When I was commissioned by Matt and Allison to create a Jackson Hole-inspired painting, they wanted me to experience things for myself, so it was wheels up, next stop Wyoming.

Before I arrived, Matt had the idea of painting the famous Mormon Row Barn with a twist… adding the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar‘s neon signs… this turned out to be a winner. And now, on to how this Futurist work was created.

The rule of thirds will abide — just like The Dude.

Warm under-painting — preliminary drawing.

For those curious about where my light-beams and compositional divisions come from… I’ve included my working draft.

It’s been a long time since I’ve painted mountains, and it feels so good.

The Tetons, divided into planes of night, twilight and daytime.

An ill-fated swirly, twirly sky and the pink light beam… beginning to establish the picture.

The roof of the barn is quite textural — this called for numerous tones and subtle impasto brush work.

After painting in the green foreground for context, I spent nearly the entire day repainting the sky only to realize I was completely wrong.

And so, here comes the orange side-beams, and the front door, ajar.

The painting, here, found balance, and it was at this juncture I knew where I was, and where I was going.

The temptation to paint-in the signs early on to build confidence is strong. However, I know the wait is important, so I pushed onward, drawing in the fence and balancing tones throughout.

Oh sweet, sweet catharsis. Neon signs. How I love thee. At this stage, all that remained was the barn slats, and a greening of the foreground — a fabulous idea shared by not only Matt and Allison, but Erin, my consigliere.

If the Mormon Row Barn and the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar had a baby… boom. Done. Here’s a major thank you to Matt and Allison for the commission and a wonderful visit to Jackson Hole. Now, without further adieu, some vacation snaps from the Tetons.

Welcome to Jackson Hole — here are some moose.

Matt and the Tetons (they are old pals).

A photo of me taking a photo of myself.

Snake River Brewing Company… great place to grab a beer. Don’t forget to take yourself quite seriously.

Sometimes, you  need more time to finish that beer, and the Mangy Moose is happy to provide a roadie.

That green light is something out of a Stephen King novel.

Matt and Allison making an Erik sandwich of love.

Hot white sun showing many treads… Matt took me snow mobiling.

Some people have the bow of a ship… I had a piece of strong machinery.

My hands are up most of the time… fitting, for moments after this photograph, I got cocky, revved my machine up to 52mph, neglected to notice a 90 degree turn, hit a snowbank and flew 20 feet into a snowdrift. My ego was fine after a few beers.

Matt doing a Captain Morgan’s ad.

Charlie, posing for a slice of pure Americana.

Here, in the Cowboy Bar, Matt won 3 straight games of pool against yours truly.

“I still know what you did last summer.”

O’Keeferiffic.

I can’t bear to leave Jackson Hole.

Saddle up partner.

Fun fact — I am the first person to have their photo taken under this archway.