Profile: Western painter Douglas Wodark at Beaver Creek
BEAVER CREEK — Clad in a cowboy hat and homemade leather apron marked by the patina of years in the sun and streaks of vibrant oils, you are sure to find Western artist Douglas Wodark continuing to create new paintings even while at the Beaver Creek Art Festival this weekend.
The summer art show has always been one of this Colorado native’s favorite venues to exhibit his work, due to the caliber of artists and good friends he has made through the years.
Wodark’s passion for art was once afforded only the time of a treasured hobby. After he took a one-year sabbatical to travel the world in 1988, he returned with the conviction to live life fully by doing what he really loved, creating art as a career. With the support of his wife, Heidi, he has now spent more than two decades doing just that, and living the dream.
When asked about his work, he said, “Cowboys and Indians fascinated me as a little boy, and I guess I haven’t grown up that much as they still do. The raw beauty of a Western landscape and those that have called it home give me all the challenge I need to tell a story with paint.”
Wodark’s paintings speak strongly for themselves. His body of work centers on riders placed in traditional Western landscapes shot through with unexpected light and color. An often-haunting soulfulness abides in his work along with a moving sense of peace. His work is undeniably powerful, immediately impacting the viewer.
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“It is my goal to create beauty in my paintings. I love to use bright, vibrant colors to create a strong contrast of light and shadow. My paintings attempt to capture an exact moment in time, so the viewer feels as though he were present in the scene,” he said.
DISCUSSING ART
While his work may sometimes capture images with a more serious tone, Wodark is known for his humor. He enjoys meeting potential collectors and art enthusiasts who stop at his booth and welcomes the opportunity to discuss his art. He will be riding the range in his truck this summer, a respectable upgrade from his former mount, a minivan. Just look for the cowboy with the ready smile and brush in hand.
Wodark currently lives in Castle Rock with his wife and two children. His work can be found at various galleries throughout the Southwest. To explore his work or learn more about this interesting artist, go to http://www.douglaswodark.com.
The 28th annual Beaver Creek Art Festival runs Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at Beaver Creek Village. For additional information on the festival, visit http://www.artfestival.com or call 561-746-6615.
