My Interview About Social Media as an Artist

Recently I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Hannah on her podcast “My Hometown Artist” about social media and the role it plays in contemporary life as an artist.

How do you show your authentic self on social media?

How can you engage with your current audience as well as expand your following?

I talk about these topics and more in this episode below!

Click the player above to listen to the full episode

Reveal of My Newest Commission!

I am so excited to finally share the final result of my most recent commission! Several months ago I was contacted by someone who wanted to memorialize her recently deceased father who was a 5th generation cattle rancher in The North Platte River Valley of Southern Wyoming.

 
 

The original photo that I was given was in black and white so in order to make this image come to life as a painting I had to do a few things. First I used a colorizing AI that is specifically used to bring color to old black and white photos. After a few additional edits from me I now had an image that was in color but still lacking in some details. Luckily the clinet was able to take some photos of the original print and then them to me. These photos had just enough details in his face and saddle to make a much more convincing painting so I patched these photos into my reference so that I could have those important details in the final stages of the painting.

I felt so honored to receive such an intimate and meaningful project and for the next 4 months I worked tirelessly to make a painting worthy of such a significant person. While working on this painting I thought a lot about the person I was painting and what he might have meant to the family who so recently lost him and while there aren’t many comparisons between a cattle rancher and an oil painter I thought of a few.

While painting Chuck I thought of the concept of meaningful work and how he must have found so much joy and fulfillment doing what he loved everyday of his life. And no matter the difficulties that came with this lifestyle he always chose to live in alignment with who he truly was. Ranching, hunting and being in nature was how he interacted with the world so the long days of exhaustion labor were always worth it. I also thought of his love for his family and his commitment to their wellbeing. His presence seemed to tie his family all together and even when his presence took the a different form in this painting, he brought them all together with beautiful memories and stories.

It’s really hard to describe but this whole project felt so much bigger than me. I feel like I was allowed to use my craft to help this family heal. Upon delivery, they welcomed me into their home with hugs and tears and wanted to hear every detail of my artistic process. This painting seemed to help bring them closure and an understanding that Chuck will always be with them in their memories and stories.

A Painting of My Wife

I started this piece two years ago but didn’t have time to photograph it and come up with a description until now. I posted this painting on February 17th to celebrate my wife’s birthday.

From the first moment that I met this person I could see that she was different from anyone I had ever met. Her level of self knowledge and confidence immediately drew me to her. From our first meeting I saw that she strongly knew who she was and not afraid to hide her values or identity from anyone.
Since our meeting I have had the pleasure of knowing this person and living life with her for 11 years and she has never ceased to impress and inspire me. Her relentless commitment to self-knowledge and self-improvement inspire me everyday to be a better person and to look out for the ones I love. And her excitement to learn about herself and the world around her makes me admire her even more. This person moves through the world with passion and vulnerability, while effortlessly encouraging others to do the same.
This is the strongest person I know and I am honored to share my life with her.
This piece is titled “Apricity” meaning the warmth of sun in the winter.

"As One" has been SOLD!

I am so honored to say that my painting “As One” has been sold! This piece has been so special to me for several years now and I’m ecstatic that it found a new home.

For me, this painting served as a giant leap forward in my skill level and confidence as an artist when I made it back in 2019. While creating this piece I had to silence so many doubts and trust myself and the final result allowed me to keep pushing with even bigger and better paintings.

And while I have you here, I want to encourage you to use the button below to see what paintings and prints are available in my online shop! Artwork can make for such meaningful holiday gifts!

International ARC Salon Semi-Finalist!

I am absolutely honored to announce that my painting "Light After Dark" is a semi-finalist in the 16th International ARC Salon! With over 5400 submissions from 75 countries, humbled doesn't even begin to describe my mental state. I've wanted to apply to this competition for years now but always missed the deadline. So I honestly cant believe that one of my pieces got selected.

 

The finalists will be announced on November 1st! As always thank you for your continued support over social media! It is greatly appreciated.

“Light After Dark” is currently available for purchase from my solo show with Abend Gallery. Use the button below to view it in their shop!

 

Recent Sales!

Hello my friends, I’m really happy to say that over the past couple of weeks the following paintings have been sold through Abend Gallery: “Last Glimmer” , “Above Tree Line” , “Fortis Avis” , “Diminutive” and “Giving Light”. I am so very fortunate for this recent batch of sales and greatly appreciate your support of social media! Click the button below to see what paintings are still available!

 
 

5x5 Project XI | Abend Gallery in Cherry Creek

Hello everyone! Here are three brand new 5x5s that I had for 5x5 Project XI with Abend Gallery for their Cherry Creek location grand opening! I had a great time at the opening and look forward to seeing more shows in this beautiful space. Click the button below to view the whole show.

"Above Tree Line" | 5"x5" Framed | $525

 
 

"Wide Open" | 5"x5" Framed | $525

 
 

"Fortis Avis" | 5"x5" Framed | SOLD