Viewed as two of the top artists in their field, Scott Christensen and Quang Ho combine their unique visions of the West in the exhibition Two Perspectives,on view at the Museum of Western Art in Kerrville, Texas. “The theme came about as we noticed two completely different takes on one subject—landscapes of the American West,” says executive director Darrell Beauchamp. “This will be their second two-man show and we are extremely honored.”
Scott Christensen, High in the Wind River Mountains, oil, 26 x 40 in.
Christensen, hailing from Victor, Idaho, will have an astounding 50-plus paintings for the exhibition, after creating works specifically for Two Perspectives for more than a year. “These paintings are scenes from some of my favorite places,” the artist explains of his numerous mountain, river and nature scenes. “Finding an idea I would like to pursue, then developing plans through small studies is a consistent theme for me. I use both oil and gouache to grow this concept further. I learn from every painting I create, and these works are no exception.”
Quang Ho, Fantasy Arrangement, oil, 30 x 40 in.
For his stunning landscapes Wyoming and High in the Wind River Mountains, Christensen shares that both pieces are from his favorite areas in Wyoming where he grew up raised his family. “I have great memories of spending time in these places, with my kids especially,” he says. “Wyoming features many shapes I especially enjoy painting, from the sagebrush to the trees to the clouds and cows. High in the Wind River Mountains features the rugged beauty of the Wind River Mountain Range, a place that has inspired many paintings, fishing trips and adventures over the years.”
While feeling Christensen’s work is complimentary to his own, adding that “he is one of the finest and most disciplined artists in the world,” Ho notes that Christensen sees the grandeur in the Western landscape from distances and open space, and “my work tends to be of intimate, close-up places,” he says.
Scott Christensen, Wyoming, oil, 30 x 40 in.
Ho, based in Denver, also features an impressive 50 artworks, representing a continuation of different themes he’s been exploring for more than 30 years. “I have such a love and fascination for all things in life, and it really comes across in my paintings as a wide variety of subject matter. There is no particular theme or subject that I focus on but rather allow for the inspiration for new paintings to emerge as they present each day,” Ho says. “Sometimes, however, a visual idea or an engagement with a subject matter can ruminate or is kicked around...and the different ways of approaching painting them will evolve as well.”
Quang Ho, Foray, oil, 30 x 42 in.
As for Ho’s landscape scenery, Foray is a gorgeous example and serves as a meditation. “One of my favorite activities in Colorado in the summer is foraging for wild mushrooms,” says the artist. “This often takes me deep into the woods away from trails and crowds, and into magical quiet places. This painting is of one such place off the beaten path. I wanted to relive the quiet sights and sounds, the feel under my feet and the smell of the deep forest.”
The exhibition opens July 20 with an artist reception, and continues through September 21. —
Two Perspectives: Scott Christensen and Quang Ho
July 20-September 21, 2024
Museum of Western Art
1550 Bandera Highway Kerrville, TX 78028
(830) 896-2553
www.museumofwesternart.com
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