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A Moment in the Spotlight: Honored To Be Featured In The Western Art Collector Artist Focus Section
In June 2023, I was deeply honored to be featured in the Western Art Collector Artist Focus section. This recognition followed my 2022 win of the Publisher’s Award of Excellence at the the Thirty-Seventh Annual Juried Exhibit & Sale hosted by the American Plains Artists at the historic Ft. Concho National Historic Landmark in San Angelo, Texas. My pastel painting, Moment in the Spotlight, was the centerpiece of this incredible experience, spotlighting the beauty and spirit of the Western lifestyle.
About Moment In The Spotlight
This pastel painting captures a fleeting connection between horse and handler — one of those powerful, quiet moments that seem to pause time. I try to honor moments like that in my work — small yet rich with emotion.
Winning this award told me that connection was felt by others too, and that’s the best part of all.
Celebrating the Spirit of the West Through Art
This article, published in the Western Art Collector Artist Focus section of Western Art Collector magazine provided a wonderful opportunity to share my work with a broader audience. In the article, two of my paintings — Wild Secrets and The A Team — were highlighted, capturing the essence of the Western world through my detailed pastel technique. Seeing my artwork in such a prestigious publication felt surreal, as it marked a significant milestone in my career. I’m grateful for the recognition and the opportunity to share the stories behind these pieces with a wider audience.
Wild Secrets and The A Team are both works that hold a special place in my heart which is why I chose to use them in the Western Art Collector Artist Focus article. Wild Secrets depicts a powerful moment among three wild horses, their heads close together in a way that almost seems like they’re gossiping or sharing secrets. This painting captures the quiet, intimate side of wild horse behavior, where the connection between the animals speaks to the untamed, yet deeply personal moments of nature. It’s a scene that resonates with the heart of the West — where the land, the animals, and the people often share an unspoken bond.
The A Team, on the other hand, is a dynamic portrayal of several rodeo bulls as they leave the arena, kicking up dust as they go. Although the arena itself isn’t shown, the image conveys their raw power and unmistakable swagger. I was especially drawn to the challenge of capturing the dust swirling beneath them and behind them, as well as the intricate details of their horns. Each bull has its own distinctive look, and I worked diligently to create life-like colors and textures in the horns to make them appear as real as possible. This piece celebrates the strength, determination, and fierce spirit of these incredible animals.
Both of these paintings, like all of my work, reflect a deep respect for the history and culture of the West. Each piece is created with a passion and dedication to telling the stories of the American West, and I pour my heart into every brushstroke and pastel layer.
A Milestone in My Artistic Journey
Being featured in such a prestigious magazine was an incredible honor. I’ve spent more hours than I can count honing my skills and striving to capture the spirit of the American West through my art. To have that dedication recognized in their Western Art Collector Artist Focus section feels like a huge milestone in my journey as an artist. It’s validation of not only the hours spent refining my technique but also the emotional connection I feel with the subjects I paint.
Gratitude and Exciting New Opportunities
The recognition from Western Art Collector has already opened new doors, and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to connect with art collectors and fans of Western art who share my passion. The exposure from this article has helped me grow my audience and foster meaningful relationships with those who appreciate the beauty of the Western world. Many collectors who previously may not have seen my work are now reaching out to me, and it’s been a rewarding experience to share my creative journey with them.
I’d like to thank the American Plains Artists organization for selecting my work for their Annual Juried Exhibit and for awarding me the Publisher’s Award of Excellence. It is moments like these that remind me why I do what I do — to capture the stories of the West and share them with the world. The recognition not only brings attention to my work but also shines a light on the importance of preserving the history and culture of the American West through art.
Gratitude and Exciting New Opportunities
I am also thankful to the talented people behind Western Art Collector magazine for their support and for providing a platform where artists like me can be seen and celebrated. It is truly an honor to have been featured in the Artist Focus section, and I look forward to the many exciting opportunities ahead. As an artist, the journey is never over. There’s always more to explore, learn, and create.
Stay tuned for more updates and art releases as I continue to create pieces that celebrate the spirit of the West. I am incredibly grateful to have the support of my collectors, fans, and fellow artists on this path. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me — I couldn’t do it without you.
