A new show at Big Horn Galleries will feature unique interpretations of the West from two very different painters: Teal Blake and Nicholas Coleman. Blake is known for depicting the “West of today,” with a nod to history, using a variety of mediums, and sometimes on old ledger paper. Coleman showcases his impressionistic realism, “old-world” style in oil, with subjects that range from historical Native American villages and life to the modern-day cowboy.
Teal Blake, The Horseshoer, watercolor, 5 x 8 in.
“Blake’s paintings on ledgers are incredible examples of historical documents and modern interpretation, creating a juxtaposition of time and style,” notes the gallery. “This show features his large works, often utilizing negative space and action, as well as his ledger works and other modern-day oil paintings. Coleman’s [work] transports the viewer to a bygone time, reminiscent of works by Thomas Moran and Albert Bierstadt, as well as recording contemporary cowboy life with action and pensive works.”
Nicholas Coleman, Spring Creek Ranch, oil, 24 x 30 in.
Coleman loves the history of the American West, and the cowboy plays a huge role. “Through my research, there is always more of a historical take on my paintings,” he says. “If you look closely, you’ll see what I am talking about. In addition, Native Americans will always find their way into my work. You cannot have the West without them.”
Coleman’s vision comes to fruition in pieces like Eating Dust, inspired by his friend’s clothing brand, Eat Dust Clothing. The artist shares, “The landscape, the sage brush, the horse and the cowboy always have fascinated me…Between the small towns like Meeteetse, Lander and Evanston, Wyoming, the West remains. It’s still there. The trick is to be willing to walk out your door and look.”
Teal Blake, Ridin’ a Rank One, gouache, 30 x 30 in.
Blake has always been “a son of the West,” and has portrayed ranching and cowboy subjects most of his career. “I’ve known Nicholas a long time,” Blake adds. “He’s a child of the West, the same as me, and knows his material, and has a true passion for it.”
He continues, “I’m a fan of Western humor and genuine, unposed moments. Sometimes that’s all you have to tell the story, and I enjoy finding that. The ledgers that I paint on are beautiful historic pieces that mostly would never be seen again if they weren’t pulled out, dusted off and painted on to give them life again. I feel the watercolors add just enough life to the pieces to not take away from the magic of the paper—more of an ode to the history of the piece.”
Blake’s newest watercolor on ledger paper, The Horseshoer, is among the new collection.
Nicholas Coleman, Eating Dust, oil, 20 x 16 in.
To view the entire show, visit Big Horn Galleries in Cody, Wyoming, starting September 17. —
Big Horn Galleries 1167 Sheridan Avenue » Cody, WY 82414 » (307) 527-7587 » www.bighorngalleries.com
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