editor’s WELCOME T he allure of the American West is alive and well. Wide open spac- es, majestic mountain vistas, pristine waterways, stunning colors and magnificent wildlife have all been the muse of many artists who have a deep desire to capture the feeling of the beautiful Amer- ican West on canvas, photographs or sculpture. From the days of Native Americans, to the Westward expansion and still today, artists are inspired to share the feeling and the story of the West expressed through their art for us to enjoy. The vibrant colors and shapes of flora and fauna have long captivat - ed watercolorist Heidi Rosner. In our Artist Spotlight, you’ll discover how she experimented until she found the perfect substrate to allow her to bring her canvases to life through her bold experimentation with watercolor. With her combination of vivid colors, crisp details and velvet like textures, the viewer can feel as if they are right in the middle of nature seeing the world through her eyes. As you turn the page to the feature “The Way Westward: Depicting the American West”, we take a look back to some of the trailblazing artists who opened our eyes to all that the West has to offer. From the Native Americans to the likes of Charlie Russell, Thomas Moran Fred- erick Remington, Georgia O’Keefe and Maynard Dixon to the artists of today, we are fortunate to be able to enjoy art that captures the spirit of the West. Whether historically accurate or a contemporary interpre- tation, each has a place in the story of the West. The gift of art allows us to revisit and enjoy the moments captured by these talented artists. Take a peek inside the working artist studio of cowboy rancher turned artist, Curt Mattson. Curt is a quadruple threat as he is a master of sculpture, oil painting, watercolor and dry point etchings. A story- teller at heart, he accurately and lovingly shares the story of the life of a working cowboy and life on the open range. His works of art are lessons in history and preservation of the Western lifestyle, sometimes with a touch of good humor. Finally, we invite you to explore the American West through our “Parks and Places” feature. We highlight just some of the amazing national parks, surrounded by cool towns that further share the story of the West. There is so much to experience and enjoy in this wonder- ful world we live in. We are grateful to the artists who help capture the moments, stories and lifestyles so we can experience and enjoy them no matter how near or far. We look forward to having you join us in person for the 35th Anniver- sary Celebration of Fine Art, January 18 – March 30, 2025 in Scottsdale, AZ. Until then, stay in touch through all of our social platforms.
4
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: HEIDI ROSNER Meet the watercolor artist who invented her own substrate so she could paint on nearly any surface.
THE WAY WESTWARD: DEPICTING THE AMERICAN WEST The great American West is an alluring place that has long beckoned to curious explorers, artists and travelers alike. From the wildlife to the culture and awe-inspiring geology, meet some of the artists–– past and present––who passionately share the rich stories of the West through their work. FROM THE ARTIST STUDIO: A CONVERSATION WITH CURT MATTSON Journey inside the desert Southwest studio of Curt Mattson and discover how it inspires his work. PARKS & PLACES: EXPLORING THE AMERICAN WEST The West is home to some of the most iconic national parks in North America. Explore some of these parks and "cool" towns that neighbor them.
6
4
Artist Spotlight: Heidi Rosner
12
6
The Way Westward: Explore the great American West through the lens of the artist.
14
On the cover: "Triple Threat", 36"x36", watercolor, Heidi Rosner
12
ART CONNECTION DISCOVER NEW AND CONNECT
From the Artist Studio: Venture inside Curt Mattson's Cave Creek art studio.
CONTACT US Celebration of Fine Art 7900 E. Greenway Rd., Suite 101 Scottsdale, AZ 85260
480.443.7695 | info@celebrateart.com celebrateart.com
14 Parks & Places: Discover some of the West's iconic national parks and funky, fun nearby towns.
With gratitude, Susan & Jake Potje
Issue 4 | Summer/Fall 2024
Page 2
Issue 4 | Summer/Fall 2024
Page 3
Made with FlippingBook - PDF hosting