Albin Veselka
Featured in 2009
High Desert Ride, oil, 30 x 24.
Surprised Rattler, oil, 30 x 40.
When we asked Albin Veselka what career milestone made him the proudest, since he appeared in the “21 Under 31” story, he had a ready response. “It happened last November when I was inducted into the Cowboy Artists of America,” Veselka says. “They are such a great group of guys and great artists to associate with. I am so honored to be a member.”
Veselka, who calls Idaho home, was 30 years old in 2009 when he was spotlighted in the magazine’s annual feature. The artist says being named “a rising star” in a national magazine resulted in a unique, one-time-only experience. “It may be the one magazine appearance I’ve made where I heard about it from people interested in my work,” Veselka says. “More than that the story was a confidence boost. It seemed like a measuring stick for me that my career was headed in the direction I wanted it to.”
Today, Veselka says his style is a continuation of his work in 2009, but with more layering and glazing taking place in the creative process. In terms of subject matter, he still works in a variety of genres, but he is best known for his depictions of the American West. And recently, Veseka says, he has successfully expanded his oeuvre to include commissions creating an array of large-scale, multi-figured artworks that tell a story.
While the artist’s price point at the low end has remained steady at $500 over the past 15 years, his various commissions, involving months of work, may sell upwards of $50,000 or more. However, Veselka believes that everyone from all walks of life should be able to purchase an original artwork, explaining, “I really like to offer small, unframed studies for $500 often through Instagram to artists and other people who otherwise couldn’t afford original artwork.”
contact information
albinveselka.com
representation
Settlers West Galleries, Tucson, AZ, settlerswest.com.
Included in “Catching Up: Conversations with Five Past ’21 Under 31′ Artists” by Bonnie Gangelhoff, from the August/September 2024 issue.