Two distinct Visions of the West come together for a special exhibition at Legacy Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Following a successful summer season of exhibitions, the Legacy Gallery’s Santa Fe location presents a two-person show titled The Living Canvas featuring the work of Thomas Blackshear and Michael Dudash September 15 at the gallery’s location on legendary Canyon Road.

Dudash and Blackshear seemingly couldn’t be more contrasting in style, yet there is an underlying theme and presentation of both painters that connects the work. These two artists are both tremendously successful in the contemporary market for Western art. Dudash is a member of the Cowboy Artists of America and has seen pieces sell for close to $50,000 at auction. Blackshear is a member of the Society of Illustrator’s Hall of Fame and hit the Western art world by storm within the last decade.

While both artists are masters of the Western genre, their styles and approaches differ significantly. Blackshear’s work often exudes a sense of romanticism and idealism, with his subjects portrayed in heroic and larger-than-life compositions. On the other hand, Dudash’s paintings are more introspective and contemplative, capturing the quiet moments and intimate details of Western life. “Despite their stylistic differences, both artists share a deep appreciation for the Western landscape and a passion for preserving its beauty through their art,” says Brad Richardson, Owner of Legacy Gallery.

Blackshear had a very successful career as an illustrator before turning to Western art later in his career. He began working for the Hallmark Card Company in Kansas City, Missouri and then became a freelance illustrator in 1982. His clients include Disney Pictures, George Lucas Studios, Universal Studios and National Geographic Magazine. He has also illustrated an astonishing thirty United States postage stamps as well as a commemorative stamp book titled I Have a Dream. He also has an award-winning line of African American themed figurines through his company Ebony Visions.

Dudash was born in Mankato, Minnesota and then attended the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. He then spent the next twenty-five years of his career as a successful illustrator with clients such as Random House, Warner Brothers, NBC and Nike. Dudash’s career in Western art includes being exhibited at all the major western art museums, solo shows at significant galleries and numerous awards and accolades.

“I have always been interested in well-executed and beautifully designed oil paintings, no matter what the venue, style or label,” says Dudash. “The challenge for me as a painter is to take the subject of the old Western frontier and create works of art that are moving, beautiful, timeless and universal in their appeal.”

IMAGE: Thomas Blackshear • Hood Ornament • Oil • 28 x 19.5"

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