Picture This: The Wild West

April 13th, 2025

In our blog series, “Picture This,” we use the magic of Photoshop to present our Gallery MAR artists’ latest works in new and inspiring settings.

In this installment, we’re venturing into the untamed beauty and enduring spirit of the American West, exploring how its vast landscapes, boundless wildlife, and rugged charm have inspired artists for generations. From sweeping desert vistas and towering peaks to evocative portraits and dynamic wildlife portraits, Western art captures the essence of freedom, resilience, and adventure.

These works transport us to a world where history and myth intertwine, telling stories of courage, solitude, and the ever-changing frontier. Join us as we journey through the art of the American West and discover pieces that embody its wild, untamed soul.

PICTURE THIS:

James Penfield, “High Valley Rebel,” acrylic, 36″ x 36″

James Penfield’s dynamic portrayal of a cowboy in action injects a bold, cinematic presence into this modern living room. The gestural brushstrokes create a raw sense of movement, making the scene feel alive and untamed against the clean lines of the contemporary space. This striking contrast between rugged Western energy and sleek modern design gives the room a compelling fusion of tradition and edge.

PICTURE THIS:

Miles Glynn, “Westernish No. 149,” mixed media, 50″ x 40″

Miles Glynn’s mixed media artwork becomes a striking focal point in this modern living room, where its layered Western landscapes and collage elements contrast beautifully against black walls and rich wooden accents. The neon-lit word “Life” glows with the nostalgic energy of roadside signs from a long desert drive, adding a bold, contemporary edge to the rustic imagery. This fusion of past and present infuses the space with a sense of adventure, history, and modern storytelling.

PICTURE THIS:

Kevin Kehoe, “Red Canyon Rider,” oil, 32″ x 32″

Kevin Kehoe’s hyperrealistic painting embodies the thrill of the open road, infusing the bright living room with the boundless spirit of the American West. The desert arch’s burnt sienna hues echo the warmth of the room’s accent pillows, seamlessly blending the artwork’s rugged beauty with the space’s inviting atmosphere. With its striking detail and sense of open-road freedom, the piece brings the essence of Western adventure into the heart of the home.

PICTURE THIS:

Kenneth Peloke, “Drifter,” oil, 54″ x 54″

Kenneth Peloke’s mixed media artwork of a bison brings the raw power and quiet strength of the American West into the warm living room, where its abstract, screen-print-like style adds a modern edge. The deep browns and blacks of the piece harmonize with the room’s earthy palette of umber and cream, creating a space that feels both grounded and expansive. With its bold presence and textured layers, the artwork captures the untamed essence of the frontier, making it a striking tribute to the West’s enduring spirit.

PICTURE THIS:

James Penfield, “Meet Me At the Summit,” acrylic, 30″ x 24″

James Penfield’s artwork bursts with the energy of the American West, its vivid electric blue background making the cowboy and bucking bronco feel even more dynamic above the wooden credenza. The rich, natural tones of the wood and the earthy ceramic pots create a striking contrast, grounding the piece in rustic authenticity. This bold composition captures the untamed spirit of the frontier, bringing a sense of movement and grit to the space.

PICTURE THIS:

Matt Flint, “We Will Keep Together,” mixed media, 50″ x 50″

Matt Flint’s mixed media painting of a black and white bear stands boldly in the bright white bedroom, its striking contrasts bringing the untamed beauty of the American West into this serene space. The artwork’s raw, textured layers and powerful subject matter add an invigorating energy to the room, while the minimalist setting allows the piece to truly command attention. As part of Flint’s new “Living in the Layers” exhibition at Gallery MAR, this work brings the wild spirit of the frontier into a modern, tranquil environment.

Written and Photoshopped by Veronica Vale