Even when painting with oils, artist Joe Slaughenhoupt prefers an acrylic sky.
“I just enjoy blending it,” he said. “I think acrylics go on better than a wet oil.”
Slaughenhoupt got a bit of a slow start in the world of art but found a niche when he started painting while part of an artist group in Glenwood Springs in his 20s. He’s now been dabbling with the canvas and easel off and on for 40 years.
Although he carries no art degrees, Slaughenhoupt has attended lessons and workshops with regional artists including Pat Bittle, Alan Smith, Tony Znaniecki, Carol Cooke and Velma Bartlemay.
Slaughenhoupt spent 38 years as a computer technician, painting on the side. Now he’s retired and he continues to make art part of his life. And it still has a powerful appeal to him.
“It’s just something I’ve always enjoyed,” he said. “It kind of takes your mind off the day.”
The subject of many of Slaughenhoupt’s paintings come from his own mind and what he’s seen during his life. Wildlife, still life, landscapes, rustic structures, portraits and Southwest-themed subjects are all subjects that have made their way from his brush to the canvas.
“Here in the Four Corners, aspen trees and Indian pottery sell the best,” he said.
His home gallery in Lewis features a skylight installed for natural lighting.
Slaughenhoupt sells framed copies, geclees (art digital prints) and original paintings. He does his own matting.
Slaughenhoupt’s works are currently on display at the Cortez Recreation Center, the Cortez Library, the Cortez Cultural Center, Raven House Gallery in Mancos and online at: www.southwestartistsleague.com. Paintings can also be purchased by calling Slaughenhoupt at 882-4770.
Reach Reid Wright at reidw@cortezjournal.com.