Another Incredible Year at Young Guns – Coors Western Art Show 2024

A Night to Remember

The 2024 Young Guns of the Coors Western Art Show was nothing short of spectacular! This year’s combined sales for Young Guns and the Coors Show totaled over $1.4 million—the highest in the event’s thirty-two-year history. The energy in the room was electric, with collectors, artists, and art lovers coming together to celebrate Western art in a way that felt truly special.

On a personal note, I was thrilled with how well my work resonated with collectors. I sold all but two small pieces, and my largest painting found a new home within the first two minutes of the show opening! It’s always exciting to witness that immediate connection between a collector and a painting—when a piece speaks to someone so strongly that they know right away it belongs with them.

Beyond the sales, the evening was filled with incredible conversations, both with fellow artists and passionate collectors. These moments—discussing inspiration, technique, and the stories behind the artwork—are what make events like Young Guns so rewarding. It’s more than just an exhibition; it’s a gathering of people who truly appreciate the craft and history of Western art.

The Artwork: What I Showed This Year

My largest work, Invitation to Peace, was a composition I’ve been refining for years. I had explored this idea in smaller sketches, continuously honing it until I knew it was ready to be painted on a grand scale. At my core, I’m an artist who is deeply drawn to the shape of shapes, and this painting is a testament to that—celebrating the vast, expressive forms of the Western sky.

One of the most rewarding moments of the evening was seeing this painting find its home with a collector who had purchased a piece from me last year. Reconnecting with collectors who are invested in and appreciate my work is always a meaningful experience—it reinforces the dialogue that art creates between the artist and those who connect with it.

Another significant piece in my collection this year was a large dusk skyscape, which evolved from a small study. To highlight my process, I included the original study in the exhibition, allowing viewers to see the transition from an initial idea to a fully realized painting. This study-to-final approach is an essential part of my practice, and it was rewarding to share that journey with the audience.

One painting that sold almost immediately was "On the Horizon" (10" x 12"). This piece was inspired by a fast-moving storm front that swept over the Front Range last spring, just outside my home. The moment I saw the dramatic shapes unfolding in the sky, I rushed to grab my supplies and capture quick notes and color impressions. Those initial sketches later became the foundation for the final painting in the studio. There’s something exhilarating about translating the immediacy of nature into paint—it’s what keeps me coming back to the canvas.

Colorado is home to some of the most breathtaking sunsets, but capturing their essence in paint is always a challenge. My painting "Fading Light" (24" x 36") is an attempt to bottle the feeling of the last light of sunset—where the golden hues of the horizon seamlessly dissolve into the soft blues and violets of encroaching dusk. This painting celebrates the expansive beauty of the Western landscape, where vast skies and subtle shifts in light create a moment of stillness and reflection. The composition gently guides the viewer toward the horizon, offering a sense of quiet serenity.

Composition Sketch Invitation to Peace, 12” x 12”

While my work primarily focuses on the Western sky, I included a special piece titled "Towards Stillness", which shifts attention toward the landscape itself. This tree-centered painting embodies the calm beauty of dusk, as soft, fading colors blanket the scene. I wanted this piece to draw the viewer into a moment of tranquility, where gentle hues and softened edges reflect the stillness of trees settling into night.

The Event Experience: Connecting with Collectors and Artists

The Young Guns Event is always an incredible opportunity to engage with collectors and fellow artists. This year was no exception—it was a night filled with inspiring conversations, unexpected connections, and moments that reminded me why I love being part of this artistic community.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening was meeting a couple who I had been working with on a commission. We had exchanged emails and phone calls, discussing their vision for the piece, but we had never met in person. Then, in the middle of the event, I felt a tap on my shoulder—they had come to introduce themselves! It was such a wonderful surprise, and our conversation added a whole new level of personal connection to the commission process. Meeting collectors face-to-face, hearing their stories, and understanding what draws them to my work is something I truly value.

Beyond the collectors, one of the highlights of Young Guns is reconnecting with fellow artists I deeply respect. I had the pleasure of catching up with John Taft, Ezra Tucker, Debbie Carroll and Raj Chaudhuri—all exceptional artists at the top of their field. Their work is not only beautiful but also deeply inspiring. It’s always a privilege to share stories, insights, and a few laughs with artists who continually push the boundaries of Western art.

Another exciting moment was meeting the director of the Brinton Museum in Wyoming. I had the honor of participating in their Small Works show this year, and they even have one of my paintings in their personal collection. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect in person and discuss our shared appreciation for Western art.

These connections—both with collectors and fellow artists—are what make Young Guns such a special event. It’s more than just an art show; it’s a celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and the relationships that form around art.

Behind the Scenes: A Look at the Event

The Young Guns Event is an electrifying experience, with no detail overlooked in creating an unforgettable evening. From the moment you step inside, you’re immersed in a high-energy atmosphere where art, music, and Western culture seamlessly come together.

The first thing that greets you? A live bluegrass band playing straight from the back of an old pick-up truck, setting the perfect tone for the night. Nearby, guests could take photos with a majestic Brahma bull, adding a unique, Western touch to the festivities. And of course, Coors' open bar, crafted from a converted horse trailer, was a huge hit, serving up drinks to keep the celebration going.

The ambiance was electric—music, hors d'oeuvres, dancing, and lively conversations filled the space as Denver’s top influencers, collectors, and artists mingled. There’s something magical about being surrounded by so much creativity and enthusiasm, all in support of Western art.

Reflections and Gratitude

The Young Guns Event is truly the highlight of my artistic calendar. Every year, it reminds me why I love being part of the Western art world—the energy, the passion, and the incredible community that surrounds it.

I’m deeply grateful to Kate Hlavin and Grace Weiss, who pour their hearts into curating every detail of this event. Their dedication ensures that Young Guns remains not just an art show, but an unforgettable experience for artists, collectors, and patrons alike.

A special thank you to my docent, who handled all my transactions with collectors. Their support was an invaluable part of making the evening a success, allowing me to focus on connecting with guests, sharing my work, and soaking in the experience.

Most of all, I’m thankful for the collectors and patrons of the Western art world. Your support allows me to continue this artistic journey—to create, to explore, and to share my vision of the vast, open skies that inspire me. Seeing my paintings find homes where they are truly appreciated is an incredible honor, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

With another amazing Young Guns in the books, I’m already looking forward to what’s next. Exciting projects are on the horizon, and I can’t wait to continue sharing my work in the months ahead.