish this journey is a fantastic way to envision the fun I will have in uncovering more paintings as they emerge, so to speak, from the canvas.

Reenie Kennedy is a member of the prestigious International Guild of Realism (IGOR), The Women Artists of the West (WAOW), The National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society (NOAPS), The International Society of Acrylic Painters, Signature Member (ISAP), and The California Art Club.

Website: reeniekennedy.com

Email: reeniekennedyfineart@gmail.com Tel: (760) 613-9559

Joy Keown

I have always been inspired by the beauty and wonders of nature. Beginning with pencil drawings as a child, my love for nature expressed as art unfolded. I took my first watercolor class in 1986 and continue to enjoy the versatility of this medium. The way light strikes an object, the pattern of cast shadows, and reflected light make a subject intriguing. The transparency of watercolor allows me to express these subtleties in a painting.

I earned a BS and MS in biology from Emporia State University, and taught biology for many years. Working as a park ranger naturalist in Yellowstone for many summers gave me the opportunity to study nature intimately firsthand. As Artist in Residence in Rocky Mountain National Park in 2013, I studied the work of early landscape painters. My wildlife paintings have been exhibited at several arts centers including the Nicolaysen Art Museum. My love for the natural world has led me to make conservation the focus of my work.

KC Kern

KC Kern, a Wyoming artist, loved to draw from an early age. She earned a degree in Visual Communications. Her college included her work in its award-winning art and literary magazine, Spindrift. After graduating, KC entered the commercial art field. She learned to produce, print, work with clients, work as a team member, and meet deadlines. She also did freelance work and created logos, assisting her clients in establishing their brands. While entering contests, her computer-generated art won the Chokecherry Festival logo contest in Lewistown, Montana. Recently, her colored pencil piece was awarded an Artistic Recognition Award out of 500 entries in the Art and Color 365 Drawing Competition. Another painting, done in soft pastel, was juried into the Spirit of the West Art Competition. Graphite, colored pencils, and soft pastels are her preferred mediums. She chooses to render animals, landscapes, and still life. See samples of her work @kckern.artist.

Yelena Khanevskaya

Yelena Khanevskaya was born and raised in Russia. Since childhood Yelena was greatly interested in art and received her first art training in Children’s Art School.

After graduating high school, Yelena was accepted into Oryol State Pedagogical University where she completed her Masters of Art Education degree. The artistic training followed academic traditions, and for 5 years the students were subjected to rigorous studies of drawing, painting, and sculpting techniques, compositional studies, Art History, as well as a number of folk art traditions.

After graduation, Yelena worked as an artist on silk before moving to United States.

It is here, in United States, that Yelena started to paint and draw professionally. While working on honing her own artistic skills, she also taught children and adult group art classes.

Over the years Yelena participated in a large number of local and regional group and juried art shows, such as Oregon Trail Days Art Show; as well as museum shows, such as Nebraskaland Days Art Show at Prairie Arts Center (2023First Place in “Landscape”; 2022 – Best of Show, First Place in Western and Landscape); the Western Spirit Art Show and New Frontiers, CDF Old West Museum, Cheyenne, WY. Besides these, Yelena had a number of solo exhibits in various venues.

Yelena is represented by several galleries: Deselms Fine Art, Cheyenne, WY; Studio 7 Gallery, Scottsbluff, NE; The Brickwalk Gallery, Kearney, NE; Gallery 9, Lincoln, NE.

For the last few years, Yelena has been running Studio 7 – a working studio and gallery downtown Scottsbluff, NE, where she teaches a number of private students, workshops, and exhibits her art.

Yelena continues to stay committed to actively pursuing personal goals in art, through rigorous drawing and painting and collaborations with other artists.

Danielle Kirby

"A celebration of the untouched West—timeless, and much of it the same as it’s been for generations—my work highlights my preoccupation with the skies and landscapes of the American West, as well as the animals that live there. I have a particular soft spot for the vast, empty plains of southeastern Wyoming: a perfect stage for the drama of the clouds and colors of the expansive sky."

In addition to being part of the permanent collection of the Wyoming State Museum and private collections across the U.S., Danielle’s award-winning work can be seen in galleries in Wyoming and Colorado. She is a member of Cowgirl Artists of America, and an associate member of Women Artists of the West.

Prior to pursuing art full time, Danielle spent 13 years as a graphic designer. Today, she lives in southern Wyoming with her husband and two sons (and cats, dogs, and goats).

Leslie Kirchner

www.lesliekirchner.com

Leslie Kirchner is a professional western and wildlife artist. Her goal is to create work that resonates with viewers giving them a window into the natural world. Reference material for her work is obtained through field experience, photography, and observing wildlife in their native environments. She has worked with cougars, bobcats, wolves, and birds of prey .Her home and studio is in a small, rural mountain community. She feels it important to connect with and portray each animal's uniqueness and individual personality, using paint and brushwork to capture the personality, mood and movement of her subjects through the exploration of color, composition, and the use of positive and negative space in her work. She shows her work throughout the country and is a Signature member of American Women Artists, Women Artists of the West, International Guild Of Realism, and Artists For Conservation, as well as being a member of Oil Painters of America. Her work appears in shows including NatureWorks, Rocky Mountain Oyster Club, American Women Artists National Exhibitions, Cheyenne Spirit of the West, and Women Artists of the West Annual National Exhibitions among others. The landscape, animals, and atmosphere of the west inspire her- not only for exploring, but as a means of bringing the drama and beauty to her painting. She hopes to draw the viewer into her paintings and give them a sense of her inspiration for each piece of work and the animals in them.

Steve Knox

Steve is a high school art teacher in Cheyenne, Wyoming, He serves on the Arts Cheyenne board of directors, Program Director of the Cheyenne Art Haus and is a founding and active member of the Wy/Art Coalition. When Steve isn’t teaching, painting, or advocating to better Cheyenne’s art scene, he can be found with his young family, exploring and enjoying the outdoors.

If you run into Steve at any of his events, you’re almost guaranteed to also be introduced to his family. Steve and his wife, Mary, have three boys and a daughter, who were all named after towns in Wyoming; Dayton, Afton, Bridger and Clarke. They are raising the kids to love and appreciate the arts and their Wyoming roots. From supporting local Art Walks to traveling to the next art fair, the family is always ready for the next adventure that art has them taking. Steve draws his inspirations from his time spent engaged with nature. A lifetime immersed in exploring the wild has provided an abundance of ideas that need created. If only the paintbrush could keep up.

Michelle Kondos

Sarah Konrad

Sarah has explored multiple avocations, each one providing inspiration for those that follow. Spending her twenties guiding backcountry expeditions led to a fascination with ice and snow and graduate degrees about glaciers. Time on snow led to Olympic competition in cross country skiing and biathlon. An unexpected conversation with a friendly artist led to a magical invitation, and she soon found herself making prints.

Printmaking on a small scale challenges her to abandon fine detail and instead capture the essence of the subject. An individual skier is known by the bend of an arm, the tilt of the head. An aspen tree grows knots in a particular pattern on the trunk and cannot be mistaken for a birch. Water appears blue but is filled with colorful reflections of the paddler. Carving these essential traits into linoleum or wood brings her a deeper recognition and understanding of the natural and athletic worlds.

Deb LaFogg

Deborah LaFogg Docherty is an artist that works in pastels, oils and acrylic sharing her experiences with wildlife and rural landscapes. Growing up on a farm in Connecticut, her mother was her inspiration. She painted whenever possible and graduated with honors in Illustration and commercial art from Paire College. She worked as a designer at the Sun Sentinel News Paper for over 34 years while promoting her art. Her goal in painting is for the viewer to share her passion. Her main subject is birds because they symbolize freedom and beauty something she cares for deeply. She aims to inspire others by doing demos and teaching.

Deborah in her art career has also earned numerous national and international awards that include:

Her first show as in the Yale University Art Gallery in her senior year of college.

First place in fine art in the Endangered Art4Apes

International Exhibition

Audubon Artists North America Pastel Artists North America Pastel Award

Fourth place and honorable mention in the wildlife/animal category in the Pastel Journals International Pastel 100 Competition and honorable mention in the International Artists Magazine Wildlife Challenge.

And her work is often featured in the Salmagundi Club shows and Auctions in New York City.

She has also been published in the International Artist Magazine, the Pastel Journal, WildScape and her work has been in art museums in the US, Spain and China to name a few.

Mary Landis

My art is all about what I have experienced visually, a subject matter that has sparked my interest; perhaps by the power of light and it’s effect on color. Correlating values, chroma and design I paint the scene to be my own, to find the elements all blend together to capture the spirit of the subject. I describe my style of oil painting as representational, coupled with Impressionism.

Mary Leslie

Allison Lyons

Sue Lyons

Snow-covered mountains, rocky streams rushing with clear water, shimmering aspens, blooming cacti and southwestern art have captured her full attention as an artist. She uses watercolors to express the fluid and dynamic changes of life and nature in the West.

Sue is a Signature Member of the Colorado Watercolor Society. She has both a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Masters in Art and has taught art in the pubic schools from kindergarten thru high school, as well as, Interior Design at a university level.

Sue lives in Thornton, Colorado where she continues to paint various subjects that inspire her. She has recently expanded her interest to stage design for the local broadway shows, a nod to her past role in painting murals in homes and businesses.

She has shown her works in multiple juried shows and galleries in the West. If you would like to see more of her work, check out her website: suelyonsart.com

Ginnie Madsen

Most of my imagery starts with firsthand observations of the world around me. The pieces in this show were created by carving into a linoleum plate to create shapes and texture areas and results in a simplified or abstracted image. Each color is created by carving and printing additional layers. I use a printing process that results in a limited, hand printed edition, usually between 8 and 12 prints.

I grew up in Chicago, moved to the West in the 70’s. I raised a family in Laramie, have a MFA from the University of Wyoming and had the opportunity to teach drawing, sculpture and print making classes at UW for about 10 years. It was in teaching print making that I became interested in that process which is now my primary art medium.

ginniemadsenart.com

Tamara Magdalina

Artist Tamara Magdalina was blessed to have parents who encouraged her artistic talent and taught her to see beauty and to love Nature “I began drawing when I was five years old," Tamara says “I knew I wanted to be an artist My gift came from my parents and from God My parents thought education was very important " Tamara went to art school for children in her home town of Abakan, Siberia, until the age of fifteen, then moved to Krasnoyarsk to study at the Junior Art Academy for the next four years It was there that she met her husband, Valeriy Kagounkin, and their life adventure began After her graduation from the Junior Art Academy, Tamara's volunteer work led her to paint posters for a paper factory and also big events happening around the area. After this service, with the help of God and the encouragement of her parents, Tamara decided to apply to the best art school in Russia. Tamara worked hard and studied endlessly and earned a place among the 15 students to attend the elite Moscow Art Academy of V. Surikov in 1981.

Her husband, Valeriy was accepted to the premier school the year after she entered It was a feat that hadn't been accomplished before "It is rare for two people from the same small town to get into this school,” Tamara says "But, for a husband and wife to both make it it was a rare accomplishment and a blessing "

After graduating, Tamara, her husband, and young son, Anton-named after a beloved professor at the college--moved back to Siberia and worked as an assistant professors at the Krasnoyarsk art institute there Tamara became Dean of the School In 1998, Tamara and her family traveled to the United States and visited many places, learning the beauty of the land, and the culture of the people.

They eventually settled in Sacramento, California, and her second son, Dennis, was born in the United States. "During our life together, we traveled a lot,” Tamara says of her family. Tamara strongly believes in the family and teaching the children. She and Valeriy's own two sons, Anton and Dennis, are very accomplished students, artists, and musicians in their own right. Today, Tamara continues to share her knowledge and teaches young children the joy and techniques of art. "The child is very eager to learn. They come into school with big eyes, almost a little scared," she says with a motherly smile "I want to teach them how to see beauty and love Nature It's a big responsibility to teach them Even more important than teaching at University, because people keep for their whole life what they gathered as children" In her school, Tamara teaches the basics of traditional European art "It is very interesting when a child sees something and wants to express themselves through art It is very beautiful " Tamara and her family make it a point to use their art to unite all cultures “Art has its own language," she says "We need to love each other, no matter what "

Tamara's goal is in expressing Gods creation through her works The nature and the land has the biggest passion for her

She has won a Silver Medal from the United Nations for her contributions to culture and history, as well as many awards for the paintings she has exhibited. Tamaras works found home in the Contemporary Museum of Moscow and Historian Museum of Siberia, as well as private collections in Japan, Germany, Cyprus, Italy, Spain, and the United States.

Elise Mahaffie

Elise Mahaffie received her B.F.A. from Syracuse University. She also completed a three year artist program at the Compass Atelier in Maryland. She currently lives in Jackson, Wyoming where she works as an artist as well as art director for Jackson Hole magazine.

Elise has been involved in numerous national shows throughout the years. She has been recognized in Southwest magazine as an “Emerging Artist to Watch” as well as receiving first place in the wildlife category for Artist magazine’s “Annual Emerging Artist Competition”. She just recently was accepted into the Society for Animal Artists.

Being a graphic designer for a good part of her life has definitely influenced the way Elise interprets shapes and how she see things. Elise loves bold marks, strong colors, and unique, simplistic compositions. She believes this gives the viewer a feeling of easy discovery and controlled focus on the smaller details. Living in Wyoming, going on safaris, and painting western life and wildlife brings Elise such joy. Nothing makes her happier than when her paintings connect a buyer to that same joy!

Paul Marcotte

Paul J. Marcotte is an award-winning wildlife photographer based in Colorado. Growing up surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains, Paul developed an early fascination with the natural world, sparking his passion for capturing its beauty through photography. His work emphasizes the intimate relationship between wildlife and the landscapes they inhabit, blending a deep respect for nature with technical skill. Over the years, Paul's striking images have earned him recognition in numerous publications, showcasing his unique ability to capture raw, untamed moments in the wild. His photographs often convey a sense of storytelling, immersing the viewer in the life of his subjects, whether it’s a solitary Mountain lion perched in a tree or a family of Coyotes navigating the winter snow.

In 2023, Paul’s extraordinary talent and dedication were recognized when he was named Photographer of the Year by the North American Nature Wildlife Landscape Photographer Association. This prestigious accolade solidified his place among the top wildlife photographers in the world.

Paul continues to travel extensively, seeking out new locations and species to photograph, all while maintaining his commitment to conservation and responsible wildlife photography. Through his lens, Paul hopes to inspire others to appreciate and protect the fragile ecosystems that remain on our planet. His work stands as both an artistic achievement and a call to preserve the wild beauty that surrounds us.

Sue Marion

Susan Marion grew up in the Northeast, but found her “home of the heart” in the Colorado Rockies. She earned a BA in Art from Metropolitan State University, Denver, but considers herself a self-taught artist. She has earned signature membership in the Colorado Watercolor Society and the Pikes Peak Watercolor Society, and is a member of the Transparent Watercolor Society of America. Sue is also an exhibiting member of the Fremont Center for the Arts (Canon City, Colo.), the Florence Arts Council (Florence, Colo.), and the Sangres Art Guild (Westcliffe, Colo.). She works out of her home/studio in Florissant, Colo.

“ I’ve been wild about watercolor since high school art class, and have been working towards mastery of this medium for over 40 years. For me, painting is a dance between artist, water, paint, air, and paper – always in the moment, often unpredictable, and full of wonderful surprises!

I work exclusively in transparent watercolor techniques, utilizing glazing to build transparent layers of pigment. Using photographs that I take, my representational style of watercolor is characterized by the use of intense, saturated colors and strong contrasts in light and shadows.

What inspires me to paint is often the commonplacethose easily overlooked visual details in everyday life: I paint a wide variety of subjects, but I’m especially proud of my growing collection of paintings portraying Native American powwow dancers.

In my work, I seek to convey the sensory and emotional experience of having ‘been there’ with what I’m painting. For me, paintings are a meditation on the subject of the piece, an archive of my presence with that subject, and an invitation for the viewer to share my experience.”

Robert Martinez

Robert Martinez was born in the small town of Riverton Wyoming. He attended Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design and in 3 years he graduated becoming one of the Youngest artists to graduate at that time.

His Chicano & Northern Arapaho heritage remain a constant inspiration and source of ideas for his work. Living in Wyoming among the hard working people of the west and experiencing their issues also influence his creations. The past and present often resonate strongly throughout his work.

Robert has been honored with his home state’s highest creative honor, the Wyoming Governors Art Award. You can currently see select pieces of his work as part of the permanent collection for the Smithsonian National Museum for the American Indian in Washington DC, The Plains Indian Museum at the Bill Cody Center of the West, The Brinton, The Wyoming State Museum, The Nic and the Red Cloud Heritage Museum.

Sandy Marvin

Sandy Marvin is a Colorado artist with a curriculum vitae of art careers that includes medical artist, calligrapher, sign painter, graphic designer, high school art teacher and fine artist.

Sandy is primarily a representational painter with a strong abstract tendency. She works in soft pastel with a dash of other media mixed in. Her inspiration comes from the natural world as well as the world of things. She is particularly attracted to intriguing shapes, lyrical line, interesting juxtapositions and color relationships. She likes to look close; at trees, objects, intimate corners of the landscape. She works to communicate the beauty and poetry that strike her in the visual world; the elegance of a simple tool, the graceful arch of a branch or the jubilance of a bowl of freshly-picked tomatoes. She is a Master Signature member of the Pastel Society of Colorado and has received several awards in PSC shows, including First Place in the 2017 Signature Members Show and Best of Show in the 2020 Signature Members Show.

Gregory Mayse

The Old West has captured the heart of Gregory Mayse since he was a young boy growing up in the small village of Castalia, Ohio. He has now earned a reputation as an awardwinning oil painter who features the lives of characters in the American Old West.

His earliest oil paintings were done in high school. In college he majored in graphic design, illustration and photography. Following a professional photography career, Gregory returned to his first creative passion of oil painting in 2011. Gregory has painted hundreds of western scenes and portraits that feature cowboys, cowgirls, Native Americans, pioneers, mountain men, horses and buffalo. His works have been juried into fine art shows across the country. Gregory is very proud to have been selected for the Cheyenne Frontier Days Art Show & Sale for 2025. His collectors currently range across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. He has lived in Fort Collins, Colorado since 2001.

Artist Statement:

“I paint life in the American West because it has always held a place in my heart since I was very young. I now create portraits and story-telling narratives of characters and scenes from the Old West. I choose to paint the hard times and the good times, the action-packed and the contemplative moments in the life of cowboys, cowgirls, mountain men, pioneers and Native Americans.

My concepts are first sketched onto stretched linen. Then, it takes several layers of oil paint to complete each work. My stories often develop as I am working on each piece. The characters will change, as can clothing, lighting, season and additional characters.

Some have smaller details to pull the viewer in to complete the narrative. This history needs to be preserved and shown to future generations. I am proud to do my part to continue in the spirit of Russell, Catlin and Remington.”

Corinne McAuley

As I have explored, played, created, and researched the talent of bead placement, I have found that working with beads allows for endless hours of beauty and creativity. Creating with beads came to me later in life. I have always felt artistic but had difficulty finding a creative path that would take me into the future. Beads found me in 2001, with one visit to a local bead store. I found something very appealing with the tactile textures and sizes of different types of beads. Working with beads over the years has given me the confidence to apply beads in unique and interesting ways creating art without any boundaries. The intent for my art is to be unique, one-of-a-kind, interesting, mind-provoking, and fun. The beads I use and the way I use them, have been a surprise for many, including myself at times. Beaded Tapestries were my first passion with beads, I have since expanded into mixed media art utilizing beads as the staple.

Deb McCahan

Palette knives with paint, paper pieces, and petri plates of microbes are three things Deb has up her sleeves and usually on them. A farm girl raised on the prairie of eastern Colorado, she finds comfort where she can see wide open skies and landscapes that stretch to the horizon. Views such as these, nature, and flowers inspire her art, and on most days of the year, you can find Deb admiring the sunset over the mountains from her home in Johnstown.

Drawn to both art and science, she earned a degree in Medical Technology from UNC in Greeley and works as a clinical microbiologist. Seeking a way to express her creativity beyond lab work, she began teaching paper crafting. One major highlight that allowed for further creative development, was in 2015 when she enjoyed an adventure of a lifetime photographing and blogging throughout New Zealand. These memories and images of the natural beauty of NZ were among the first landscapes she explored with paint. In 2019, she expanded her artistic endeavors by attending painting classes and did a plein air workshop in 2022 with palette knife artist Carl Bork. This led Deb to discover how much she loved working with thick paint.

At the 2023 Plein Air in the Parks event at Curt Gowdy State Park one of her paintings was awarded best in show and selected for the 2025 Wyoming State Parks Pass, another was voted people's choice. Also in 2023, she was invited to be an exhibiting member of the Thompson Valley Art League in Loveland, Colorado where she currently serves on the board. Her paintings were accepted into the National Fine Art Show at Lincoln Gallery for two consecutive years and she has been invited to both the Estes Valley and Boulder County plein air events.

Rebekah McLain

Working primarily in graphite, Rebekah Mclain has an eye for intricate details that allows her to capture the heart and soul of each subject in her workspace.

Rebekah’s journey with art is similar to many and stemmed from an early childhood obsession with horses, cowboys, and everything western. If she had a pencil, you can bet your britches she was drawing horses or cowboys. Passionate about portraying her subjects accurately, she found that observing her own horses accelerated her skills through the years and she constantly draws inspiration from them.

After putting her work on hold for a decade while wrangling the kids through their early years, she picked up her pencils again after her youngest was born and has pushed her professional career beyond her dreams and expectations. Dedicating countless hours to her work she can confidently say that th evolution of her work is remarkable—“though I firmly believe that learning is lifelong journey, and I’m always ready to saddle up for more.” Her work has taken off like wildfire and she is constantly looking for ways to expand skillset.

I create art for the same reason I did as a child: it brings me joy. I’m on a mission to share that joy with the world while testing my limits, honing my skills, and inspiring others to chase their dreams.

“Whatever you are, be a good one”. -Abraham Lincoln

Mike McRann

I am dedicated to creating my art. I paint almost daily focusing on design, value, color and structure and learning from each painting. My goal is about sharing my visual narratives. I draw inspiration particularly from the Rocky Mountain western landscapes. I enjoy spending time outdoors exploring new vistas to paint and share. Ultimately, I aim to see my paintings in museum, making a lasting contribution to the world of art.

Wesley Merritt

Hello, my name is Wesley Dallas Merritt. Born and raised in rural central Indiana with a love of nature and the outdoors. I studied art at the Joe Kubert School of Art and worked several years as a concept artist and 2D artist for Activision, Marvel Comics and Universal Studios. I have painted most of my life with an affinity for the West and Western art and pursuing my passion for watercolor, painting realism that show true emotion and beauty in light and shadows. As a young boy and into adulthood, I have enjoyed many trips to Northwest Ontario, Northern Minnesota and beyond. I now enjoy my own piece of paradise on Eagles Nest Lake in Ely Minnesota with my wife and kids.

I have won numerous National and local awards for my works. Many of my paintings are in private collections around the world.

Gordon Middleton

www.GordonMiddletonPhotography.com

I’ve been involved with photography almost all my life. I received my first “real” camera while finishing high school in Australia. Upon returning to California I enrolled in Brooks Institute of Photography and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree.

Black & White Magazine:

My work has been accepted in 4 issues for various contests including a 4 page Spotlight Spread and most recently in the April 2024 Single Image Contest where 3 of my photographs were published.

New Mexico Magazine:

I took 1st Place in the Photo Issue in the People Division and had a 2 page spread as the Grand Prize Runner Up. I also had a picture of Ship Rock used as a cover photo.

Galleries:

Lincoln Gallery, Loveland, CO – Juried in as a fulltime exhibitor in 2016 where I continue to show today.

3Square Gallery, Ft. Collins, CO – Juried into numerous Fine Art Shows.

The Carnegie Gallery, 3 Rivers, MI – Asked to do a show with my brother (an ink and watercolor wash artist).

Old West Museum/Gallery, Cheyenne, WY – Juried into 5 Western Spirit Shows held on the Frontier Days grounds.

Union Colony Center, Greeley, CO – Juried into the Greeley National Show 3 times with some minor awards.

Louisville Art Center, Louisville, CO – Juried into the National Fine Art Show 4 consecutive years

Tiffany Miller Russell

Paper sculptures create inviting glimpses of familiar worlds that display a heightened sense of reality. Peering into a shadowbox holds its own kind of magic, reminding us of moments in our lives when we have been overwhelmed by curiosity and wonder.

Tiffany Miller Russell works with specialty art papers, which are cut flat and then shaped by hand. Patterns, colors, and textures of the available paper are utilized, and can be subtly tinted with pastels, or collaged to mimic brushstrokes. Tiffany explores the limits of her art materials to develop sculpture that resembles painting.

She finds her inspiration in nature and the diversity of life, the individuality of a creature and its relationship to the world, and animals as cultural and artistic icons.

Tiffany’s work has been included in juried museum exhibitions such as Young Guns at the Coors Western Art Show; Allied Artists of America at the Salmagundi Club; the Society of Animal Artists’ Art and the Animal national traveling exhibition; the Colorado Governor’s Art Show; International ARC Salon; and the Laumeister Fine Art Competition at Bennington Center for the Arts. 2025 marks her 6th year as a participant in the Western Spirit Art Show and New Frontiers.

She has been featured on Colossal, What Women Create, and included in the book Reptiles and Amphibians in Contemporary Art. Her paper sculptures have received the Award of Excellence, President’s Award for Sculpture, and Newcomer Award from the Society of Animal Artists; Honorable Mention and Finalist in the Artist’s Magazine; and the award for Best Three-Dimensional work in the International Paleo Art Exhibition. Two of her pieces are included in the permanent collection of Cheyenne Frontier Days’ Old West Museum.

Tiffany is a Signature Member of the Society of Animal Artists and a Member of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators.

Mauriel Morejon

Brenda Morgan

www.brendamorganart.com, facebook.com/morganartstudio/, (Instagram) /bmorgan_studio/ morganart54@gmail.com

Represented by Lovetts Gallery

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Working from her studio in Arkansas, she paints in the realistic style with oil on canvas. Immersed in the western genre, until recently, her subjects were horses and wildlife. After attending a portrait workshop, she began incorporating people into her paintings, finding it necessary to tell a story. She grew up in Oklahoma City where visiting the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum was a favorite outing. It was there that her love of western subjects was born. She says “There’s just something about a cowboy, something so magical about that time period. It’s always been dear to me and takes me back to my youth and my visits to the Cowboy Hall of Fame.”

Her art journey has been chronicled in the Art of the West magazine’s Feb. 2024 edition.

Since 2013, as a juried member, she has been in group shows with these prominent National and International Art Associations -

Signature –

National Oil and Acrylic Painter’s Society, (NOAPS)

Miniature Artists of America, (MAA) SouthWest Artists, (SWA)

Thomas Morgan

Thomas Morgan began his photographic journey the same way many of his peers did: a camera passed down or gifted. Something not terribly expensive but with good glass and simple operations. His was a Yashica-MAT 124G, during one of its final years in production. It was an oddball relic even at the time since almost everyone else he knew had already become acquainted with 35mm. But he was—and continue to be—rebellious. Time, persistence, and patience helped develop his keen eye for composition. Add to this a creative yearning to continue the narrative he started as teenager four decades earlier, and you have a seasoned, once-in-a-generation artist with a penchant for photographic drama and composition. Morgan has exhibited extensively over the past several years, both nationally and abroad. He has won several awards and accolades and is mainly motivated by his desire to frame moments. His cameras are an extension to his creative spark, his inner dialog brought to the fore. While he still shoots analog and sticks to composing while he shoots, he fully embraces digital, noting the medium’s seemingly endless possibilities in post-production.

“It’s a fast-moving world,” he says, “but it is through my constant pursuit of photographic exceptionalism that I’m able to see the details, the story, and the drama of the stillness between stoplights. I’ll always shoot, and most of the pictures are not going to be that good, but the ones that get through will hopefully transcend to a photograph.”

Norbert Nagel

Eric Nelson

Eric was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1960. He had a gift for drawing at a very early age and excelled in drafting and industrial arts while in high school. He graduated with a Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from Texas A&M and soon began a 23-year career as a golf course architect in Arlington, Texas. His drawing and design skills were well suited for the profession but a transition from “hand drawings” to computer aided drafting left him feeling empty. What followed was a decision to begin carving out time for his own art through workshops, instructional videos, and hours of practice.

The economic recession of 2008 altered his career path in a positive way. He ventured away from the drafting table, deadlines, and CAD documents for a career in sales. This change simply afforded him more time to paint. He dedicated the next 12 years to painting part-time and testing the quality of his artwork in national competitions. He retired from his job in sales in March 2023 to pursue painting full time. Most of Eric’s artwork focuses on the theme of Western Art. He loves capturing the “spirit” of his subject’s whether they are Cowboys, Native Americans, Longhorn steers or rustic landscapes. One of his favorite artists was a well-known Frenchman named William Bouguereau (1825-1905). Eric tries to emulate his strong sense of design, paint quality and overall simplicity. While most of his artwork is in oils, Eric also produces works in pencil and charcoal. You can view his work online at ericnelsonstudio.com.

Kadra Nevitt

Kadra's artwork is characterized by its soft yet natural touch, often incorporating horses, rodeos, ranching, and pasture scenes inspired by her extensive experience as a horse owner and rider. Her pieces have been showcased in numerous Western art shows across the United States, galleries throughout the West and Midwest, and have been sold internationally. She has also been part of traveling exhibitions like Paint the Parks.

As an Associate member of the prestigious Pastel Society of America (PSA), Mid America Pastel Society (MAPS), Women Artists of the West (WOAW), and Cowgirl Artists of America (CGA), Kadra's expertise with pastels is complemented by her exploration of pencil and watercolor. Her artistic mission is to capture the essence of a moment, evoking emotions and touching hearts.

With her recent relocation to Kansas in 2020, Kadra finds inspiration in the heartland's rolling hills, vast skies, and rustic charm. Her art embodies the spirit of the American heartland – genuine, heartfelt, and deeply rooted in the beauty of the everyday.

Born in Enumclaw, Washington, Kadra's art career has been a journey of passion, dedication, and faith. With a humble spirit, Kadra credits her creativity to the ultimate artist, saying, "I'm just copying the greatest artist of all time –God."

Lena Noble

Lena Noble is a self-taught artist who was born in Crimea and moved to the USA in 1998. She has an MA from Moscow State University of Culture and Arts in classical piano. Although she studied music, painting and drawing have always been a big part of her universe and her real passion. A few years ago, this passion took center stage in her life and became her profession.

Studying music professionally helped her develop an appreciation of beauty and art in general and gave an understanding of the importance of discipline and everyday practice in creating art.

Lena currently lives and works in the Portland metro area, Oregon.

Associations

Oil Painters Of America Awards

2024 "Best in Show" Award, Open Show, Lake Oswego, OR 2023 “Finalist”, Artist Network “Stroke of Genius” drawing competition.

2023 “Honorable Mention",Open Show, Lake Oswego, OR 2023 "Honorable Mention", Artist Network Annual Best of Show Pets Art competition 2022 "Outstanding Pastel Award", Bold Brush Art Competition

2022 "Best in Show" Award, Open Show, Lake Oswego, OR 2020 "Honorable Mention", Open Show, Lake Oswego, OR Exhibitions

2025 Russell Museum Auction Sale, Great Falls, MT

2025 Western Spirit Art Show and Sale, CFD Old West Museum, Cheyenne, WY 2024 Mountain Oyster Club 55th Contemporary Western Art Show and Sale, Tucson, AZ 2024 “Curio”, Small Works Juried Exhibition, Reser Gallery, Portland, OR

2024 Russell Museum Auction Sale, Great Falls, MT

2023 “Small Works-Small Wonders” Juried Exhibition, Reser Gallery, Portland, OR 2022 Juried Exhibition "Reemergence", Lake Oswego, OR

2019-2024 Open Shows, Lake Oswego, OR

Dawn Normali

Dawn is a vibrant impressionistic artist, calling Colorado her home for more than 50 years. She is quick to say that her purpose in this world is to bring beauty and joy to others through her passion for painting, something she has had since the early age of 6. Dawn earned degrees in art from UNC and Aims College. She gained a deeper understanding of art from her experience at The Loveland Fine Art Academy and Art Students League of Denver. She has also studied with other well known artists, most notably Ovanes Berberian, Michelle Torrez, Ken Valastro, Kim English, Jim Biggers, Kathy Goodale, George Coll. Amidst these influences she has stayed true to her vibrant and colorful impressionist style, capturing the spirit of nature on canvas. Her greatest hope is to continue to paint and teach art throughout her life, sharing her gift with others.

https://www.dawnnormali.com/

Joe A. Oakes

Joe A. Oakes was a curious and observant child that began drawing at age five. He’s been painting full time since 2008 and like other artists, had many previous occupations including, substitute teacher, art consultant and graphic designer. He has survived cancer and the loss of a child and used these life changing events to propel his art career forward.

Oakes’ landscapes burn with the first brilliant seconds of sunrise and the last fiery moments of sunset. Expressing those feelings through the use of bold, vibrant highlights of orange and shadows of violet hues is his signature. His work offers a meditative sense of calm and happiness, with a profound reverence for the land. Each painting is a tribute to the mountains, canyons and valleys of the West and Southwest.

Oakes holds a BFA from CSU, Fullerton and his awards include: Third Place, “Sears Invitational”, Utah Tech, 2024, Best in Show, “Nature of Color Show” Art Brut 27, 2020, First Place, “Visions”, Chaffey Community Museum of Art, Ontario, CA, 2019. His work has been included in many museum shows including, ArtsThrive, Albuquerque Museum, Sears Invitational, Sears Museum at Utah Tech and Art in the West, High Desert Museum, Bend, OR. His work has also been published in International Artist Magazine and most recently in Artists Magazine’s “The Best of Acrylic”. Oakes resides near Palm Springs, California.

Jean Olliver

Jean paints exclusively with oils on canvas, and her style is realistic, also described as 'representational art' by current nomenclature. Her primary subjects are still lifes, florals, garden scenes, landscapes, and western US themes. With precise brushwork and a love of detail, she concentrates on the fine replication of her subjects. Often moved by a certain scene or object, her goal is to capture those emotional aspects on canvas.

Jack Olson

Jack Olson was born in Chicago and discovered art at a very young age. At the age of fifteen his family moved to Colorado where he discovered the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and their surroundings, which inspired him to try my hand at painting what he saw. Olson’s love of the mountains, Aspen trees, wildlife, and western lifestyle is evident in his paintings. His family traveled by train often when he was young, and Olson grew a fondness for them. It wasn't until later in his career that he decided to include them in his paintings. Being a mostly self-taught artist, Olson has had to struggle at times to achieve his goals (you never stop learning). Olson is a member of the noted O.P.A. (Oil Painters of America), and the A.S.R.A. (American Society of Railway Artists) and participates in many shows throughout the country. He has been fortunate enough to have won many awards including Best of show, but his favorite award which he has been fortunate to have won many times is (The People’s Choice Award), because it is voted on by the Art Show attendees. Olson has been a professional Artist for over forty years and loves it as much today as he did when he started so many years ago. His goal is to make every new painting better than the last!

Rachel Ondrak

After graduating with her Bachelor of Fine Arts from California State University at Fullerton in 1995, Rachel went on to pursue a wide range of life experiences and occupations, all over the world. Some of those include teaching elementary school, teaching special education, moving to Spain as an au pair, enlisting as an active duty soldier in the United States Army, and extensive and unusual travel.

With camera frequently in hand, she captures a variety of moments, moods, people, and places.

Referencing her photographs and experiences, her heart’s calling is to showcase the beauty of God's gift of life.

Her paintings are photo realistic, vividly colorful, and include subtle details which bring life and a documentary element to her work.

Her awards include:

Oct 2018 1st Place- National Veterans Creative Arts Festival. Des Moines, IA

Feb 2017 Purchase Award- State of Wyoming public buildings.

Nov 2015 Governors Choice Award- Governors Capitol Art Exhibition, Wyoming State Museum.

Oct 2014 1st place- National Creative Arts Competition. Durham, NC.

Oct 2013 1st place- National Veterans Creative Arts Competition, Reno, NV.

July 2013 Juror's Award- Orange County Fair Fine Arts Competition.

June 2013 1st place in watercolor and 1st place Art Supply

Warehouse sponsored Special Award- Garden Walk Anaheim Art Association 50th Annual open juried Art Competition.

She currently spends her efforts working at home for cherished husband Jason Ondrak, and homeschooling their 4 honor student daughters, grades 5 to 8.

She draws and paints when she is able, from their home and studio in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Theresa Otteson

Theresa Otteson is a distinguished fine artist whose work captivates audiences across the United States and beyond. A graduate of the University of Utah, she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts, laying the foundation for a successful career in the arts.

For five years, Theresa served as the education coordinator at the Bountiful Davis Art Center, where she dedicated herself to fostering an appreciation of art among people of all ages. Her passion for teaching led her to leave this role and focus entirely on her artwork, allowing her creativity to flourish. Theresa has exhibited her paintings in numerous galleries nationwide, earning various accolades for her exceptional work. Notable achievements include purchase awards, the Best Portrait award from the International Guild of Realism, and an Exhibition Award from the American Plains Artist. Her artistic talents have also led to commissioned works for esteemed organizations, including the American Heart Association’s Go heART campaign. Her artwork is featured in prestigious collections across Japan, Europe, and the United States. She has work in private and public collections that include the Farmington City Building, the Davis County Courthouse in Utah, the Eccles Art Center, and the Sears Art Museum. She has participated in both solo and group exhibitions, including “Women's Work” at the A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art, “The Besendorfer Project,” and “Women of the West” shows at the Sears Art Museum. Today, Theresa continues to create in her studio full-time, while also sharing her knowledge through teaching. She conducts classes and workshops, including the Life Long Learning program at the University of Utah and online courses for the Smithsonian Studio Arts Program. Theresa is a member of the National Oil and Acrylic Society, American Plains Artists, Cowgirl Artists of American, American Artists Professional League, and International Guild of Realism.

Denise Patton

Denise’s experience as a designer, theater set and museum exhibit builder, fine artist, gallery owner, and museum director opens a world of materials and techniques for personal expression.

She integrates both traditional structure and lyrical, organic, movement, whether in time-tested watercolors, oils, pastels, or in contemporary multi-media.

Her life in rural and urban areas inspires large visual physical landscapes that evoke a desire for tactile immersion.

Studies include Laguna Gloria Art Museum, Minnesota Center for Book Arts, and studio assistantships to public artist Richard Posner, stone sculptor Perry Davis, papermaker Ray Tomasso and printmaker Margaret Sunday.

Her work is in public, museum, and private collections. It includes murals commissioned by Downtown Cheyenne to commemorate the long relationship between the City and the Military and in Saratoga, WY commemorating bird life of the Platte River funded by partnership between National Endowment for the Arts and United States Forest Service.

Andy Pelster

Self-taught artist, Andy Pelster, was trained in technical drafting and has spent thirty years in bridge design. He returned to fine art with a renewed interest in 2019. Working from his home studio near Parker, Colorado, he continues to work in structural design full-time while drawing part-time. Raised on a cattle ranch in southeastern Colorado, Andy’s works primarily celebrate contemporary ranch life and those who feed the world while preserving the West’s quickly vanishing open spaces. Those open spaces and big Western skies are also among his favorite subjects. Authenticity and realism are the driving force behind his highly detailed drawings. The result he strives for is an image reminiscent of a gelatin silver photographic print with a nostalgic but timeless quality.

Andy has exhibited and received awards in juried shows in Colorado and Wyoming including the Loveland Museum, Lone Tree Arts Center, Greeley Stampede, and Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum. His drawings have been featured in The Best of Drawing and Western Art Collector magazines. See more of his work on Instagram and Facebook (@arpelsterart) or at www.arpelsterwesternart.com.

Sarah Phippen

Audrey Powles

Audrey Powles is a rancher and photographer who lives and works on the Powles family ranch in the Sandhills region of Western Nebraska. Raised on a farm in the south central part of the state, she developed an early love for the outdoors and livestock, finding beauty in the everyday rustic. Audrey is self taught photographer and the ability to express her creativity through the lens has become a passion. Her approach to photography bridges the gap between high art and contemporary life in a way that mimics color palettes and dramatic lighting of the old masters. Her goal is to create artwork that has a classic beauty portrayed in a unique way; artwork that will elicit joy or foster curiosity and wonder.

Nettie Rickerson

Nettie Rickerson grew up in Fallon, NV where she currently lives and works as an educator.

She graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education in 1999. She is also a Reiki master with a small practice in Fallon.

Nettie has created art as long as she can remember, getting informal drawing lessons from her talented older brother and taking art courses throughout her school years. While she enjoys many mediums, her love is working with pencils. Using charcoal and graphite to create life out of light and shadow is a fascinating process for her.

Nettie is especially drawn to animals and nature. Spending summer vacations on her family’s Idaho ranch instilled a passion for horses and all things related to the rural western way of life. This has greatly influenced her artwork. She especially loves to draw the beautiful horses and detailed gear that cowboys and ranchers take pride in and use every day. Each piece has a rich history, specific function, and beauty.

Nettie is a member of the Reno Fine Arts Collective and Cowgirl Artists of America. Her artwork has been shown in numerous shows, including the Mountain Oyster Club art show, the Cowgirls Gathering art show, the CM Russell museum auction, and many others across the U.S. Her works are in personal collections across the U.S. and abroad.

Heidi Romsa

My family farms and ranches nine miles west of Albin, Wyoming. Our lifestyle provides ample subject matter of critters, crops, combines, kids and cowboys. Photography has been a lifelong passion. Back in the point and shoot film days, I remember my mother asking me how many pictures of the dog and horses I really needed. Now I can digitally click away! I get to tell a story with the moments God creates and “paint” with light.

I started entering my Photography in contests and publications in 2009. Some earned Cover Photo status and others have been featured in Agricultural articles, calendars and posters.

I am honored to participate for my third time in the Western Spirit Juried Art Show & Sale.

Faith Rumm

Patricia Samples Ehrlich

Patricia Samples Ehrlich grew up and still lives in farm and ranch country in NE Colorado. Her Inspiration for her paintings is right outside her back door on the farm which overlooks the South Platte River.

Pat owned and operated Artworks Signs and Designs for over forty years before she reignited her passion for Fine Art. As a commercial artist she created many types of signs including wood, glass, electrical, monument, vehicles and more. Her art style has evolved to Impressionistic Realism and her medium of choice is oil. She paints in her studio with reference photos as well as plein air.

Pat is a member of Oil Painters of America, National Oil and Acrylic Society, Plein Air Artists of Colorado, The Denver Art Students League and The Lincoln Gallery in Loveland, Colorado.

Scott Santee

Originally from Cleveland, OH, I have spent the last 24 years navigating the art world, constantly evolving and refining my craft. My journey as an artist has been deeply influenced by a wide range of experiences, but one of the most pivotal moments came in 2017 when I relocated to Colorado. This move was transformative, as it allowed me to immerse myself in the rich history and culture of the western United States. The landscapes, the rugged natural beauty, and the unique stories of the region deeply resonated with me and began to influence the direction of my work.

Since moving to Colorado, I have focused my artistic exploration on what the western environment offers, both in its historical context and its natural surroundings. The vastness and timelessness of the land have served as a powerful source of inspiration, fueling my desire to create work that speaks to both the past and the present. I’ve dedicated the past few years to carefully considering how best to capture the essence of the West in a way that feels authentic to me, allowing me to form a unique artistic approach to western art.

I take great pride in utilizing large wood canvases, which provide both a physical and symbolic connection to the earth. These canvases give my work a organic feel, and allow me to integrate textures that I gather directly from the land. Whether it's sand, stone, or natural pigments, these elements from the wild are thoughtfully incorporated into my pieces, bringing an added layer of meaning to each artwork. I pair these textures with a muted color palette, designed to evoke a sense of quiet contemplation and reverence for the landscape.

The result is a body of work that is deeply rooted in place by blending earth-based textures and contemporary color choices, I aim to offer a fresh, unique perspective on western art—one that resonates with both the history of the region and the contemporary world around us.

Amber Scally

Amber Rae Scally (@araemusicart) is a graphite and charcoal artist working in rural Montana. Her goal is to capture the beauty and wonder of the American West. From her home base in Martinsdale, she gathers reference photos for her drawings from the wildlife, landscapes and working ranches that surround her. Every image is a translation of an authentic moment in time.

Her hyper-realistic work defies the boundary between photography and drawing, building connection between the viewer and the subject.

Amber’s drawings are primarily based on personally collected reference photos. She spends a great deal of her time on the base drawing, making sure it is as accurate as possible. When the bones of a drawing are set, she begins the process of adding value, texture and detail. Her toolbox contains a variety of materials including powdered graphite and charcoal, small paint brushes and numerous pencils and erasers. She finds the drawing process therapeutic, challenging, invigorating and humbling.

Rooted in personal experiences and a profound connection to nature, Amber’s work is a genuine reflection of her life in Martinsdale, Montana. Each stroke carries not just the skillful rendering of a scene but also a narrative woven with the personal experiences connected to the subject being drawn. Her art is a testament to the enduring power of connection, both with the natural world and the human experience, creating an honest dialogue between the artist and those who encounter her hyper-realistic creations. Through her drawings, Amber hopes to build a greater respect and sense of knowing for rural and western life for anyone who views her work.

Kirk Shepherd

Kirk Shepherd is a nature and wildlife photographer in Wyoming who loves spending time outdoors in pursuit of capturing photographs with a unique touch. Wyoming offers wide open spaces, unlimited beauty and an atmosphere of adventure. Outdoor photography gives an artist the chance to capture and preserve these scenic places and animal encounters, sharing with others who may not have that opportunity. Nature and wildlife photography is challenging yet brings satisfaction when you’re able to capture a special or “one of a kind” moment, it takes great light, patience, persistence, and sometimes a little bit of luck. Photography is a lifelong journey of learning and honing of one’s skill.

Kirk has been residing in and exploring the great Wyoming outdoors for more than 50 years. After a long career in the Energy Industry, he began his photography journey which revived a passion for the outdoors and the peacefulness that it brings. Kirk is largely a self-taught photographer who has a desire to always improve on the quality of his work. Focusing primarily on wildlife photography, he loves the challenge of capturing unique and emotion filled images.

Kirk has been published in the Wyoming Wildlife Photography Edition 2021-2023, 2025 (in 2023 earning a 2nd place in the Wildlife Division) and was also published in the JH (Jackson Hole) Style Magazine (Winter/Spring 20232024). Kirk received 1st place in the 2024 Festival of the Arts, Saratoga, Wy (photography division).

Lisa Sherrodd

As an artist, I strive to capture the heart and soul of the animals that I paint, especially horses. Having grown up with my own pony and graduated to horses of many breeds and temperaments throughout my equestrian pursuits, I have lived through the best and the worst of the lives of these magnificent creatures.

I know what it is to look into their eyes and see the nuances of birth, life, joy, camaraderie, trust, wonder, pain, sorrow and death. As I work into my journey of translating this to a twodimensional medium of paint and canvas, I hope to convey these soulful emotions to the viewer.

I am just beginning. I have much to accomplish, but I am finding the "ride" to be the most exciting part. You can find me online at www.swedishcowgirl.com or instagram @swedishcowgirl

Evelyn Slovik

Evelyn Slovik is a Wyoming-based artist whose work captures the essence of the state's vast landscapes and rich culture. Born and raised in Wyoming, Evelyn has been passionate about art since elementary school, continually refining her skills and exploring new mediums. She is currently pursuing a double major in Art and Business at Laramie County Community College, combining her creative talents with an entrepreneurial mindset to build a sustainable artistic career. Evelyn primarily works with acrylic paint, appreciating its versatility and vibrant color payoff. She also enjoys experimenting with gouache, using its unique texture and opacity to create dynamic, layered compositions. Her work is deeply inspired by the rugged beauty of Wyoming—rolling plains, towering mountain ranges, and the ever-changing sky serve as constant muses. Through bold colors and expressive brushstrokes, she seeks to capture the spirit of the land and the stories of those who call it home.

Beyond the canvas, Evelyn is passionate about sharing the artistic process with others, whether through local exhibitions, community projects, or collaborations. She believes that art has the power to connect people, evoke emotion, and preserve the culture and heritage of a place.

As she continues her artistic journey, Evelyn aims to expand her portfolio and explore new techniques while also learning the business side of the art world. She hopes to one day own a studio where she can create, teach, and foster a creative space for other artists.

Cerrina Smith

Cerrina Smith is a Training and Curriculum Specialist for the Department of Defense and works at F. E. Warren Air Force Base Youth Programs. In her spare time, she enjoys taking photos. Her love for photography has resulted in numerous national and international awards. Most recently, she received first place in the single photo- conceptual category for her photo titled, Feeling Deflated for the 2024 International Golden Shot Photography Awards. She was also the thirdplace winner for the 2024 International Minimalist Photography Awards under portraits for her piece titled, Rainy Day. In addition, Cerrina has been published in National Geographic Your Shot and Daily Dozen, Cowboys and Indians Magazine, and All About Photo Magazine. She also placed second in Photo Essay for her piece titled Small Town Rodeo for the 2022 International MPA Mobile Photography Award 12th Annual Competition. Cerrina Smith’s photography often celebrates the beauty in everyday moments. She often practices “the art of noticing” and feels there is wonder and loveliness that surround us if only we take the time to look. Cerrina feels the storytelling aspect and emotional impact of a photo is of utmost importance. Her work is considered very eclectic, and she incorporates a variety of subjects ranging from fine art, portraits, street, nature, animals, minimalism, miniature, conceptual, and of course anything that celebrates the spirit of the West! Although her passion is photography, she also loves to experiment in other art mediums such as painting and mixed media. Cerrina Smith lives in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Ruth Soller

Ruth@SollerOriginals.com www.RuthSoller.com

I create oil paintings of national parks and western landscapes in a contemporary style. My magical landscapes express passion through brilliant hues and dramatic contrasts. My vibrant paintings are built up in layers of oil paint on a sienna-toned linen or canvas. I discovered that creating art brings healing power to my body, mind, and spirit. I am passionate about preserving natural lands and endangered species and have recently begun painting wildlife in their natural habitats. My purpose is to share my love of nature and to create energy and joy through my art. My first book National Parks and Beyond documents the development of my national parks series.

My gift of creative communication occurs as my art is seen and experienced by others. Studying with admired artists honed my skills and intention. Perseverance through challenges focused my style and voice. My training includes portraiture workshops with the late Daniel E. Greene and Johanna Harmon and plein air landscape workshops with Jane Hunt and Marc Hanson. I studied horse anatomy and live sketching in Jill Soukup’s Painting Horses Workshop at Zapata Ranch near Great Sand Dunes National Park. Public and business collectors of my paintings include Good Samaritan Cancer Center, International Association of Fire Fighters Washington DC, Caddell Construction Co., Pike Pioneer Museum, The Vermont Country Store Scale Museum, Ranch-Way Feed Mills, Legacy Homes LLC, and ReMax Realty.

My important group shows include Colorado State Capitol Governor Polis’ Office, Salmagundi Club New York, Butler Institute of American Art, CM Russell Museum and Auction, Western Masters Art Show, Cheyenne Old West Museum, Panhandle Plains Historical Museum, Denver International Airport, Art Steamboat, and US Senator Michael Bennet’s office in Washington DC.

Sarah St George

My biggest treat as a child was a fresh box of crayons, life just did not get any better – the colors, the sharp tips, and the waxy smell. I’ve graduated from my crayons to soft pastels, but am still thrilled by the array of colors and the possibilities they present. Their intense, pure pigment allows for an immediacy and versatility in my artwork. Inspired by the beauty of nature, my paintings are impressionist landscapes where my goal is to distill the essence of a moment. Painting in plein air allows me total immersion into the environment, where I can feel a deep appreciation of nature’s ephemeral light and the true unfiltered color of the landscape. My studio work is a direct extension of my passion for the outdoors, I work from both studies done in plein air and personal photographs. Does life get any better than time in nature with a box of pastels?

Sarah’s artistic foundation began at Wittenburg University in Ohio and the School of Visual Arts in New York City. For the past 25 years, Sarah has been a graphic designer, but has always had a passion for the fine arts. After years of painting watercolors, she discovered pastels and fell in love. A New Jersey native, Sarah’s sense of adventure led her to settle in Alaska, Nevada, and Santiago, Chile. For the past 25 years, she and her family have called Colorado home.

Sarah is a Pastel Society of America Signature Pastelist, Pastel Society of New Mexico Signature Member, an International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS) Master Circle Pastelist, and a Master Signature member of the Pastel Society of Colorado. Her paintings have appeared in shows and exhibitions throughout the United States.

Jeannette Stutzman

Art is born from a wellspring of inspiration and creativity, two forces that drive every creation. My work is a reflection of the world around us, capturing moments, emotions, and stories that resonate deeply within the viewer. Each piece I create is a journey—an exploration of color, form, and texture. Nature, human experiences, and the interplay of light and shadow inspire my paintings, allowing me to translate my vision into tangible pieces. I invite you to experience the richness of my creations, which embody the beauty of spontaneity and the discipline of meticulous craftsmanship. Whether you are looking to adorn your space with thoughtprovoking art or seeking a unique piece that speaks to your inner self, my artistry offers something distinctive. By investing in my work, you not only bring beauty into your life but also support an ongoing journey of innovation and creativity. Discover how my art can transform your environment and cultivate inspiration in your everyday moments. Membership & Awards: • Pastel Society of Colorado, Master Signature Member, Co-President • PAAC Associate • OPA Associate

Ron Swearingen

Art has always been essential to Ron ‘s identity. Ron studied Rangeland Management at the University of Wyoming.; and it was while in college that he discovered the beauty of pastels and began to experiment with the medium. Ron primarily paints using pastels, and sometimes with oils. His work varies widely including landscapes, western scenes, animals, industrial scenes and more. His inspiration comes from the diverse and magnificent landscapes of Wyoming, as well the State’s history and western traditions. Currently, Ron has been focusing on paintings that have a strong design, along with a bold color scheme that, hopefully, will have an emotional impact on the viewer.

Marvie Tipsword

Wyoming born and educated.

Started painting in my 20’s when I saw a book by Zoltan Szabo. I was hooked. I painted off and on navigating education, motherhood, and life. Took a fancy to quilting, expanding color and texture that would later marry with watercolor. Loved working with clay. Its fluidity was thrilling and frustrating. Tried my hand with acrylic paint. The finality a turn off. I came back to watercolor.

When I got serious about my painting, I entered shows, attended and participated in art fairs around Wyoming, Colorado and Nebraska. Found workshops to be a great way to learn and meet like-minded artists. Influenced by Soltan Szabo, Charles Reid, Milford Zornes, Gerald Brommer, Mort Solberg, and most recently Sterling Edwards.

Nathan Trampe

Jyotsna Umesh

For me, painting is meditation. My work helps me relax and create spontaneously. Every painting is a journey to a different world. I see color in everything, and so love all seasons, since each surround us with a unique matrix of hues. I sketch with graphite and charcoal and paint in watercolor. I love the way watercolor moves. My style is impressionistic and loose, as I try to create an atmospheric feeling in work. Landscapes and portraits are my favorite subjects. I am so gratified when buyers find joy in my work, and I feel I have touched at a distance their homes and hearts. Know more about me here:

https://www.jyotsnaumeshart.com Free demonstrations of tutorials can be found at my YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/JyotsnasWatercolorArt

Christopher Vann

For over three decades, CVann has explored the heart of American experience, drawing inspiration from 28 years immersed in the rugged beauty of the Colorado Rockies. His art delves into the poignant isolation and overlooked spaces that define our modern lives. In a world increasingly driven by digital connection yet marked by personal disconnection, CVann seeks to illuminate the enduring beauty found in the everyday. His current work confronts the fading echoes of cultural and spiritual centers, the abandoned relics of a past era. "In these forgotten places," CVann reflects, "we find a mirror to our current state, a chance to understand how we arrived here and where we might journey next." His art is a visual exploration of nostalgia and a call to reconnect with the tangible, the human, and the spaces we've left behind.

Diana Wade

A resident of Loveland, Colorado, Diana is a retired RN who spent many working years in medical administrative positions. She began studying painting in 2003 and has pursued a career as a professional artist ever since. Her work has been recognized in numerous national, international and regional competitions, and she's won awards in watercolor, pastel and mixed media/collage.

A signature member of the Pastel Society of Colorado and the Colorado Watercolor Society, she shows her work year-round at the Art Center and Gallery of Estes Park, CO where she’s served as President of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Education Committee for a number of years.

With an eye toward evolving as an artist, Diana’s journey into “abstractivity” began in 2011. Adding layer after layer of the chosen media is her counter-intuitive way of “uncovering” the real essence of the work. She strives to let you know how she feels in each of her paintings.

Carol Walker

Carol’s passion for photography started at an early age, with animals as her favorite subjects. She studied literature and photography as an undergraduate at Smith College, and continued her education in photography after graduating, studying portraiture and nature photography. She has traveled all over the world photographing wildlife for the past 35 years. In 2000, Carol started her business Living Images by Carol Walker, LLC, specializing in photographing horses. Carol’s images masterfully showcase the beauty of horses with her stunning images of horses at liberty. She sells her fine art prints from her website as well as in several galleries in Colorado, and has won numerous awards.

Twenty-one years ago, Carol began photographing wild horses. As she followed several herds in Wyoming, Colorado and Montana, she became aware of how precarious their situation on public lands has become and since then, she has dedicated herself to educating people with her photographs and stories about wild horses. She is one of the leading advocates working to keep America’s wild horses wild and free on our public lands. Her four multiple award-winning coffee table books are: Wild Hoofbeats: America’s Vanishing Wild Horses, Horse Photography: The Dynamic Guide for Horse Lovers, Galloping to Freedom: Saving the Adobe Town Appaloosas and the newest, Blue Zeus: Legend of the Red Desert. Proceeds from the sales of Carol’s artwork and books fund her work to keep America’s wild horses wild and free. As one of the leading advocates for America’s wild horses, she dedicates herself to stopping the roundup and removal of wild horses from America’s public lands and keeping our wild horses wild and free with her Wild Hoofbeats Blog and her new Podcast Freedom for Wild Horses. Carol sees her artwork as an ideal vehicle for enhancing and expressing her advocacy for wild horses.

Gary Ward

My goal as an artist is to give an accurate representation of the people, places and animals of the American West.

I was born and raised in Texas and the largest part of my work depicts events that have taken place here. My father was a professional western artist, so being an artist is all I’ve ever wanted to do. He greatly influenced my love of western art and the cowboy way of life. I feel that having personal experience with the subject matter I am creating is very important for authenticity.

I have been working as an artist for over forty years along with a successful career as an educator at Canyon High School where I taught art and computer graphics. After 28 years in education I am now pursuing art on a full-time basis.

Joe Watkins

Carol Ann Welch

Carol Ann Welch is a wildlife and western artist working in her home studio in North Texas. Her representational paintings capture a glimpse into the lives of her subjects as she seeks to empathetically connect audience to animal. Her innate love of nature and animals was nurtured by time spent on the family farm, horseback riding and working cattle. Roaming the woods along the Trinity River brought her memorable encounters with wildlife that shaped her lifelong artistic vision. Today, she still seeks out such encounters, whether in her own backyard, or on trips to the Rockies and Great Plains.

A second-generation artist, she was inspired to paint by her mother’s landscapes. At thirteen, she joined her mother in studying oil painting with S.A. Flynn of Grand Prairie. She was awarded an art scholarship to Tarrant County College, where she studied for two years before earning her B.A. in Art from the University of Dallas. Although she has painted throughout her life, she only recently began pursuing a fine art career. After 18 years as a self-employed graphic artist and writer, creating educational resources for teachers, she is now focused on oil painting. Her work has been shown throughout Texas, and most recently in Wyoming. She is committed to the pursuit of excellence in her work as she paints nature’s stories.

Sandie Whitman

Self-taught oil painter, Sandie Whitman, paints a range of subjects, from still-life to figurative and portrait, with a singular goal: to capture a quiet and tranquil perspective to preserve the less celebrated and, sometimes, overlooked moments of life. Her paintings are a subtle reminder to slow down and enjoy what we have around us.

Sandie is a member of the Oil Painters of America, the Portrait Society of America, the National Oil and Acrylic Painters' Society and the American Plains Artists. She lives and breathes the quiet life in her hometown of Cheyenne, WY with her husband, children, and fellow creatives.

Megan Wimberley

From the moment Megan Wimberley could cling to a saddle horn, legs barely long enough to sit a horse, she was in love. Her fascination with the wild and domestic animals of the American West has dominated much of her life- a preoccupation with drawing and learning about these animals following her wherever she went. Through her work, Wimberley contemplates our connection to, and partnerships with, the animals around us. She draws on her experiences growing up working with horses, dogs, and cattle.

Wimberley also brings her experience in the western/ranch lifestyle to her art, exhibiting the hard work of ranchers and bringing awareness to the work women do in these spaces. She is the founder of Cowgirl Artists of America, which strives to increase opportunities and recognition for female artists and makers working in the western genre through community, education, promotion, and collaboration. Wimberley’s work has been exhibited in the Mountain Oyster Show, Cowgirl Up! at Desert Caballeros Western Museum, The Cowgirl Gathering, and Women’s Work at the A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art, among others.

Wimberley received a BA in Fine arts from Wayland Baptist University and an MA in Art Education from Boston University. After starting her career in 2016 Wimberley took some time away from her art practice when she became increasingly ill. After being diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and finally receiving treatment she spent time focusing on renewed health and life improvements. Thanks to a caring rheumatologist and a holistic approach to her health she’s back to work. She currently resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Cody Winiecki

Sean Witucki

Elizabeth Wood

Elizabeth Wood watched her paternal grandmother record family history with her camera in the 1970s and she got the bug to do the same thing. That passion grew over the years and while working as a publisher for the Saratoga Sun she honed her photography skills while catching award-winning photographs in events around the Platte Valley. When she left the newspaper in 2016, she began to sell her photographs professionally through a gallery in Saratoga. That was also the first year she was accepted into Western Spirit Art Show in Cheyenne. Since then, her work has been accepted six times. This is the first year she entered a rodeo photo rather than a landscape photo. Her passion for photography continues She is a member of the Wyoming Professional Photographers Association and the Professional Photographers of America. Belonging to these groups and taking workshops has helped her grow as a photographer. She recently retired from the workforce, which has allowed her time to take more photographs. This past year, she has attended several photography workshops to help her improve her skills. Wood’s work can be seen at ewoodphotos.com.

Frank Zurey

I am a nature photographer.I photograph all things in nature from flowers to wildlife to landscapes. I have been producing fine art nature images for over 25 years and displaying them at numerous galleries. I also sell photographs through a stock agency. I belong to North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) and Rocky Mountain Outdoor Writers and Photographers (RMOWP). I have been managing a photography and writing contest for RMOWP for the last 19 years. I also have memberships in a number of galleries.