About William Matthews
William Matthews was born in 1949 in New York City. He grew up in the Bay Area. His professional career began in Los Angeles, designing album covers for Warner Bros. and others. He lived in Europe from 1975 to 1980. Upon his return to Colorado, he ran a graphic design studio until 1990 when he became a full time painter. He is best know for the western subject matter that he portrays. Matthews' watercolors are exhibited nationally and internationally; they're included in the permanent collections of; Buffalo Hill Historical Center and Museum, National Cowboy Hall of Fame, Gene Autry Wester Heritage Museum, Phoenix Art Museum and the Denver Art Museum.
The Collection
"The Benson Hotel project was a great opportunity for me to facilitate a new and important collection of Colorado art. We chose serious artists who have focused on this state, their home or adopted home, as subject matter. We live in an extraordinarily majestic setting, and it seemed important to honor that.
I feel very lucky to have my paintings hanging alongside such a distinguished group of artists!! This collection of paintings, displayed so beautifully at the Benson Hotel and Facility Club, and will continue to be a great attraction for all front range residents and tourists."
- William Matthews
William Matthews' Artwork
Maggie Hanna
Maggie Hanna, a new generation of ranch owner, runs the Hanna Ranch outside of Colorado Springs. She comes from a long line of beef producers and land preservation advocates. Her father, Kirk Hanna, worked hard to preserve the family ranch and Maggie continues in his legacy. She is presently Director of the Central Grasslands Roadmap Initiative.
Duke Phillips IV
Duke Phillips IV manages Chico Basin Ranch north of Pueblo, Colorado. His family have been raising cattle for generations and Duke continues that legacy. Fortunately there is a younger generation of ranchers in Colorado who are committed to maintaining those traditions. It takes a certain dedication to the old ways to do the job well, and Duke embodies that attitude.
Good Morning
I am fortunate to live in a house that looks out on the mountains. From my bedroom, I wake up to Mount Goliath and the changing weather patterns that continuously dazzle. I can see aspen groves and ponderosas, and the bristlecone pines remind me of the march of time. I appreciate this vista every day.
The Guardian
Cowboys know they have great responsibilities, to the ranch and to each other, protecting the livestock they work with. Each cowboy has a string of horses that he maintains and rotates each day. Often he has four or five well trained dogs, that are indispensable in day to day chores.
Partnership
Entering the Faculty Club at the Benson Hotel, I am reminded that all research work depends on collaboration. Our doctors learn from those who came before. This painting represents the doctors that work in partnership, the same way that cowboys also cooperate, in the toughest of seasons.
Collaboration
The landscape of the West is vast. If presents challenges that can seem overwhelming. As with medicine, the unknown is always a mystery. It takes collaboration to get the job done. This painting represents doctors as cowboys. Both have to work together in the landscape, and rise from the shadows into the sunshine of success.
Pinnacles
Colorado National Monument is a well kept secret. Just outside of Grand Junction, it forms the eastern end of the Colorado Plateau, which encompasses the canyon lands of four states. To capture the amazing undulating sandstone walls in watercolor, I painted it on a giant handmade sheet of very rough watercolor paper to exaggerate the textures of the canyon.
Telluride Canyon
Telluride is the most dramatic town in Colorado. I've been painting that valley for almost fifty years and it never disappoints. The changes of seasons provide a kaleidoscope of color and shadow that is truly remarkable. I have been painting the Telluride Bluegrass Festival poster for forty years, and I have never run out of inspiration.