Song of Wyoming

March 17, 2024  As most of you know by now, but some may not – my painting, Song of Wyoming, was chosen as the winner of the Spirit of Wyoming art competition, sponsored by Jackson Hole Still Works and the Wyoming Arts Council.  Just being chosen as one of the 8 finalists was a professional honor, as the committee that chooses is a small, qualified group of professionals.  Then the fun begins, and I did my best to encourage all of my fans, followers, and friends to vote for my painting to win the competition.  And low and behold, this social media impaired old school artist was successful!  

The image will grace the Jackson Hole Still Works vodka bottle for their 2024 season (they change labels each year, with this statewide competition).  Proceeds of the voting process and sale of the painting benefit the Wyoming Arts Council.  

Here is my description of the painting:

Conservationist, naturalist and philosopher Aldo Leopold wrote: “There are some who can live without wild things, and some who cannot.” I cannot. My work is inspired by my love of the Wyoming landscape – its wild lands and animals. My aim is to create that feeling of the “Spirit of Wyoming” for others to enjoy, and I can’t think of a more joyful expression of that spirit than the song of the Western Meadowlark, our Wyoming state bird. She belts out her song of joy for everyone to hear. And how better to celebrate that feeling of joy, than with a ‘Meadowlark Martini’ made with Jackson Hole Still Works vodka.