







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
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.
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