Dave Santillanes

A self taught artist, Dave Santillanes began painting shortly after graduating from Colorado State University with a degree in Graphic Design. But he points to his first plein air excursions as the true beginning of his development as a painter where direct observation allowed for a more precise rendering of color, light and atmosphere. And although studying the physical aspects of nature is important, it isn’t the only reason Dave paints outdoors. He says, “the sensory experience of being there is equally important. There’s no better way to get to really know a place than to sit for a couple of hours and contemplate it while painting. This intense observation brings a spiritual intimacy with the scene that can’t be achieved in mere passing and allows me to “speak” with complete sincerity in each painting.” Dave’s passion for painting has led to a number of recent awards including First Place in the Signature Division of the 2019 OPA Fall Showcase, 3rd Place Overall at the 8th Annual Plein Air Salon Finals, First Place in the Landscape Category at the 12th annual International ARC Salon, and the Landscape Award of Excellence at the 25th National Oil Painters of America Show. He’s also won numerous awards for his plein air work and has been featured in both Plein Air and Southwest Art Magazine.

Chad Poppleton

Chad Poppleton, a resident of Cache Valley Utah, has been passionate about art and the outdoors for as long as he can remember.  His interest began while on the farm and ranch with his father and grandfather working with animals understanding their attitudes, behaviors, and confirmations.  Chad’s father, also an artist, taught him how to draw and look at things with an artist’s eye.

Hunting, fishing, riding colts, and exploring in the mountains has molded his relationship with nature.  “Interpreting the behavior and character of each animal in its natural environment is the motivation for my work.  Studying, sketching, life painting, and observing behavior helps me to find their characteristics and relay that into the canvas.”

Chad studied at Utah State University directed by Glen Edwards and graduated with a bachelor’s in Fine Art/ Illustration.  Chad continues to study the classical tradition of Master impressionists and renaissance period work.

These fine galleries represent Chad; Wilcox II Gallery -Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Scottsdale, Arizona.

In 2018 a life long dream was achieved when Chad was inducted into the Cowboy Artists of America.  He has been profiled in Sporting Classics, Art of the West, Western Art Collector, and Southwest Art Magazine.  Chad is a member of the C.M. Russell Museum’s Skull Society of Artists and was also the featured artist for the South Eastern Wildlife Expo in 2014. Chad exhibits in the Cowboy Artists of America Show, The Charlie Russell Museum, Scottsdale Art Auction, and Jackson Hole art Auction.  Chad also supports many local art clubs and conservation efforts in his region.

One of Chad’s proudest accomplishments was earning the Bob Kuhn Wildlife Award from the National Museum of Wildlife Art. “As an artist, my objective is to represent the subjects of wildlife correctly and accurately to the best of my ability. It’s critically important for me to pick up each little difference in nature and portray that in the canvas to engage the viewer emotionally within the piece. My hope is for the viewer to understand the character of the animal and environment.  ” As an avid sportsman and conservationist, Poppleton spends as much time in the field as he does at the easel. His paintings are a reflection of his love for the animals, wilderness areas, and the great outdoors.