Premier Art of the New West
Artist Statement
Much of my work comes after meditation, writing and contemplation. I create paintings in all varieties- oil, acrylic, mixed media (I love old paper collage), charcoal and ink. I use saturated and muted color combinations along with a lot of touchable texture. I write an intention, poem, lyrics or an affirmation on the base layer that is sometimes still visible in the finished piece. Each subsequent brush stroke sets the message within, increasing the vibrational energy to enable my own healing, joy and peace. Basically, as I paint over the words, I continue to consider them and as I move (painting is a very active process), my energy improves, I feel inspired, and basically my mood and my day feel in alignment with my dreams and desires. That’s the healing aspect of art. Painting is like going into meditation for several hours. I focus on allowing the painting to tell it’s own story, often not knowing the deeper meaning until long after it’s finished. That’s the beauty of art, you can see something new in it everytime you look.
You can read and see a lot more about my process at www.nikkinienhuis.com/about.
Nikki Nienhuis (Golden, CO) was born and raised on the front range of Colorado, where she spent her childhood exploring the surrounding woods, creeks and mesas. After college, she enjoyed 20+ years working in healthcare sales and spent over 10 of those studying at the Art Students’ League of Denver in her free time. In January of 2018, Nikki quit her corporate job to focus on her art practice. She regularly exhibits her work across Colorado. She currently sits as Chair of Foothills Art Center’s Open Studio Group. She was awarded Best Use of Medium at the Golden Arts Week Paint Out in 2018, and more recently, she was the recipient of the Dr Ph. Martin Award at Golden Arts Week Plein Air Event, 2019. Her work is included in the publication “Demystifying the Artist: 27 Artists Discuss What it Really Means to Be An Artist” (Trier, Elinor, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 1st edition 2018, p78-82), and she has been written about in Voyage Denver, the Golden Transcript, Summit Daily News and has been interviewed on Fox31 Denver.
Nikki’s message under layers of thick acrylic brushstrokes reads: “I promise to show up as love”
Available for your consideration:
“Thank you Universe” 30×30 Acrylic on Board NN1-03 RTN09
“Thank you Universe” 30×30 Enhanced Giclée #3/50 NN1-04 $1500
“Thank you Universe” 16×16 signed Print # 3/50 NN1-05 $400
Gregory Mayse
Being surrounded by the majestic landscapes, wildlife and western culture of the Rocky Mountains has had a tremendous influence on the life and art of Gregory Mayse.
Gregory is the owner of Wolf River Studio in Fort Collins, Colorado.
He has always been attracted to realism in art and it is reflected in his painting style.
His works are showcased in storytelling pieces that could be about a moment in the day of a cowboy, Native American or mountain man. They can also capture the energy of a wild mustang racing across the landscape.
For the past 20 years, he has loved living in northern Colorado. Gregory has
applied his skills as a professional photographer, painter, graphic designer, writer, and illustrator to a well-rounded 35 year creative career.
For the past several years, Gregory has spent time traveling to photograph cowboys, Native Americans, ranchers, period reenactors and models dressed in 1800’s clothing and gear replicating the Old West. He uses these as reference images for his paintings.
His works hang in the homes of collectors across the country. They have been juried into national fine art shows and used for covers of publications.
Primarily a self-taught artist, some of his inspirations and influences have been in the works of Frederic Remington, Charles Russell, John Seerey-Lester, Howard Terpning, Carl Rungius and Bill Hughes. In recent years Gregory has studied with Dave Santillanes, Heather Coen, Kate Dardine and Jeanne Mackenzie.
Susan Clark
With my art I capture the spectacular interplay of color, light and image and then distill it down, while still maintaining the original awe.
I like to present the viewer with a different way of seeing images while evoking a sense of enjoyment and creating a smile.
My “joie de vivre” is exploring with harmonious color & disappearing for hours to create whimsical and colorful expressive paintings.
I paint the Colorado mountains and aspen trees which surround me and provide a quiet escape. Other subject matter includes a series of pups with expressive personalities, lively bicycles and an abstract series using my characteristic bold hues, shape and texture.
I use oil pastels which were originally developed for Pablo Picasso. They are an ideal medium with which to render my impressions while outside or traveling the world. These are applied to wood panels.
Bio
Susan Friedberg Clark earned a BS from Northern Arizona University. Her many years as an interior designer and visual design have also influenced her art. Susan lives in Ridgway Colorado and when she’s not painting or designing, she enjoys hiking, biking, skiing and travel. Her work is in private collections through out the United States.
Oil Pastel On WOOD PANELS
September, 2021
September in Golden
Lindsay Ternes and I wandered down to Golden Clear Creek for some plein air painting. We enjoyed the view of the mountains, the heat of our Colorado sun and the soft musical notes of the river. Spending time looking for the right composition, planning value scales and beginning a small oil is how Lindsay and I approached this iconic landscape in Golden. You can view Lindsay’s work online as she uses this approach to paint scenes in Boulder, CO National parks and other outdoor areas in CO. Please contact Dawn at the Gallery if you are interested in demonstrations of plein air painting.
We are looking forward to seeing all of your smiling faces again in beautiful downtown Golden!
“Life is a big canvas… throw all the art you can on it!” -Danny Kane
Come see our local and western artists visionary work at Spirits in the Wind!
Thank you for your continued support of our artists. If you would like an appointment, Monday-Friday please call the Gallery at 303-279-1192.
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Spirits in the Wind Gallery
1211 Washington Ave.
Golden, CO 80401
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spiritsinthewind@yahoo.com
303-279-1192
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Gallery
Dawn Kloba, Director
480-334-7744