I paint the American West to preserve its heritage, honor its people, and keep its stories alive with honesty and respect.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
My favorite type of art to create is Western art — the history of how this country was built. I paint the land, cowboys, and Native Americans with the dignity they deserve; a courageous people who, despite losing much of their land, helped shape this country. Working in the classical tradition, I feel I’m doing more than painting; I’m preserving rich, cultural stories and people that connect past and present.
Where do you find inspiration?My inspiration comes from true stories of the West — the lives, challenges, and triumphs of cowboys and Native American tribes. The colorful patterns of Native regalia are an art form in themselves and endlessly inspiring. As a classically trained artist, I’m also driven to fuse the techniques of the great masters into these Western subjects — something rarely done in contemporary painting, and a challenge that excites me deeply.
What would you do with $25,000?Winning $25,000 would be life changing. As an artist who volunteers, teaches, and paints, financial security isn’t always guaranteed. I would use it to complete my art studio in my newly built home — my first home — creating a dedicated space to grow my work. I’d also save a portion for retirement and be generous to those who could use a helping hand. It would truly be a blessing on every level.
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