Afton is a wildlife and western artist, painting primarily in acrylic on hand textured wood surfaces but sometimes returning to old favorites of watercolor and painted glass. Also a professional picture framer, she has the artist’s eye to tie the whole piece together.
She was born in Williston, North Dakota and grew up just across the state line in Sidney, Montana. Montana and the “MonDak” region inspire her with rich and earthy colors and wild and serene subjects.
Her parents and grandparents greatly nurtured her art interests with projects and classes. Attending western art shows from an early age, working in her mother’s gift and décor store, and also in a western art and framing gallery starting as a teen were invaluable experiences. With a love for the badlands, Afton studied art on a full scholarship to Dawson Community College nestled along Makoshika State Park. In 2006, she opened her studio, Bold West Art, offering fine art and custom framing. A favorite award was received in 2013 when George Strait chose her artwork for a promotional poster design. In the Summer of 2022, she completed a massive outdoor wildflower and barbed wire mural in downtown Sidney.
Afton spends ample time in the outdoors hiking, hunting, and fishing with her husband and daughter and has a deep love and gratitude for nature and that lifestyle.
Statement
Artist Statement
Hailing from Montana along the badlands and Yellowstone River, I am especially drawn to the rugged and wild subjects of the West.
I'm passionate about how my paintings feel in respect to my adventures in nature. While aiming for a joyful feeling, I hope you may also share in the wonder and thrill of the outdoors!
My artwork is bold and stylish, yet rustic and grounded. With experience in interior design, I have developed a textured "mud" base to integrate an earthy dimension. Painting in acrylic or watercolor allows me to add a water element with fluid style and translucent layers.
As an avid outdoorsman, I spend a lot of time on the water and in the field with my family. Much of my inspiration flows from this as I have a deep love and gratitude for the lifestyle and the wild, western animals.
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