In 2012, Western artist Jim Rey noticed a digital tablet in a computer store and wondered if such a device could be used for his nightly sketching sessions. Thus began a chain of events that transformed his creative process and forged a community built around his digital images. “It began with showing off my new toy,” Rey says. “People receiving my emailed sketches couldn’t see what I was doing as far as the mechanics, but the digital aspect facilitated an involvement between them and the work that I couldn’t have anticipated. It became part of their morning ritual: pour a cup of coffee, open email and look at the day’s sketch.” 
Drover Moon, aluminum print
His digital collection now features more than 350 sketches and paintings—many of them studies that would serve as vital references for traditional oil paintings—as well as his insight on the potential advantages of adding a digital step to an artist’s conventional creative process. 
Sunrise, aluminum print
“When an artist works on a still life or works with a model, he arranges his subjects in a way that is pleasing,” he says. “[With the e-pen] I’m able to shift and rearrange, to make items bigger or smaller, to crop to get my final arrangement. Fundamentally, the e-pen is a tool for setting up a painting’s composition.” 
All-American Top Hand, aluminum print
With the popularity of Rey’s sketches, he decided to expand this venture further. Why not offer these sketches as art themselves? Printed on aluminum panels of largely varying sizes, these sketches have now been brought to life in an open series available through Claggett/Rey Gallery. These Western themes have found an affordable and slightly more modern way to brighten up any space. —
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Represented by Claggett/Rey Gallery
216 Main Street
Edwards, CO 81632
(970) 476-9350
www.claggettrey.com
Facebook: /claggett.rey
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