It was a beautiful morning… perfect, really. Following the blustery, rainy, COVID-themed Quickdraw of 2020 — this year’s iteration was a win before any paint hit the canvas.

My 4th Quickdraw at the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival began with a 25% completed canvas, five mixed palettes, and a guy named Creighton riding shotgun.

We all want it now… so let’s begin with the beautiful video Creighton Stevenson created. It captures the mood, tempo, location and excitement of the moment perfectly.

Ansel Adams. Famous photographer. Above… you see his incredible capture, entitled, “Snake River Overlook”, taken in 1942 — two years after a big moment for New York Rangers Fans. It served as my composition for this years work.

The guardians of Quickdraw, The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce, outlined a new rule for 2021 — artist’s could arrive with their work 25% completed. So I kicked things off with a warm under painting (for once, right?)

Next, I began working in some gradients, showcasing varying amounts of Mars Black and Titanium White. Then… some drawing… and it felt like 25%. So, I emailed the Chamber for confirmation… and, my quarter-piece was approved.

A reporter once asked Jackson Pollock, “How do you know when a painting is done?”

He replied — “How do you know when you’re done making love?”

Anyone care to guess when you’re 25% through a love-making session?

When the bull horn sounds in Jackson Hole’s Town Square… all 30 artist’s have 90-minutes to bang out that remaining 75%.

Writer and Photographer Jenn Rein stopped by to capture the action. Here, you can see Creighton documenting strokes. Does the name Jenn Rein sound familiar? She penned this beauty about yours truly in Artist’s Magazine.

Another 🔥 snap captured by Jenn… the light, temperature, crowds… everything was absolutely perfect. Quickdraw’s are a catalyst for fear and loathing. The possibility of creating a monster in front of hundreds of people looms heavy — with the knowledge, the result will be auctioned for real dollars immediately after.

The shrapnel from 90 minutes of paint-flying action. I created segmented print-outs of the composition with color swatches, to help me dictate the correct shadows and highlights. With a timer running, every second counts.

And just like that… ‘Borbay a’ la Ansel”, an 30″X40″, Acrylic on Belgian Linen work had been completed. Here I am, smiling with my arms crossed to make myself look thinner. But wait! An auctioneer has announced the bidding will begin momentarily.

Facing myriad challenges in 2020, The Chamber instituted a brilliant online bidding add-on to Quickdraw. And so, this painting entered the live auction with an opening salve of $4000. After a brief introduction, the auctioneer was off… working the room back-and-forth. When all was said and done, my work was gaveled down at $11,750 — the second highest lot of the day.

Here is a major thank you to The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce, Riley Frances Harris, Britney Magleby and all of the wonderful volunteers for putting on yet another dazzling Quickdraw. Creighton, I loved spending this crazy day with you. Jenn, really appreciate your photos and your presence. Thank you to all of the bidders, Patricia, my friends, collectors, acquaintances and folks I’ve never met for joining me during this creation process.

Finally, I thank Jon and Audrey Wilson for winning this painting — love you guys!