Bio

Cole Shelton, a contemporary western fine artist based in Tyler, TX, centers his artistic pursuits primarily around oil painting. His work focuses on facing the hardships and struggles of life and encourages his audience to pursue the benevolent in the face of adversity and finding purpose in the present while having hope for the future. The rich history of the American West serves as the perfect stage for the ideas Cole wants to convey in his work. Ideas of perseverance through trials and tribulation, having grit and determination, holding on to hope for a better future, and keeping your faith when things get tough.

Drawing on personal experiences, his work depicts his own moments of hardship. Cole bares his vulnerability on canvas, inviting his audience to connect with the shared human experience of overcoming struggles, to encourage and uplift. The scenery in his artwork emphasizes these ideas and themes by creating a moody atmosphere at night or a fog covered landscape or harsh environments as a way to represent hardships or struggles. His figures are usually obscured in the shadows or have their backs turned to help the viewer place themselves in the situations the work presents. Bright vivid colors and playful brush strokes contrast the harsh environments evoking a sense of hope and benevolence. Cole works as quickly as he can, spending only a day or two in totality on each painting so that each gesture of his brush marks his style and voice, creating his distinct contemporary style.

Born on June 30th, 1987, in Dallas, Texas, Cole Shelton's artistic journey began amidst a foundation of love and support from family, teachers, and peers. Despite facing personal challenges during his transition to adulthood, he achieved artistic recognition, winning first place in a juried group show in 2013. However, life took a tumultuous turn, prompting Cole to withdraw temporarily from the art scene, rebuild his life, and overcome addiction.

During this hiatus, Cole not only conquered personal struggles but also reinvented himself artistically. Living in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains from 2021 to 2023 profoundly influenced his western-themed works. Now, with a beautiful family and a renewed sense of purpose, Cole's art reflects his personal triumphs with newfound clarity.

The thread connecting Cole's art, faith, and life is tightly woven, delivering a message of purpose and hope derived from profound understanding. He hopes his work resonates with others, touching their lives as deeply as it does his own.

Looking ahead, Cole plans to delve deeper into his techniques and subject matter, promising continued expansion and experimentation in the upcoming chapters of his artistic journey. Expect more compelling narratives and innovative expressions from Cole Shelton in the years to come.

CV

Profile

A contemporary western American visual artist. Working primarily in oil paints.

Selected Exhibitions

• Mikuna Grill and Pub n Grub art showcase, Angle Fire New Mexico 2023

• Taos Art Museum at Fechin House, selected works for sale, Taos New Mexico 2022

• Taos Art Walk and Studio Tour, Taos New Mexico 2022

• Solo Show at Dillyhays, Eagle Nest New Mexico October 2022

• Keep Contemporary group show January 2021 in Santa Fe New Mexico

• Open studio, by appointment.

• “Paper Cuts” July-August 2013. Annual juried group show at Gallery M Squared in Houston TX. I was awarded first prize in the show.

• Art show happy hour and silent auction. May-June 2011. Solo exhibition of selected work at The Absinthe Lounge and Cigar Bar in Dallas TX.

• Selected work solo exhibition. 2009. Exhibition held at 24seven Enterprises in Houston TX.

• Open studio at Hardy & Nance St. Studios in Houston TX. April 2010. Selected works were shown alongside works by photographer Diana Simmonetta in her studio space.

• Halloween Music & Art Show with Funkotron, October 2009. Last Concert Café in Houston TX. Solo exhibition of selected works and a live painting demonstration during musical show.

• Single entry Garland Independent School District juried art shows. 1995-2005. Dallas TX. Awarded various awards over the years.

Commissions/ Collaborations/ Press

• 2023, commissioned oil painting by a private collector

• 2020, commissioned mixed media sculpture by a private collector.

• Flavors Presents write up Flavorscreative.com. 2017. Short article on the announcement of the collaboration between Cole Shelton Art and Flavors Creative Group clothing line.

• Limited edition Cole Shelton Art and Flavors Creative Group collaboration. Limited edition run of graphic sweaters with my artwork displayed.

• 2011, Oil on canvas commission by a private collector.

• 2010, Painting commission for use by Sojourn Church in Houston TX.

• 2009-2011, Long board graphic design and production collaborations between Cole Shelton Art and Adrenaline Factory in Houston TX.

• 2010, T-shirt graphic design and production collaboration between Cole Shelton Art and a church in Houston TX.

• 2009, Oil on canvas commission by a private collector.

• 2009, Trophy sculpture commission by Owen Oil Tools for their annual golf tournament.

• 2009, Oil on canvas commission by a private collector.

• 2008, Purchase of three mixed media paintings by a private collector.

• 2005, Two theater backdrops commissioned by Rowlett High School theater department.

• 2003, Artwork for Rowlett High School theater department pamphlet.

Bodies of work

• Second Wind: 2024-Current. Oil paintings focusing on earthly images with heavenly meaning. Western and rugged characters and compositions vailed in silhouettes and shadows capture still moments in hard times that convey stories of a hard life and the purpose and hope that defines them.

• Parables: 2022-2023. Oil paintings focusing on earthly images with heavenly meaning. Western and rugged characters and compositions vailed in silhouettes and shadows capture still moments in hard times that convey stories of a hard life and the purpose and hope that defines them.

• Hevel: 2019-current. “Ghost series”, consisting of hard edge acrylic paintings and mixed media sculptures. The pop image of the ghost and the patterns and designs keep the art playful while offering something deeper just beyond the surface.

• Creation: 2019-current. Oil and acrylic paintings and mixed media sculptures, focusing on the more abstract qualities and contemporary compositions seen in nature.

• Fall: 2012-2016. 10 completed oil paintings on canvas or oil paint paper. Done in a painterly and realist style, this dark and poetic series is modernly chiaroscuro and cinematically composed.

• Imago Dei: 2006-2011. Over 20 oil paintings and chalk pastels on a variety of surfaces. This series focuses on how the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of existence can be represented in one picture. A sort of metaphysical/physical cubism.

• Breadth: 2002-current. A wide variety of mostly private work showcasing the numerous styles, techniques, mediums, and skills I can execute.

Education/ Skills

• 2011-2020, Tool and Die maker. Proficient in manual machining techniques and part production and assembly. Many techniques learned in this vocation directly translates to the production of my artwork.

• 2010, Water transfer printing class.

• 2003-2006, Advanced art class and portfolio art class at Rowlett High School.