Meet the Next Generation of Western Artists
These five artists are helping to define the future of Western art, combining love of the land and the West with bold, contemporary points of view.
By Southwest Art
As Southwest Art Magazine marks its 50th anniversary in May 2021, we’re celebrating the past and toasting the future. Here we turn the spotlight on five stars featured in the special 50th anniversary issue of the magazine. These artists represent the next generation in western art, as they bring fresh, bold perspective to the genre. Discover more of their work, and more artists leading the way in Western art, in the full online article.
Adam Smith
How has your work evolved in recent years?
I am always striving to grow as an artist. One of the best parts of being an artist is always learning something new. In recent years I have enjoyed exploring more complex ideas and compositions. It’s not always easy coming up with new ideas I haven’t seen before. However, those challenges are essential to my growth. Some painting ideas take years before I work out all the details.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find most of my inspiration out in the field. I love taking reference trips and being around the subjects that I paint. Living near Yellowstone National Park certainly has its perks. I try to visit as often as I can. I find inspiration close to home as well. Three years ago we had a fox den on our property and had the joy of watching five fox kits being raised.
Tell us about your studio.
My studio is located within my home. It is not a very big space, but it’s the perfect size for me. I have several unique items in my studio including dinosaur bones, a Megalodon tooth, and an African carving of elephants made out of driftwood. I always have some kind of noise while I paint, so I also have a television and a stereo. My windows look out to a nice view of the Bridger Mountains.
Favorite non-art-related thing to do?
I grow super-hot pepper varieties, which can be a bit difficult in Montana. Our growing season is short. I even created my own strain of pepper I named the Caldera.
Learn more at adamsmithwildlifeart.com.
Daniel Keys
How has your work evolved in recent years?
I’m still drawn to the same subjects that I’ve always been, so my pursuits have not altered much. I’m always endeavoring to better my ability to paint the things I love with accuracy and yet with feeling. I hope to still be on this pursuit at a very old age.
Where do you find inspiration?
Nature, mostly. It’s difficult to grow as many flowers as I do and not be inspired to paint them!
What are you most proud of?
The Palette Project that I developed with the Scottsdale Artists’ School over the past decade. It’s a free two-day mentorship program for artists between the ages of 17 and 22. About 20 students from around the country are selected based on their skills, passion, and experience. It’s now in its fifth year.
Tell us about your studio.
It’s nothing fancy, just a spare room in my house. I’ve put in cool-temperature lights overhead, and a nice Persian rug, but mostly it’s simple and light.
If your home or studio was on fire, what one thing would you save?
My dog, Teddy. And a painting by Richard Schmid that I’d grab on the way out.
Learn more at danieljkeys.com.
David Grossman
How has your work evolved in recent years?
My work is increasingly based on intuition, driven more by emotion than by trying to capture the specifics of a particular landscape. The longer I work, the more I hope that my art will convey a sense of peace and allow space for contemplation. We are surrounded by so many anxieties and distractions, so hopefully my paintings can be reminders that we are also surrounded by beauty when we choose to pause and notice.
Where do you find inspiration?
From watching the world around me, especially when I am out in nature. Also from studying art history and from reading poetry.
Tell us about your studio.
It is a converted one-car garage with good light, white walls, and stacks of paintings. The studio connects to our house, which makes it easy for me to take all-too-frequent snack and tea breaks while I am working. The space is simple and fairly practical, like me.
People would be surprised to learn that…
I grew up in South America. The language and culture are still very important to me.
Learn more at davidgrossman.com.
Jill Soukup
How has your work evolved in recent years?
I used to paint more cityscapes, but lately my work has shifted primarily to western and horse themes. Also, I’ve been digging deeper into understanding value and drawing, which has made my paintings richer.
Where do you find inspiration?
My inspiration comes from various sources, including visits to Ranchlands (a working ranch in Colorado Springs and Mosca, CO) as well as drawing and observing natural objects.
What do you hope to accomplish in the next few years?
I hope to have a few themed shows based on specific concepts that I’ve been pursuing. I can’t say what those are yet, though!
What would you be if you weren’t an artist?
Things of a metaphysical nature have always been of interest to me: dreams, consciousness, the transcendent. So I’d see if I could tap into something along those lines.
Learn more at jillsoukup.com.
Kathryn Mapes Turner
How has your work evolved in recent years?
I have focused more and more on animals. My fascination with and appreciation of them has increasingly deepened. I want to gain a greater understanding of them through my artwork and share this with the viewer. It’s my goal to capture their essence and vitality in an elegant and distilled way.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find no shortage of inspiration in my native Jackson Hole, which is part of the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem — it supports incredible biodiversity and large mammals.
What are you most proud of?
It’s not a certain award or individual accomplishment but rather the “miles of canvas” that I’ve painted, the accumulation of time dedicated to learning to paint and draw. It’s the piles of newsprint sketches done during life-drawing sessions and the landscape thumbnail studies no one sees. Early on, my teachers insisted that there are no shortcuts to becoming a painter. I am most proud of how I have fallen in love with the process of making art rather than the results that come of it.
Tell us about your studio.
My studio is my favorite room in the world! It is filled with art supplies, easels, drawing tables, music, and art books. It has perfect northern light with the most amazing view of the full Teton range, and it’s less than a quarter mile from the border of Grand Teton National Park. I regularly see bison, elk, moose, deer, and fox just outside my window.
If your home or studio was on fire, what one thing would you save?
My Hughes easel. Not only is it beautiful, but its design has enabled me to continue painting while recovering from two ACL surgeries in the past two years.
Learn more at kathrynmapesturner.com.
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the depth and variety in contexts as well as hidden shades! so inspiring! Thanks ..