New Michael Blessing works at Altamira
Neon, cowboys and Hollywood unite in the paintings of Michael Blessing, who now has new work available at Altamira Fine Art in Scottsdale, Arizona. Blessing’s work, much of which would be right at home as signage on the Las Vegas Strip, focuses on larger-than-life cowboy figures. “Blessing’s future-focused penchant for pushing into new territory is tangibly evident in his Neon West Electric works: a series of larger-than-life characters painted in a contemporary style that incorporates the vibrant color and contrastive light of cutting-edge LED neon technology as a sculptural element,” the artist’s website notes. “As an artist, Blessing enjoys exploring innovative ideas and incorporating unconventional techniques, methods and mediums in his work.” 

 

Sculptor and painter Ryan Smith rides into the West
Arizona-born, Maryland-based painter and sculptor Ryan Smith is rising through the ranks of Western art with fresh and inventive new work within several different categories. Not only does he paint and sculpt trout in works that celebrate the popular fish, Smith is also exploring more classic Western imagery with his paintings of horses and riders, and also Native Americans. He recently had a painting juried into an Oil Painters of America show, and he also has work (including this piece) available at Gallery Summer in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. He’s an artist worth keeping your eyes on.

 

Duane Frey completes new wildlife art on paper
North Dakota artist Duane Frey is following a grand tradition of drawings in Western art with mesmerizing work of North American (and African) wildlife. His fascination with the medium began when he was growing up in Michigan, but a long 14-year break from art almost derailed his forward momentum. When he picked up the pencil again, he threw everything into it and his work soared soon after. Today, the artist is operating at a professional level, churning out drawings featuring bison, bighorn sheep, moose, squirrel, cattle and, seen here, elk. 

 

Fresh Joel Ostlind etchings now available
Etchings can be the unsung heroes of any art collection. Often small and affordable, these magnificent little gems can fill any hole on a wall or in any collection. One of the greats from this genre is Joel Ostlind, who has been giving some of his best etchings to Korologos Gallery in Basalt, Colorado. One of his newer pieces is Lily of the West, a copper-plate etching with watercolor. This superb etching speaks to Ostlind’s unique views of the West and its people. Collectors can add some sizzle to their collections with the medium of etching, which has a long and distinguished history in Western art.