Meet Nicole Gaitan
Nicole Gaitan is a distinguished contemporary wildlife artist based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, whose work is defined by its electric energy and "whimsical reverence" for the natural world. With a degree in the History of Art and Visual Culture from the University of California, Santa Cruz, Nicole has spent over a decade developing a signature style that utilizes bold color palettes and "soulful eyes" to bring the creatures of the West to life. Her technique is both captivating and subversive—often creating her outlines by squeezing paint directly from the bottle to create dynamic, vibrant subjects that "vibrate with life."
Nicole’s professional resume is as expansive as her canvases. She has been a featured artist at the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival and has been invited to the prestigious Western Visions at the National Museum of Wildlife Art. Her work is held in permanent public and private collections across the globe, including a significant installation for the Orvis Company in Jackson Hole and a permanent display in the Jenny Lake Visitor Center within Grand Teton National Park.
A favorite of serious collectors, Nicole is represented by premier galleries across the country, including Gallery Wild (Jackson Hole), Pando Fine Art (Park City), Paderewski Fine Art (Vail/Beaver Creek), and Adelman Fine Art (San Diego). Her work has been featured in major publications like Western Art Collector and Art of the West, cementing her status as a leading voice in modern Western art.
As a Karma Ranch Founding Artist, Nicole brings an "adventure-inspired" spirit to our mission. Her belief that animals possess a unique "healing energy" perfectly aligns with our 250-acre vision. Through her collaboration with the sanctuary, Nicole helps us celebrate the majesty and resilience of the herd, ensuring their stories are told with the brilliance and joy they deserve.
"I really like to give the creatures in my paintings soulful eyes. I think the eyes tell a lot about the artist and give the patron a piece of me."
-Nicole Gaitan
A Vision of Vibrancy
We are thrilled to announce that Founding Artist Nicole Gaitan is currently crafting an original work exclusively for our March 17th Kickstarter launch. Known for her grand scale and "mammoth dimensions," Nicole is creating a piece that captures the powerful, healing spirit of the Karma Ranch residents. This exclusive artwork will be offered as a premier reward for our Founding Stewards, representing a rare opportunity to own a work from an artist whose pieces are housed in the permanent collections of our National Parks. By securing this artwork, you are directly funding the vital infrastructure of our 250-acre Montana sanctuary and helping us provide a permanent legacy for the herd. Mark your calendars for March 17th—this is your chance to bring Nicole’s "soulful eyes" and vibrant energy into your space while building a home for those who need it most.
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