Teresa Garland Warner’s "Landscapes of the American West," continues proud tradition, offering a deeply personal celebration of the natural world and a reminder of the enduring connection between art and conservation.
The American West has captivated generations with its sweeping horizons, rugged mountains, and luminous skies. For centuries, it has inspired artists to preserve its beauty through their craft, blending awe and artistry into a tribute to the land.
The Artist’s Inspiration: Awe and Reverence
Warner’s work is rooted in her profound admiration for the landscapes of the American West. "This collection is a celebration of God’s amazing creation," she explains. Her paintings showcase the expanse, light, and intricate rock formations that make this region so extraordinary. Many of her scenes are drawn from national parks, where she finds endless inspiration in the interplay of natural elements and the serenity they evoke.
“Artists like Thomas Moran were pivotal in inspiring the creation of national parks,” Warner notes. “Their works sparked a movement to protect these places for generations to come.” In this spirit, her art pays homage to the early artist-conservationists who used their talent to bring the West’s majesty to public attention, spurring its preservation.
Painting the Land: A Plein Air Experience
For Warner, painting is as much about the process as it is about the final result. She often paints en plein air, immersing herself in the landscapes she loves. “There’s a delight for the senses in painting outdoors,” she says. “You see so much, it can be overwhelming. But it’s a gift to experience these places and try to capture them in paint.”
This approach allows her to connect deeply with the land, distilling its complexities into compositions that convey its essence. “It’s hard to put into words why I choose a particular spot. As the saying goes, ‘I know it when I see it.’” Even when the final painting doesn’t fully match her vision, she treasures the learning experience and the privilege of painting in such remarkable settings.
Highlights of the Collection
Warner’s collection is a testament to her deep connection with specific places and moments.
- Entrance to Many Glacier and its plein air counterpart are personal favorites, showcasing a classic view she has admired for years.
- Last Light captures the magical evening glow that transforms the landscape, emphasizing the fleeting beauty of dusk.
- Bryce Canyon Overlook and Dead Horse Point II highlight her fascination with expansive, rugged terrains that stretch into infinity.
- Red Rocks Lakes celebrates a sanctuary for Trumpeter Swans, reflecting both the natural beauty of the refuge and the resilience of the species it helped save from extinction.
- Swiftcurrent Creek, Glacier, Evening offers a raw, immediate connection to the landscape, capturing its energy and light en plein air.
Each piece invites viewers to share Warner’s reverence for the land, transporting them to places where peace and inspiration reside.
Art as a Resting Place for the Soul
Warner’s paintings have been described as providing “an emotional resting place for the soul.” This is a sentiment she holds dear. “If my work can give people a sense of peace, I’m truly delighted,” she says. Her art invites us to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the natural world, offering a sanctuary in an often hectic and noisy world.
A Call to Reflection and Stewardship
Landscapes of the American West is more than an art exhibition—it’s a celebration of the connection between creativity and conservation. Warner’s work reminds us of the timeless beauty of the land and the artists who have fought to preserve it. Just as Moran and Bierstadt inspired the creation of the National Park System, Warner hopes her paintings will encourage viewers to appreciate and protect the natural wonders we are privileged to enjoy.
Join Us for This Special Exhibition
Cassens Fine Art invites you to experience Landscapes of the American West by Teresa Garland Warner, a collection that bridges past and present, art and stewardship.
Artist Reception: Friday, January 3rd, 5–7 PM
Join us to meet the artist, explore her stunning work, and reflect on the vital role of art in preserving the beauty of the American landscape.
Through her art, Warner continues a tradition of reverence, inspiration, and advocacy, celebrating the extraordinary landscapes of the West while reminding us of our responsibility to protect them.
We look forward to welcoming you to this inspiring event.