2022 began with a trip to Circa Resort & Casino to create this 30″X40″ painting of Vegas Vickie, on-location. In collaboration with Circa — we used this work as the cornerstone for a pioneering series of NFT’s, with suite (ha) utility. Word on The Street? This is big news.

Our project was featured on Fox, NBC, CBS, the Las Vegas Review Journal and scores of other outlets.

The Vegas Vickie project gave birth to NFToftheART, a new company I created in collaboration with Conor McClintock and Piers Rollinson. It has been amazing working with them. Of course, none of this would have happened without the fabulous Jeff Victor… Vice President at Circa, innovator, savior of Vegas Vickie and great friend. This marked my first of four trips to Vegas in 2022… I know… tough work, but somebody’s gotta do it.

In short order I found myself back at my home-away-from-home to live-paint White Dogwood during The Masters at Stadium Swim. Completing Amen Corner — this was the third work in my new 18-year-series. This baby found a new home courtesy of the Hughes family — great friends, golf partners and shuffleboard rivals.

How is this for a studio? It was a dream to paint and watch The Masters at Circa! Here, I refined the art of jumping in the pool every ten or so strokes to stay cool.

I’m sure we can all agree — 2021 was a bit of an ish-show. For the first time in my career, my I found my commission schedule backed-up. So, it was a tremendous pleasure to get back in the saddle, and catch-up. The first? A portrait series of my good friends — The Stephens family.

Another major milestone? I opened Borbay Studios & Gallery in downtown Victor, Idaho. One year ago, while chatting with Erin about 2022 resolutions… she said, “you should open a gallery this year.” Well, if you know Erin, whatever she manifests swiftly becomes reality. This new space has been a game changer.

While I finished this portrait of Shane Fleming in late 2021, it didn’t get posted until 2022. Shane and Lorre are fantastic people, great golfers and wonderful friends — it was a pleasure collaborating!

Yours truly, Erin, the Flemings and the Grimmelmann’s met-up in Arizona for a very special wedding… stoked to share this day with you, Bonny and Scott. And before you ask — yes, I did get Bride approval on the outfit in advance.

Up next? The Neon Cowboy rides again! This time, in Scottsdale, Arizona amid neon cacti. This piece was commissioned by Tor and Tricia — wonderful friends we met through the golf circuit. The Saile’s flew me out for a recon mission… we got to play golf, take photos, and sample some amazing local cuisine.

Bonus? I finished this work in Scottsdale, and we celebrated over a steak dinner. Turns out our family has become fans of that big yellow thing in the sky, I’m told is the ‘sun’.

This 36″X48″ painting of Shibuya Crossing was another scheduling casualty of 2021. But, after many, many hours and paint strokes — we finally got there, and this bad boy is currently hanging safely in Canada — thank you for the commission you guys.

Who, me? Vegas? That’s right! Circa hosted an amazing Vegas Vickie NFT Summer Bash… here is some of the crew alongside Mr. Derek Stevens — owner of Circa, The Golden Gate and The D. A total legend, amazing to work with, and a true man of the people.

If you’ve followed me over the past, oh, 14 years… you know all about my 20-year-Guggenheim series. Well, believe it or not… with the “Panton Guggenheim” completion — I only have six years remaining until this body of work is complete.

Added flair? The Guggenheim featured this year’s painting across their social media platforms.

Once again, I found myself in Jackson Hole Town Square for the Fall Arts Festival. I’m pleased to report this 24″X36″ 90-minute painting based on a photo by Bradley Boner, marked a QuickDraw record for yours truly, gaveling down at $14,000. Thank you Zach and Courtney for keeping my last two QuickDraw’s in the Wilson Universe.

Feeling the live-painting vibe… I spent a day painting at Moose Creek Ranch for a Dishing Jackson Hole photoshoot.

Beyond doing a painting, I was tasked to bring models… fortunately, Ray, Sheelagh and Erin were available.

When good friend and collector Neal Stobaugh asked me to join a new Skijoring board, I immediately said yes, and then asked, “what is skijoring?” Turns out, Skijoring is awesome, and we have a major event coming to Teton Valley in January! This year, we hosted a 90-hole-in-one-day golf event… it will happen again in 2023 on the Summer Solstice… hope you can join us!

We love being members at the Bronze Buffalo Ranch. As a thank you to Justin and Cody Hyde, I collaborated with Lexi and Jenny to create this painting of the gents on their trusty steeds, soaking in God’s handiwork. If you’d like to see it in-person, head on over to The Grille, grab a cocktail and a steak.

Another major piece was signed in 2022 — this 48″X60″ collage-painting of Dr. J (proper recap coming in 2023). The Good Doctor was years in the making, in collaboration with collector, friend and mentor — Robert Oringer. The background showcases original 1970’s New York Posts… and the headlines explore the incredible history of the ABA.

During my final trip to Vegas in 2022 — I got to catch up with Robert, his son Justin, and Robert’s college crew; I also got to golf with Ben, Jessica and Rock Pyle… epic!

My final completed work in 2022? American Gothic Neon… a new take on an American Classic. It was a pleasure working with Matt and Julie Faupel on this piece — thank you! I found it so inspiring, Gothic has ushered in a new series. Up next? Neon Mona Lisa… stand by for updates.

While I didn’t participate in The Christmas Carol this year… I did start a daily weather report; emcee the 4th of July Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting; auctioneered our member guest calcutta; and reprised my role as Mother Ginger in The Nutcracker. I even added a turn as The Mouse King…. and I can safely say — I’ll never forget doing the ballet with my Coraline.

It was a fantastic year on the links at The Bronze Buffalo Ranch and beyond. I had the pleasure of partnering with Seth at our Member Guest tournament. Jon Wilson was kind enough to invite me to Member Guest at Tributary. In both… we narrowly missed the shootout, but had a BLAST! And, I’m pleased to report… thanks to a late season heater, I broke 80 for the first time, shooting 79 on my home course. That said, I’m still known as Dr. Shanks.

So many people made 2022 special, including this cherished group of friends.

I want to thank my universe — Erin, Coraline, Vega and Esser. Love you all so much — I’m so grateful to share this life with you.

To all of my friends, family and collectors — I thank you for your friendship, support and evangelism. I don’t exist without you, and am forever grateful 🙏🏻