Nikki Nienhuis

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”

**Sold** -NN1-06 “Show up as Love” Acrylic on Board 30×40 $2500

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

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.

“GM1-9 Discovery of Canteen” Framed oil 12×24 $2400

GM1-3 “Trouble’s Coming.” 16×20 Oil Framed $2520

**Sold** -GM1-7 “Gratitude” 11×14 oil on canvas $1300

GM1-6 “The Arrival of Sorrow” 18×24 oil on canvas Call for Availability

GM1-14 “Pursuit” 18×24 framed oil on canvas. $3495 This has the capacity to be the companion piece to “Outrunning the Posse”. Mayse has even added in an Ace of Spades flying from the other painting to just in front of the lead horse to tie them together. In this piece, he worked to match the lighting, sky and background of “Out Running the Posse”. Works can be procured together or apart and would be a spectacular addition to your collection.

GM1-5 “Outrunning the Posse” 24×24 oil on canvas $4300 Companion piece to the “Pursuit”- Mayse uses dramatic storytelling in both pieces. His attention to detail in all areas of the painting allows the viewer to focus on details and then lean back out to see the overall painting’s theme Mayse captures when creating these stunning oils. Down to the minute details he brings you in with dynamic movement and authentic representation of the “old West” .

GM1-4 “The Last Stand” 15×30 oil on canvas $3600

GM1-2 “Morning Contemplation” 15×30 oil on canvas $3490

GM1-11 “Eureka!” 12×18 framed with gold leaf, oil on canvas. A prospector strikes it big while panning in the canyon. School of Mines students or parents, this would be a memorable addition to your collection! $1595

GM1-12 “In the Glow of Morning” 18×24 framed oil on canvas. This piece was based off of a reference photo of a pair of the Salt River Wild Horse near Scottsdale, Arizona. $3275

GM-34 “A Little Snuggle Time”-Framed oil- $775

GM-31 “Uncompromising Fillies’ Framed oil, $1569

GM-32 “Trailside Troubadours”, Framed oil- $3495

Susan Clark

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

**Sold** – SC2-18 Colorful CO 24×36 Oil Pastel on Board

SC2-07 Triple By Pass 4×4 Oil Pastel SOLD

SC2-06 Riding the Rockies Oil pastel on Board 4×4 $100

SC2-10 Rainbow Rider 8×10 Oil Pastel on Board $200

SC2-20 “Golden Aspens” 5″x7″ oil pastel on wood $145

SC2-22 “Happily Lost” 4″x4″ oil pastel on wood $90

SC2-25 “Colorado Aspens” 5″x7″ oil pastel on wood $190

SC2-23 “Golden Vibe” 5″x7″ oil pastel on wood $145

SC2-28 “Crash and Burn #2″ 6″x6” oil panel on wood $145

SC2-26 “Cobalt Machine” 8″x10″ oil pastel on wood $165

SC2-24 “Maroon Bells in Fall” 6″x6″ oil pastel on wood $145

September, 2021

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.

June 2021

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!

May 2021

Spirits had the opportunity to participate this week in a Girl Scout event. A local Brownies troop visited the Gallery and earned their painting badges. These budding art connoisseurs chose their favorite work and spoke to us about the reasons they found that particular piece interesting. Congratulations girls!

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.

Shopping Hours:

Everyone must wear a mask, maintain 6 feet distancing, ask for assistance to review artwork.

We know that many people are feeling isolated, so we at Spirits in the Wind Gallery have come up with fun ways for you to feel connected and uplifted through ART.

ONLINE SHOPPING: Available on our website! Browse all of our artists work and order from our site. We will invoice you and ship directly through UPS.

CURBSIDE PICKUP: CALL TO PAY or PAY by INVOICE ON YOUR PHONE, we will package and have it ready for your out front of gallery.

VIRTUAL TOURS can be scheduled so you can have a personalized viewing of any art you’re interested in.

APPOINTMENTS ARE AVAILABLE between 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday thru Friday

SCHEDULE NOW

We are committed to helping you find what art will inspire and comfort you during this time. spiritsinthewind@yahoo.com

In the News

Featured Artists

Lynne Buss: Capturing the beauty of mountains, lakes and valleys in natural wood varieties through marquetry. The variety of colors, textures and figuring available in the wood world is more extensive than most of us realize.

-See her unique style available in originals and prints.

Artists

Allen Voss

Allen is a Colorado artist living in Littleton. He has been selling his artwork since 2021. He specializes in oil painting in the subjects of still life, landscapes, and portraits.

Lynne Buss

Lynn’s work features marquetry by using a broad variety of woods to depict the soothing natural world of mountain scenery. Recently she placed 1st in Mixed Media at the Gilpin County Arts Festival. We sell originals and prints of Lynns work.

New Arrivals

Mitch Caster

Sonia Reid

Jim Hagstrom

Colorado Exploration

Some of our artists have been out in the mountains, painting iconic Colorado views. Take a piece of your hiking adventures home with artwork from our avid nature enthusiasts:

These are just a few of our local artists whose work is inspired and created during their outdoor experiences in Colorado’s hiking and exploration. Their work is certain to connect you to your time well spent in beautiful Colorado.

Susan Clark

Lindsay Ternes

Joan McCracken

We are always adding new pieces and artists so please stop by and see what’s new!

Mitch Caster

Mitch Caster, Fine Artist

“I’ve been painting and drawing for as long as I can remember. I love capturing bits and pieces of the good that is around me.”

UPDATE November 14, 2020

I’m honored that KUSA/9News (Denver) will be featuring me in its “Positively Colorado” segment with Gary Shapiro. The segment is scheduled to air on the morning show Monday, Nov. 16, and should air again that day on the 4 p.m. news.

Years ago, I was the news and courtroom artist for 9News. Since transitioning to fine art, my old station came out to catch up and see what I’ve been up to! Check out my site for the latest info! https://mitchcasterfineart.com

— Mitch

Mitch Caster is a Colorado-based fine artist who loves painting nature, people, and many other subjects! After many years as a news and courtroom artist, covering some of the nation’s most notorious trials, he now concentrates on showcasing the positive aspects of the world. He wants to bring joy to viewers. Some of his favorite subjects include animals, landscapes, Western subjects, dancers, seascapes, lighthouses, and more.

Known as an outstanding figurative artist, Caster is a highly skilled artist with extensive background in anatomy and kinesiology. He paints the human form in all walks of life, drawing on his appreciation of all cultures to pass on their uniqueness and history to future generations and other cultures.

Caster’s artwork is in collections throughout the world, and has been featured in national art magazines. From his work in TV, he has received five Rocky Mountain Emmy Awards in art direction, and appears in two Perry Mason movies. He also has received Awards of Excellence from Oil Painters of America and other exhibitions, and is a Signature Member of the Oil Painters of America, American Society of Marine Artists, and National Oil and Acrylic Painters’ Society.

He is also a long-time instructor for the Art Students League of Denver, plus has taught at American Museum of Western Art, Denver Botanic Gardens, The Gathering Place, and for faculty programs at several school districts in the Denver area.

mitchcasterfineart.com