Rocky Hawkins Feature in Western Art & Architecture : Ghost Wolf Ranch

Rocky Hawkins, a defining force in Western contemporary art, is celebrated in the June–July 2025 issue of Western Art & Architecture with a captivating feature titled “Ghost Wolf Ranch” . The story delves into the 80-acre Montana sanctuary he shares with his wife, Kat — a dreamy homage to the Old West that doubles as his creative haven

Tucked along Montana’s Jefferson River, Ghost Wolf Ranch plays out like a reimagined ghost town: century-old cabins and barns, reclaimed granaries, and a rustic saloon — all meticulously restored and curated over 20 years. Through this lens, Rocky and Kat live within a work of art — embracing wabi‑sabi, serenity, and history woven into every weathered board.

Hawkins recently transformed an old barn into Green Door Studio 33, a space charged with natural light and creative energy. This is where his layered, gestural paintings come to life — abstract yet evocative works that straddle Western imagery and modern expression. Expect horses, riders, wagons, and flags to emerge through washes of color, each brushstroke inviting silent reflection.

The magazine also previews his upcoming show at Altamira Fine Art in Jackson Hole, Into the West: Then & Now (June 17–July 1, artist reception June 19). Inspired in part by Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a Time in the West, Hawkins recontextualizes Western archetypes—cowboys, horses, frontier towns—through bold, nontraditional palettes and layered abstraction.

Central to the WA&A feature is Rocky’s philosophy: he doesn’t recreate reality — he channels its essence. Through dynamic gestures, hidden imagery, and unexpected color interplay, he crafts emotional portals, not literal scenes. As he notes, “I never duplicate reality… I find the mysterious to be so much more interesting”.

This article offers a rare glimpse into how an artist can infuse life, art, and landscape into one evolving canvas. Rocky Hawkins and Kat blur living and making, history and imagination — turning Ghost Wolf Ranch into a symphony of heritage and creativity. It’s a compelling invitation to experience his studio, his ranch, and his heart.

Want to see Rocky’s work in person?

Visit Into the West: Then & Now at Altamira Fine Art in Jackson Hole — June 17 to July 1, with an opening reception June 19 (5–7 pm). Contact Altamira to inquire.