Aspen Trees

The Aspen Groves
A Signature Collection of 1-of-1 Originals

"These are not traditional landscape paintings. They are an immersive, experiential study of Colorado’s most iconic trees, captured during my daily trail runs, mountain bike rides, and grueling winter boot-packs along the trails in the White River National Forest and surroundings.

 
My connection to this landscape is deeply personal; I had never seen a real Aspen tree in my life until I first arrived in Aspen at 22 years old. That immediate, overwhelming encounter with the local groves sparked a visual obsession that would ultimately alter the course of my life.

Today, my interpretation of the Aspen tree relies on a dramatic visual duality. From across the room, the canvas presents a flawless, breathtaking photorealism that transports you directly onto the mountain track. Yet, as you step closer, the illusion completely deconstructs. This technique is the direct evolution of my years spent experimenting with pure abstract art. Rather than simply copying nature, I deploy those raw abstract forms—isolated geometric blocks of shadow, energetic mark-making, and structural lines—to trick the human eye. By layering these non-representational elements using light, tactile, brush strokes acrylic applications, I physically sculpt the thick bark, deep contrasting shadows, and signature dark 'eyes' of the trees. The abstract shapes work together beneath the surface to synthesize a striking illusion of reality.

This unique process was born from a miracle. After a profound battle with severe depression and suicide, I felt a divine calling from God to pick up a brush. The vibrant, shifting alpine light filtering through the Aspen canopy became my lifeline. Every strict 1-of-1 canvas in this collection carries that exact breath of life—offering a powerful, living testament to hope, endurance, and spiritual resilience."