Introducing Jessi West Lundeen

We're thrilled to welcome Jessi West Lundeen and her remarkable contemporary artwork to Mirada Fine Art!

Jessi West Lundeen, represented by Mirada Fine Art in Colorado.

Born and raised in Jackson, Wyoming, Jessi West Lundeen grew up with Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park as her backyard.  Surrounded by stunning scenery, she found herself compelled to capture that beauty artistically.  Initially self-taught, she developed a distinct style of abstracted landscapes and figurative painting.

Jessi West Lundeen at Mirada Fine Art, 'Daydreamer,'
Acrylic on Canvas, 24" x 70"

Knowing that she wanted to continue to express herself creatively, Jessi decided to pursue a formal education in Fine Art. A Bachelors of Art in Studio Art/Painting and a Masters in Art Education not only honed her considerable skills, but served to reinforce her desire to capture not only the splendor in the world, but the thought and emotion it invokes in her.

Jessi West Lundeen at Mirada Fine Art, 'Night Dreams,'
Acrylic on Canvas, 24" x 18"

“My work is a collection of ideas and images that have followed me throughout life, growing as I do. Place and space are my building blocks; I like to talk about environments through my work, starting a dialogue about human experience.”

Jessi West Lundeen at Mirada Fine Art, 'Try it on for Size,'
Acrylic on Canvas, 20" x 15"

Ms. Lundeen uses saturated color and strong lines as bridges between vision and emotion.  She also employs these tools to create a visual space for viewers to rest and consider how a piece speaks to them individually.

Jessi West Lundeen at Mirada Fine Art, 'Twisted River,'
Acrylic on Canvas, 18" x 24"

Jessi’s latest body of work focuses on the dichotomy between landscape and cityscape, nature and humanity.  She strives to take on ideas of growth and power, counterbalanced by the natural history illustrated as a background story.

Jessi West Lundeen at Mirada Fine Art, 'Light as a Feather,'
Acrylic on Canvas, 18" x 48"

Jessi West Lundeen’s work has been displayed in galleries from Jackson Hole to New York City, and is found in private collections throughout the country.  We are thrilled to introduce her to our Colorado clients!  Welcome Jessi!

Mirada Voted Best Art Gallery in Denver!

Mirada Fine Art was voted 'Denver's Best Art Gallery' by the Denver A-List.

Adding to a lengthy list of accolades, Mirada Fine Art was recently named the best art gallery in the Denver metro area, topping the CityVoter Denver A-List.  The gallery, which was referred to as ‘a hidden gem’ when it opened in 2010, apparently is no longer a very well-kept secret. The A-List captured the opinions of a very large sample size, garnering over 74,000 total online votes for local businesses, with over 100 galleries represented.

Admirers of the gallery point to its picturesque location just southwest of the city, character-rich historic log building, impressive collection of nationally-acclaimed artists, and most of all the stunning artwork itself, as some of the reasons they’re such devoted supporters. No newcomer to this type of recognition, Mirada has been named one of the top 25 galleries in the country by the American Art Awards for 2013, 2014 and 2015.  Mirada has been featured in numerous national publications in addition to local ‘Best of’ lists.

“We’re not in a ‘typical’ Denver location for fine art, and purposely so,” gallery owner Steve Sonnen explains. “We didn’t want a sterile, white wall gallery.”  An eclectic array of award-winning contemporary artists, most of whom show only at Mirada in the state, were handpicked by Sonnen.  He particularly likes how the gallery’s rustic setting showcases the contemporary art and demonstrates how art will work in any setting. “We feel so fortunate…people found us, fell in love with the art, and keep coming back,” Steve enthuses.

Opening night of one of Mirada Fine Art's many amazing exhibitions.

Ken Elliott at Mirada Fine Art: Opening Reception of 'COLOR'

Ken Elliott's 'COLOR' exhibition at Mirada Fine Art

On Friday night, May 6th, we had a packed house at Mirada Fine art for the opening reception of Ken Elliott's remarkable exhibition 'COLOR.'  Here are some photos from that wonderful evening as Ken unveiled his vibrant contemporary landscapes.

Savoring Ken Elliott's beautiful 'Saccades II' at the his 'COLOR' exhibition at Mirada Fine Art.

Ken Elliott at Mirada Fine Art.

Opening reception of Ken Elliott's 'COLOR' exhibition at Mirada Fine Art.

Mirada Fine Art patrons enjoy the stunning landscapes of Ken Elliott's 'COLOR' exhibition.

The opening reception of Ken Elliott's 'COLOR' exhibition at Mirada Fine Art.

Ken Elliott discusses his artwork at the opening of his 'COLOR' exhibition at Mirada Fine Art.

The opening reception of Ken Elliott's 'COLOR' exhibition at Mirada Fine Art.

Mirada Fine Art unveils the remarkable artwork of Ken Elliott at his 'COLOR' exhibition.

Ken Elliott chats with an admirer of his artwork at the opening of his 'COLOR' exhibition.

Enjoying the opening reception of Ken Elliott's 'COLOR' exhibition at Mirada.

Ken Elliott at Mirada Fine Art.

Russell Whiting at Mirada Fine Art: Snow Angel

Russell Whiting's spectacular steel sculpture 'Walking Angel' always looks amazing...but check it out in the snow in front of the gallery today...amazing!  This sculpture measures 74" x 50" x 30".  Come by Mirada Fine Art to check it out in person!

Ken Elliott at Mirada Fine Art: COLOR

New exhibit showcases artist Ken Elliott's mastery of the use of color.
by Jan Thompson

Ken Elliott at Mirada Fine Art, Through the Forest, Oil on Canvas, 36 x 60"

‘Nature is where all the inspiration and colors for a lifetime are always waiting.’ This is the conclusion talented painter Ken Elliott has come to after over forty years in the art business. Four decades spent observing technique, and establishing a wealth of understanding on the use of light, lines and color, led Elliott to develop his own compelling style.

Ken Elliott at Mirada Fine Art, Haze in the Distance II, Oil on Canvas, 40" x 40"

Altering, perfecting and abstracting his perception of nature, rich bold color and vibrant shapes emanate from Ken Elliott’s canvasses. The fascination with the endless palette provided by nature inspired his latest collection of work, ‘Color,’ an exhibition opening at Mirada Fine Art on Friday, May 6.  Rendered in vividly modern hues, his landscapes simultaneously convey powerful movement and deep serenity.  ‘I don’t try to recreate nature (even Monet said he never got that right).  Instead, my work is a simplification and exaggeration of elements found within a landscape,’ Ken tells us.

Ken Elliott at Mirada Fine Art, Forest in Greens & Mauves, Oil on Canvas, 40" x 40"

Painting is not a linear process for this artist.  He usually works on several pieces at a time. Elements of one piece spur experimentation in another.  Jumping between work with oil paints and pastels allows differing emphasis on line structure, color depth and illumination.  And decades of experience have taught Ken to not discount the potential of a ‘mistake.’  Just as in nature, Elliott has discovered that an imperfection can often be the most visually interesting component.

Ken Elliott at Mirada Fine Art, Meadow Cascade, Oil on Canvas, 36" x 60"

The artist’s work stands independent of any specific place or time. They are a combination of the glory Ken Elliott sees in the world around him, and his own vivid imagination.  Grounded in unifying illumination, each piece somehow portrays both a kinetic energy and inherent calm.

Ken Elliott at Mirada Fine Art, Through the Purple Woods, Oil on Canvas, 24" x 24"

Roger Hayden Johnson Opening Reception at Mirada Fine Art

Roger Hayden Johnson unveiled his new 'first LIGHT' exhibition at Mirada Fine Art on Friday night, March 18, 2016.  Although it had been snowing all day long, Mirada was packed with admirers of his remarkable work.  Here are some photos from that amazing evening.  'first LIGHT' will be on display at Mirada through April 10th.

Roger Hayden Johnson at Mirada Fine Art, Opening night of 'first LIGHT' exhibition.

Roger Hayden Johnson at Mirada Fine Art, Opening night of 'first LIGHT' exhibition.

Admiring the artwork of Roger Hayden Johnson at Mirada Fine Art during the opening night of his 'first LIGHT' exhibition.

Roger Hayden Johnson at Mirada Fine Art, Opening night of 'first LIGHT' exhibition.

Roger Hayden Johnson discusses his artwork at Mirada Fine Art during the opening night of his 'first LIGHT' exhibition.

Admiring the artwork of Roger Hayden Johnson at Mirada Fine Art.

Roger Hayden Johnson at Mirada Fine Art, Opening night of 'first LIGHT' exhibition.

The proud new owners of Roger Hayden Johnson's 'Night Crossing.'  Opening night at Mirada Fine Art.  

Roger Hayden Johnson at Mirada Fine Art, Opening night of 'first LIGHT' exhibition.

Roger Hayden Johnson at Mirada Fine Art, Opening night of 'first LIGHT' exhibition.

Roger Hayden Johnson at Mirada Fine Art, Opening night of 'first LIGHT' exhibition.

Roger Hayden Johnson at Mirada Fine Art, Opening night of 'first LIGHT' exhibition.

The proud new owners of Roger Hayden Johnson's 'Painted Skiff.'  Opening night at Mirada Fine Art.

Roger Hayden Johnson at Mirada Fine Art, Opening night of 'first LIGHT' exhibition.

Roger Hayden Johnson at Mirada Fine Art, Opening night of 'first LIGHT' exhibition.

Roger Hayden Johnson at Mirada Fine Art, Opening night of 'first LIGHT' exhibition.

The proud new owners of Roger Hayden Johnson's 'Red Rower, Red Rower'  Opening night at Mirada Fine Art.

Roger Hayden Johnson at Mirada Fine Art, Opening night of 'first LIGHT' exhibition.

Roger Hayden Johnson at Mirada Fine Art, Opening night of 'first LIGHT' exhibition.

Mirada Fine Art owner Steve Sonnen enjoying the opening night of Roger Hayden Johnson's 'first LIGHT' exhibition.

Roger Hayden Johnson at Mirada Fine Art: First Light

Capturing the Attention of National Art Critics, 

Roger Hayden Johnson Brings Radiant New Work Home

Garnering worldwide attention, Colorado Springs resident saves best for home state.

Roger Hayden Johnson at Mirada Fine Art, Another Sky Below, Oil on Canvas, 30" x 50"

The work of Roger Hayden Johnson literally stops visitors to Mirada Fine Art in their tracks.  Stunningly photo-realistic, the canvasses radiate light from rustic adobe structures and waves of water gently ripple the sides of careworn rowboats. A relatively new addition to the gallery’s group of award-winning artists, Johnson is a slight departure from the gallery’s contemporary offerings.

Roger Hayden Johnson at Mirada Fine Art, Crystal Morning, Oil on Canvas, 24" x 28"

  

On March 18^th a solo exhibit of Johnson’s entitled ‘First Light’ will be unveiled at the gallery.  Southwest Art magazine previewed the new work and features it as one of the best exhibits in the western United States in its March 2016 issue.  And while the work is visually spectacular and accomplished, the artist considers himself an expressionist, most interested in the feeling his work creates.

Roger Hayden Johnson at Mirada Fine Art, Night Crossing, Oil on Canvas, 24" x 16"

Solitary boats and architectural landscapes are Rogers’ favorite subjects.  “I look for handmade things, that may show the effects of wear but endure nonetheless.”  He attempts to draw in attention with contrasting colors and values, retaining a viewer’s interest with detail, subject matter and organized eye movement.  The results are startlingly luminous paintings which invoke a deep sense of tranquility. 

Roger Hayden Johnson at Mirada Fine Art, Stuccoed Adobe, Oil on Canvas, 40" x 32"

“If you haven’t seen Roger’s work in person,” gallery owner Steve Sonnen enthuses, “you’re in for an amazing experience. You’ll want to trail your fingers in the water, or lean against a wall to soak in the sun.”  With numerous degrees in Fine Art, Johnson spent a number of years in Europe both studying and teaching.  While traveling the backroads of Colorado and the Southwest and exploring quaint European fishing harbors, Roger takes innumerable photos.  Returning to his studio, he dissects and reinvents the images, often imbuing them with the pure light of the fleeting moments immediately after sunrise and before sundown.

Written by : Jan Thompson 

Roger Hayden Johnson at Mirada Fine Art, Rowed to Ruin, Oil on Canvas, 30" x 30"