Jackson Hole Visual Arts
Artists in the Environment Features Christensen; Dyer at Astoria; Collins at Diehl
August 9, 2011	by Tammy Christel	0 Comments 2991 Views
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August 9, 2011	by Tammy Christel	in Jackson Hole Visual Arts
Nationally acclaimed artist Scott Christensen will give a live plein air demonstration at Grand Teton National Park's Cathedral Group Turnout, Saturday, August 13, 2-5 pm. Christensen's demonstration is the third of four such "Artists in the Environment" events this summer. The series is a Grand Teton Association program. The public is welcome to attend, and the event is free, with entry to Grand Teton National Park.
After nearly three decades at the easel, Scott Christensen's painting has reached the highest level. For Christensen, painting transcends passion; it is as necessary as breathing. Largely self-taught, Christensen became an artist via a circuitous route. Born in Lander, Wyoming, a place of extreme geography and wild beauty, Christensen quickly developed his aesthetic. It was not until college, however, that he would recognize nature as his muse. While attending Nebraska's Chardon State on a football scholarship, Christensen sustained a severe neck injury that left him unable to compete. Bereft, he sought solace in fly fishing, and he visited his grandfather, a wheelchair-bound amateur oil painter. The scent of oils stirred Christensen's imagination, and he took a leap of faith, enrolling in art classes.
Christensen's energy courses through paintings, deeply moving us. A sophisticated world traveler, his work opens our eyes to the beauty of places as varied as California's twilight coasts to England's storied countrysides. Embodying both tradition and innovation, Christensen's paintings are a culmination of nature's beauty and the delight Christensen takes in the journey.
"The process alone," he says, "is worth the effort."
Scott Christensen is an internationally recognized artist. Over the years he has pursued painting with the discipline he once brought to sports. An atypical combination of athleticism, scholarly curiosity, and an ardent desire to experience nature are the alchemy of Christensen's success. Most recently he's been invited to show in Russia's Ilya Repin St. Petersburg State Academic Institute for Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture. Christensen's work is part of Grand Teton National Park's Craig Thomas Visitors' Center prestigious permanent collection.
Free to all, viewers are invited to bring a chair, a snack, and those who would like to are welcome to paint alongside the artist. Look for the big, bright "Artist's Demonstration" banner! For more information, email: [email protected]
UPDATE: Click here to see photos of Scott Christensen's "Artist in the Environment" August 13th demonstration!
www.grandtetonpark.org
Astoria Fine Art features a Showcase of New Works by artist Jimmy Dyer. Show dates are August 5-14th, and and artist's reception will be held at the gallery on Friday, August 12, 5-7:00 pm.
"Jimmy Dyer is dedicated to communicating through his art the beauty that he sees in life," notes the gallery. "He has a knack for finding captivating landscapes and his colorful light-filled images represent timeless subjects from around the world. He believes it is important to paint directly from life to create art with integrity and energy, a practice he lives by today." Dyer relishes the challenge of simultaneously capturening light, form, design, the magic of nature, and "the power of the human face and form." But, says Dyer, his favorite natural element is sunlight. For this show, Dyer paints the Tetons, Snake River and Mount Moran basking in the glow of a hot Wyoming sun.
www.astoriafineart.com
New works by Ashley Collins are on exhibit at Diehl Gallery, August 13 – September 7, 2011. An artist's reception takes place Saturday, August 13, 5-8:00 pm.
"Collins has surpassed both trend and time to create works which are distinct and carry an imprint which is instantly recognizabl," says the gallery. "It is these very traits that have caused the price points to keep rising as more and more collectors drive prices. Collins has exhibited with Robert Rauschenberg, Jim Dine, Laddie Dill, Robert Motherwell, and others as her journey has progressed…into successful acquisition by collectors, dealers and museums worldwide." Some sales proceeds benefit the Jackson Land Trust.
www.diehlgallery.com
Artists in the Environment
Ashley Collins
Astoria Fine Art
Diehl Gallery
Mount Moran