Altamira Fine Art in Scottsdale, AZ is pleased to present an exhibition of new work by Duke Beardsley March 10-21, 2026.
Please join us for the Artist Reception on Thursday, March 12th from 6-8pm.
CARRYING FIRE: Fearless Optimism From The Lost Trail To Nowhere
“I love the visuals I get from the term 'Carrying Fire'. Primal, ancient, vital, essential fire. I also love the idea of fearless positivity! I heard a friend use that term once and it has stuck with me ever since. It takes courage to be positive. Positivity, like a true art life, takes determination. It takes courage. It takes resilience. It’s not easy. To hell with easy!” -Duke Beardsley
Duke Beardsley’s latest installment from the "Lost Trail To Nowhere" is all about strength and positivity. “The world could use a little of both, no? I sure could. In fact, I need and use both every day to separate from the noise, anguish and exhaustion of the everyday. And if you want to always have strength and positivity with you, you better learn to carry the fire.”, the artist says. Beardsley’s artistic process has always been one of spontaneity, determination and staying in tune with what life is offering up in the given moment. His inspiration coming from every aspect of life, the good and the bad. “Just keep painting. Don’t think. Paint. React. Create. Stoke the fire. Repeat. Don’t be at peace with doubt. And when doubt does come, silence the noise and get back to work.”, Beardsley asserts.
Known for his modern depictions of the horse and rider, his signature style reflects who he is – a sixth generation Coloradan, whose western roots run deep. Splitting his time between Denver and his family’s cattle ranch in eastern Colorado, he has been drawing and painting images of the American West most of his life. The relationship between horse and rider is one that he explores both on and off the canvas. “What’s so special is the communication between the two; it’s physical, it’s intellectual, it’s spiritual. Horses are amazing creatures. They tolerate us even though they don’t have to. And in that tolerance, there exists the opportunity to connect. To bond. To trust. And it’s mostly up to us to make it work. And it’s almost always on us when it fails. But when it does work, it’s like a drawing. Magic.” Transcending subject matter, it's the magic of Duke's work that makes him a consistent favorite among collectors across genres.
Duke Beardsley was born in Denver, Colorado and studied at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. His work has been featured in notable exhibitions across the country such as the Coors Western Art Exhibit and Sale, the Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale, The Russell: The Sale to Benefit the C.M. Russell Museum, and the Colorado Governor's Invitational Art Show & Sale. Beardsley’s work can be found in noteworthy collections around the world, including the Forbes Collection, Denver Art Museum, Booth Museum of Western Art, and the State of Colorado.
Pre-sales are available. Contact the gallery for details, 480-949-1256/ az@altamiraart.com.
More images added soon....
