For the fourth episode of the Ranchlands Podcast, Duke III and Ed Roberson headed up to Denver to meet with our friend and renowned artist Duke Beardsley.
Beardsley is a sixth-generation Coloradan who grew up splitting time between Denver and his family’s eastern Colorado cattle ranch. For as long as he can remember, Duke has been drawing and painting scenes from the American West–ranchers, horsemen, anglers, plants, landscapes, and more. And over his career as an artist, he’s developed a one-of-kind approach to art that captures the west in a contemporary style that is completely his own.
Beardsley has been a fixture in our community for many years. His unique brand of western art appears all over our ranches– from the walls of the Chico Basin headquarters to the huge door of our Quonset. And perhaps more importantly, he’s been a trusted friend, collaborator, and mentor to many different generations of the Ranchlands team– especially Duke and Duke.
Those who call Beardsley a friend know that he brings optimism, humor, and creative energy to every interaction and relationship. So we’re thrilled to bring you this conversation that highlights his connection with our community, his deep friendship with the Phillips family, and his fascinating approach to art and creativity.
Duke Beardsley has been drawing and painting the American west for as long as he can remember. Raised both in Denver, and on a 1000 acre cattle ranch in eastern Colorado, Duke's "duel/dual" upbringing is the foundation for his unique blend of traditional western iconography and contemporary art sensibilities. An unapologetic fan of all "things cowboy" Duke spends much time on horseback, joining his many friends and family on some of the greatest ranches of the West. Duke rides with crews to participate, observe and document todays working cowboys and cowgirls in their element. Formally trained at The Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Duke now lives and works with his wife and two daughters in Denver.
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