Beneath the El 1

Denver-based artist Jim Beckner creates vibrant urban landscapes that pulse with city life. His use of clean, jewel-like pigments and energetic brushwork reflects the rhythms of bustling streets and city lights. He employs color and movement as his principal driving forces, replacing form and outline, a unique style rooted in his time at Colorado State University. Born and raised in Lakewood, CO, art was integral to Beckner's family. His father, a watercolor artist, was instrumental in nurturing his creative inclinations from a young age. Beckner's deep connection to the city was fueled by family trips into downtown Denver, fostering an appreciation for its edginess. His artistic journey has seen various styles from post-Impressionism to fauvism, all of which heavily rely on a robust color palette. His works often dance on the boundary of abstraction, distilling forms into bold blocks of color. This stylistic fluidity reveals a dynamic artist, capable of varying moods and rhythms within his work, akin to an album of different songs by the same musician. Beyond his urban scenes, Beckner also explores human figures as subjects, employing color harmonies while maintaining a sense of realism. He imbues his paintings with emotional quality, making his canvases come alive with city sights and sounds. Beckner works from his Colorado home studio, and his pieces, inspired by diverse city life and personal relationships, continue to captivate audiences, reflecting his unwavering commitment to innovative visual expression.