Daily Inspiration: Meet Dave Kennedy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dave Kennedy.

Hi Dave, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
A 4th generation Colorado native son, Dave was born in Greeley into a family of ranchers, farmers, prairie preachers and teachers. He has been around western ranches and the southwest art culture all his life. As an artist, his curated niche has become “dynamic skies and broad horizons of the New American West”. Dave’s work has been exhibited at Western Fine Art shows in Cheyenne, Greeley, Salina’s CA,, Denver and Albuquerque.

Dave worked professionally as a commissioned muralist in New Mexico, the Vail Valley and Metro Denver. His mixed media work has been featured in several publications including Good Housekeeping Magazine, the Albuquerque Journal (Lifestyle feature), the cover of Aspen Magazine and the NM Lifestyle Magazine. At age 14 Dave’s first statewide art competition 1st place award was presented to him in person by then California Governor Ronald Regan.

The American West has been Dave’s home all his life. He has worked in western rodeo towns including Greeley, Salina’s/Monterey CA,, Phoenix/Scottsdale and Denver. As an architect and resort hotel executive Dave’s “cowboy” had been suppressed for years. A decade ago Dave did not have to dig too deep to revive his western artist/cowboy. His joy, passion and energized work ethic is reflected in his paintings. Following two consecutive years of SOLD OUT success Dave’s 2025 collection debuted at Denver’s D’art Gallery last April and sold out at this summer’s Crested Butte Fine Art Show.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
After a 42 year career with Marriott Hotels and Resorts starting from scratch as a full time, professional artist had its challenges. As a self taught painter 10 years ago I struggled to find my “niche”, my place in the art sales marketplace.

After 3 years of relying on friends and family for encouragement I had my “do or die” moment at the Edward’s Fine Art Show. I asked for professional help to re-set my art. The key component was to stop doing what I was doing (landscapes and Architecture) and find something other painters have difficulty doing and make it my unique BRAND. Thus was born “Dynamic Skies and Broad Horizons”. KBCO radio in Boulder identified me as “the local Cloud Painter”.

Like any successful endeavor, lots of practice, study and trial & error, was invested to find my comfort zone and confidence. At that point my 40+ years of corporate sales and marketing kicked in. It has been a “lights out” success ever since. Very few artists follow a sold out year with a revised business plan, a marketing plan, sales goals, a production schedule and a logistics study. My 2026 collection will debut this year at the D’art Gallery in Denver April 11th.

When I started this journey 10 years ago I proclaimed that I painted for a living. That identity has now changed to . . . .I paint for the love of my craft. I sell art for a living.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
What separates me from other professional artists.

First, I have a passion for sharing my experiences and mentoring other artists who may find themselves on the same journey as I. As the owner of Wilderness Art Studios & Gallery in Boulder I have found myself in a leadership role and influencer in the Boulder Art community. Our nonprofit business is home to 28 local artists and the Boulder Art Association. Our board’s mission is to provide reasonable priced, quality art studio space to local artists. Here, I have found the opportunity to provide encouragement, collaboration and inspiration to others.

Secondly, my business savvy and market analysis skills underline my success. I can’t teach anyone how to paint, but I can coach them on how to sell their art. My consulting side of my business is . . . “The Art of Selling My Art”. My new Colorado license plates are SEL-ART.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Every successful endeavor has a variable component of risk. Creating art full time all winter and taking $100k of paintings to the summer art markets on speculation that it will sell is high risk. The related fear is moderated with self confidence, trust that you did your homework and an extraordinary amount of positive thinking. I don’t think of myself as a risk taker. I just don’t even think about the risk.

As I am typing this, I was just moments ago introduced to a visiting artist to my studio. She proclaimed her love for dynamic skies and clouds while inquiring why I chose to paint them. My honest answer was that my understanding of the market is that she is not alone in her appreciation of my subject matter. Most every one can relate to experiencing our big skies and stunning cloud formations. People buy art because they can relate to it . . . . not because the artist loves it. It is a low risk proposition for me as I only paint what I know will sell.

Pricing:

• How do you price your artwork is the most frequently asked questions I get from other artists.
• Pricing has to be driven by your targeted demographic.
• Summer weekend art festivals in the front range art market are rich with 30-something, urban, two income couples shopping for grown-up art for their newly renovated starter home.
• These price range for these young couples is $2,500 to $4,000.
• Out of the 10,000 visitors to a weekend show willing to pay over $10k for a painting may number less than ten people. I’d rather sell 6 paintings at $2k than one at $10k. (Less risk)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://KennedyStudioArt.com