Gordon Brown
"Elk River" Oil Painting
2023

Name: "Elk River" Oil Painting
Brand: Gordon Brown
Price: 1100 USD
Availability: InStock

About the Item

Gordon Brown's (US based) "Elk River" is an oil painting that depicts trees on a green river embankment. Bio/artist statement: "My paintings are all about light and mood," says Colorado native Gordon Brown. He never tires of the view from his converted barn/studio on the state's western slope, which allows him to observe firsthand the various moods and palettes of the seasons. Brown has come to appreciate the subtleties and drama created by changing light and regularly incorporates them into his work. Brown grew up in Grand Junction, CO, and still lives nearby. Ensconced in his century-old home shaded by peach and apricot trees, Brown finds peace and inspiration in this bucolic oasis. From the balcony of his studio at the back of the property, Brown can survey the imposing Bookcliffs mountain range. Brown made his first foray into art when he bought a set of oil paints while in high school. Although he had not painted until then, two of his oils won best of show and first place, respectively, in a high-school art contest. This early recognition sparked his interest in art and his desire to pursue a career as an artist. Brown also received encouragement from several established artists in the area. Shortly after graduating from high school, he was introduced to Mark Rohrig, who invited Brown to his one-man show in Aspen, CO. From this experience in the professional art world, Brown learned that it was possible to earn a living as a painter. Gordon's practice of painting on location stems from his studies with Jack Kephart, a Grand Junction painter. He has also studied with Shang Ding, an alumnus of the Beijing Central Art Academy. Shang stressed that painting from life teaches the artist to work with true colors and movement and to paint spontaneously. More recently, Brown has benefited from the input of Gordon Brown at the Denver Art Students' League. "I've always had painterly instincts," Brown says. "But Quang gave me a real understanding of what I'm doing; consequently, I now have more control over my paintings." Another influence has been the Tonalist painters of the 19th century. Like these artists, Brown considers it his "responsibility as a painter to record and reveal the natural beauty of the landscape as faithfully as possible." Therefore, he spends a great deal of time in the field studying his subject matter. The photos and small oil studies he does on site are just a reference, however, and bear little resemblance to the canvases he ultimately produces. Gordon Brown's work was featured in "Reflections of Reverie," the 1997 exhibition of the American Tonalist Painters. In addition, he was the subject of an article in the February 1998 issue of Southwest Art magazine. His work can be found in numerous public and private collections around the country.

Creator:

Gordon Brown (American)

Creation Year:

2023

Dimensions:

Height: 7 in (17.78 cm)Width: 5 in (12.7 cm)

Medium:

Oil

Movement & Style:

American Realist

Period:

2010-

Condition:

Gallery Location:

Denver, CO

Reference Number:

1stDibs: LU1307213762262

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Gordon Brown

"There is something about just going to an edge and looking at space and air..." A Colorado native, Gordon Brown speaks reverently of the majestic western wilderness that is his home, his passion and the main subject of his compelling paintings. The viewer is at once transported to an imperfect moment in time where light and cathedral-like rock converge. Hues of amethyst and clay colors vibrate with resonance and the sensation of space is infinite. Brown has achieved his aim: To create an intimate relationship between the viewer, himself and his beloved landscape. From his earliest years he was rarely found without pencil or paintbrush. Weekend backpacking trips into the Colorado canyons were the ritual, and following days would find him assembling his newly found Ute arrowhead collection or painting Indians and their campgrounds. Teachers and artists strongly encouraged him to pursue his artistic talent, but this was not fully realized until years later when Brown was mesmerized by the work of Chinese artist, Shang Ding, who was to become his tutor and mentor. In true historical tradition, Brown apprenticed under Professor Ding of the Beijing Central Art Academy, accompanying him as they made their way through the landscape, emulating his every brush stroke in a plein air style. Today the young Brown is recognized as a next Old Master. Taking Best of Show and First Prize in many competitions, 1992 culminated in the Grand Prize for Arts in the Parks "Grand Canyon Award" in which Brown superseded over several hundred applicants. His entry, "Breaking of Light" is expected to tour several southwestern museums and will become a part of the Grand Canyon Natural History Association's permanent collection. The Denver Art Museum has purchased a large oil for their permanent collection. It hangs on the 7th floor. The Forbes Collection has also recently purchased a painting and Gordon was one of only a few American artists to participate at a show at the U.S.Ambassadors Quarters at The Hague.