Cassens Fine Art

"The second stage in the alchemical Magnum Opus is Albedo, which translates to 'whitening' or 'leucosis'. In this interpretation, alabaster. In Carl Jung's psychological interpretation, it represents the integration of the shadow and the dawn of self-awareness." - Cyrus Walker

"Last summer I captured this hummingbird visiting my garden. Although the hummingbirds had been in Montana for a while, the arrival of the Bee Balm flowers brought them to my yard." -Tracie Hubbard

"The West has always demanded resilience. Surrounded by towering stone and rugged country, the cowboy and his horse pause to consider the path ahead. 'Between a Rock and a Hard Place' is a reflection on the difficult choices that are part of both life and the landscape; a reminder that perseverance and patience often reveal the way forward." - Toby Sauer

"In 'End of the Day,' two cowboys settle in beside the fire while their horses graze nearby, bringing another day's work to a close. It is a simple scene that reflects the enduring spirit of ranch life and the timeless rhythm of the West." - Rainny Zhao

"I painted this as a demo for the International Association of Pastel Societies from a plein air painting. Midway through, the power went out in the building, but I had use of a battery-powered easel lamp and was able to “power” through till the finish! The original study was done during the pandemic, a part of what I called a “Plein Air Marathon.” I did a plein air 8x10 per day till I hit 26 paintings. Each day I shared the painting along with the story to my newsletter subscribers. It helped get me through a time when all the galleries were closed, but more importantly, it really connected me to people. I shared my stories, and they shared theirs. Isn’t that what art is all about?" - Aaron Schuerr

"'Knock His Block Off' explores texture through a process of building up multiple layers of paint and sanding them back down, allowing the surface to become part of the image itself. The idea grew out of an earlier painting inspired by a Rock ’Em Sock ’Em Robots toy and the phrase on the packaging, 'Knock His Block Off.' I liked carrying that phrase into the Western world, contrasting the chaos of a bar fight with the explosive movement of a bucking horse and rider." - Timothy McOmber

"The lessons of the West are passed down one generation at a time. With patient hands and quiet encouragement, the seasoned cowgirl teaches the young rider the feel of the rope, sharing not just a skill, but a tradition of hard work, confidence, and respect for the ranching way of life." - Rick Kennington

"This plein air oil was painted at sunrise from my studio overlooking the Missoula valley." - Teresa Garland Warner

"Intense but also calm. In Montana, near where we live, I seem to see endless sunsets such as this." -Colt Idol

"I've always enjoyed traveling the Montana Highway 200 corridor between Lincoln and Bonner. There are stretches of road at times where there are no other vehicles to be seen but only the road, the mountains, and the sky, and all the colors that reside there at any given moment. The clouds part, allowing the sun to highlight the pines and willows, and then they cast big, slow shadows over the ever-changing hues of the climbing mountains." - James Bason

"Her father has taught her so many skills through the years. Teaching the next generation was as important then as it is today, so that our kids can learn to survive and adapt in an ever-changing environment." - Jeremy Winborg

"The scene is the Big Thompson River as it flows through Moraine Park in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. It is the middle of the Fall Season, and the river is flowing very low this time of year. Such a beautiful time of year during Indian Summer. One can hear the Bull elk bugling in the distance." - Jake Gaedtke

"I wanted to paint a series of bold and punchy broncs and riders exploding under the Big Sky. As in real life, each horse and rider has their own personality, but they all have grit and a free spirit in common. I aim to capture a piece of the American West in a way that feels familiar, yet contemporary. Movement is created through expressive, intentionally imperfect brushwork and splashes. I chose a limited palette of unexpected colors to please the spirit. The hot coral paint is incorporated to bounce throughout the scene like the glow from a fleeting sunset." - Afton Ray

"Another mysterious figure wearing a rebozo. A rebozo is a Mexican shawl or scarf. A beautiful garment with a story woven into every thread. This one is woven with stars." - Andrea Morgan

"This piece is a studio piece from a plein air study done on a stormy early fall morning. The wind was strong, and this group of trees on a hillside helped fast."- Julie Davis

"Snow still clung to the ground. Dark pines stood above the first bright buds of the season. Cold water, still carrying bits of ice, moved past. I stood alongside the creek, listening to the swaying trees and the bubbling sounds. I painted this piece en plein air, or on location, in Sula, Montana, during a very early spring morning." - Joe Guerra

"Trout minis are always fun and inspiring to create. They are one of my favorite subjects to paint with all their vibrant colors." -Bailey Burton

"The power of water is uncontested in our world. Over time, it carves into rock and reshapes the landscape in tremendous ways. This painting is a representation of that power in the form of roaring falls and roiling rapids, and the sublime beauty that comes along with it." - Jordan K. Walker