Walk into David Cook Fine Art, 1637 Wazee St., anytime, and there is sure to be a good selection of quality historical works from Colorado and the surrounding region on view.
But each year, the gallery saves its best acquisitions for a more structured presentation, straightforwardly titled “Colorado & the West.”
The 11th edition of this always-anticipated exhibition contains about 100 paintings, drawings, original prints and, in something of a departure, two photographs.
Along with the expected works, by such well-known artists as Charles Partridge Adams and Birger Sandzen, are several surprises and oddities, like Angelo di Benedetto’s “Untitled” (1947), a hermetic, peculiarly stylized portrait of probably a brother and sister.
Among the strongest offerings is famed Santa Fe painter Fremont Ellis’ “Old Ranch House (Rancho de San Sebastian)” (about 1930), a handsome Southwestern landscape with vibrant colors and brushwork.
Other highlights include Vance Kirkland’s dreamy skyscape, “Colorado Clouds” (1941); Howard Behling Schleeter’s cubist landscape, “Modulation of Darkness” (1944); and four familiar lithographs by Thomas Hart Benton.
The show runs through July 31. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free. Tuesdays through Saturdays. 303-623-8181 or . Kyle MacMillan
