Altamira Fine Art in Jackson Hole, WY is pleased to present an exhibition of new work by Scott Yelonek July 7-21, 2026.
Please join us for the Artist Reception on Friday, July 10th from 5-7pm.
Western Exposure
“This collection leans more heavily into memories tied to the American West, especially national parks and time spent outdoors. A lot of the inspiration came from reflecting on travel, landscapes, and the experience of being connected to nature. There’s a ruggedness and sense of history in the western landscape that felt naturally aligned with these vintage cameras.” – Scott Yelonek
Scott Yelonek’s new body of work is rooted in the visual language of photography- vintage cameras, flash bulbs, film boxes, lenses- all the beautiful apparatus that once stood between the photographer and the landscape. Yelonek elevates these objects into something far more poetic and steeped in nostalgia. There is a wonderful precision to his work, yet it never falls flat- the rich colors and deep contrast draw the eye and delight the soul. The surfaces, reflections, brass fittings and glass lenses that he paints, all carry a sense of use and memory, as if each camera has already witnessed a lifetime of road trips, family stories, and adventure. “One thing I explored more deeply in this series was surface texture and material detail. I became especially interested in capturing elements like worn leather, weathered woodgrain, and aged metal finishes. Those details help reinforce ideas of time, use, and history while also grounding the work in the character of the West. I wanted the surfaces themselves to feel lived in, much like the cameras I paint.”, Yelonek says.
Some compositions strip the background away; without additional surrounding elements, focus is purely on the beauty and individuality of the cameras themselves. Others contain ‘easter eggs’; small hidden details that appear when you lean a bit closer. “As an animal lover, I sometimes incorporate tiny paw prints into the textures of the painting. I also replace serial numbers with meaningful dates and numbers connected to my family and personal memories. Those details create a stronger sense of connection for me while I’m painting and hopefully reward viewers who spend time looking closely.”, says the artist. Western Exposure reveres the art of observation, the power of our memories and the delight of capturing a moment before it disappears.
Scott Yelonek is an award-winning artist who has exhibited widely in both oil and watercolor. He has been featured in national publications and on the cover of the March 2025 issue of American Art Collector Magazine. In 2026, Yelonek was selected as a signature member of the American Watercolor Society, one of the most prestigious and long-standing international watercolor organizations. His work continues to evolve, his versatility allowing him to explore new themes building off his foundation of fine art and graphic design.
Pre-sales are available. Contact the gallery for details, 307-739-4700/ connect@altamiraart.com.
