Capturing the Beauty of Nature : The Wildlife Artistry of Ammon Tenney

Ammon Tenney is not just a wildlife artist; he is a storyteller who uses oil paints to convey narratives of the natural landscape. With a strong passion for wildlife and the outdoors, Ammon's work goes beyond simple representation. He captures the essence and spirit of the creatures and environments he loves. His journey as an artist is fueled by a profound connection to nature, and his paintings reflect a commitment to detail and authenticity that resonates with viewers.

The Connection to Wildlife

Ammon’s artistic path is deeply rooted in his experiences in the wild. As an avid hunter and sportsman, he spends countless hours outdoors, often alone or in the company of family and friends. This time outdoors is not merely a hobby; it serves as a vital source of inspiration that shapes his artwork. Each painting is infused with emotions and stories from these experiences, allowing viewers to feel the heartbeat of nature through his brushwork.

The Artistic Process

Creating art is a labor of love for Ammon. His process begins with diligent observation and study of the subjects he paints. Whether illustrating the graceful movement of a elk or detailing a trout in water, he invests the time to grasp the attributes that make each animal unique. This dedication is evident in every painting, where each brushstroke is intentional and significant.

Ammon primarily uses oil paints, a medium that enriches his subjects with depth and texture. Utilizing a layering technique, he adds dimension to his work, fostering a sense of realism that draws viewers in. Each painting is a journey, inviting audiences to explore the beauty of the natural world by his side.

Celebrating Wildlife Through Art

Ammon's work celebrates wildlife and the untamed beauty that surrounds us. Each painting is a reminder of the importance of conservation and the critical need to protect our natural habitats. Through his art, he inspires others to value the world around them and to cultivate a deeper connection with nature.

He often depicts diverse wildlife, from majestic elk to prairie dogs, each characterized by a level of detail that breathes life into the canvas. Ammon's respect for these creatures is evident, serving as a tribute to their existence. By showcasing the beauty of wildlife, he raises awareness of the challenges they face today.

A Reflection of Wildlife Artistry

Through his art, Ammon invites us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the wonders around us. His journey as a full-time artist is just beginning, and the impact of his work will inspire future generations to cherish and protect the environment. In a world that sometimes feels disconnected from nature, Ammon Tenney's art stands as a powerful reminder of the beauty that thrives in the wild.

The Natural Mind of Jeffery Craven

We might overlook the beauty of nature when we're constantly surrounded by asphalt and buildings. However, this isn't the case for Jeffrey Craven, who resides in Rigby, Idaho, amidst the seemingly pristine landscapes of mountains, grasses, and waters.

Constantly surrounded by the stunning world divinely crafted for us, Jeffrey swiftly cultivated a profound appreciation for the tranquility and essence found in the serene nooks of nature. This peaceful setting has undoubtedly demonstrated its ability to offer him a clear vision, along with the skill and patience needed to flawlessly translate what he observes onto a canvas.

In addition to living outside the city, Jeffery has a passion for fishing, which he often indulges in, connecting him to nature's rhythms. This provides him with ample opportunity to be inspired by nature. This profound love and appreciation have been passed down through generations, particularly to his nephew, Travis Humphreys, whose art also focuses on the beauty of our God-given world. Travis and as well and his son Levi, share a deep love for fishing and ensures they get to take the time away from our hectic lives to enjoy the tranquility of the mountains.

Fishing fosters a sense of patience, essential for both painting and waiting to set the hook. The artwork he produces requires hours of skill and a strong desire to portray the profound depth of our reality. What truly sets him apart is his skill in manipulating watercolor and gouache. His paintings appear as if they were created with a very sharp pencil, which is remarkable given the difficulty of achieving such crispness with watercolor due to its higher viscosity.

It's not surprising that he has enjoyed a successful art career, given his daring choice to transition from being an illustrator at the Department of Energy in 1979 to becoming a full-time artist, a decision that has truly paid off. Over the past 45 years, he has received numerous honors and medals in the art world, with his first award coming in 1979, the year he began, and his latest in 2014 when he submitted an impressive 660 paintings.

We are truly privileged to feature Jefferey Craven and his extraordinary legacy in our gallery. Our visitors are continually impressed by the quality and craftsmanship of his work and are often astonished to discover that he uses watercolor, a medium known for its unpredictability and difficulty. We are thankful to have him as a member of our family and of our business at Gold River Gallery and are thrilled to witness his legacy expanding globally through his exceptional artistry.

-Olivia Ishihara, daughter of Travis Humphreys.

Timeless Art

Looking at a photograph of cherished memories often rekindles the emotions we experienced at that time. Photographs offer a brief journey back to those moments, but we quickly return to reality. While photographs are special and easily captured—especially since most of us always have a camera in our pockets—this convenience has led to countless trivial photos that we rarely revisit.

When we dedicate time and effort to something, we value it more because we've invested our energy into its creation. This is how artists feel about their masterpieces, having infused each piece with energy, time, and love. Artists strive to accurately capture moments in time, with every brush stroke contributing to the process. They possess unique qualities such as remarkable patience and vision, unlike many of us who simply snap a quick photo and move on without daring to create ourselves. Creation takes a certain energy that not all of us possess.

In terms of energy, by focusing on the details of the artwork on our walls, we can start to sense the artists' pain, sadness, happiness, frustration, humor, appreciation, joy, and more. Artists pour their hearts and souls into their creations and take pride in their creations. When art adorns our walls, it has the ability to evoke a powerful feeling that resonates with us throughout our lives. Even better, artwork is passed down to our children and grandchildren, becoming an heirloom like a grandmother's wedding ring. Art is among the most special possessions we can bequeath to our children, as it tells a story and enhances their homes. More importantly, it reminds us of our families and the experiences throughout their life.

Art accompanies us during significant moments like bringing our first child home, the first day of school, a new job, or loss of a loved one, offering a moment of stillness in our chaotic, ever-changing world. While time machines may not exist, I've witnessed how my family's paintings have traveled through time without aging a day. And while our experiences are ever changing, the art we choose is timeless, and offers us a moment to travel through time.

Once Upon a Time - Jeffrey Craven