Gabe Wells
Imaginative Realism Painter and Sculptor
Currently living in Denver, CO
Creating artwork is a journey into our nonverbal inner worlds in which we return with something to share visually with others. The value of art is that it reveals those unspoken inner states and helps us feel less emotionally isolated. Art connects us as we find our own paths to self-discovery.
Contests & Awards
2022 - one of the 50 finalists in Beautiful Bizarre's International Traditional Art Prize
2007 – Pedestrian Projects – Jacksonville, FL – Regional Juried Show (2nd Place)
Exhibition History
01/2023 - Valkarie Gallery - Chinese New Year Invitational - Lakewood, CO - Group Show
01/2021 - Valkarie Gallery - Chinese New Year Invitational - Lakewood, CO - Group Show
09/2020 - Valkarie Gallery - Lakewood, CO - Featured Artist
01/2020 - Valkarie Gallery - Chinese New Year Invitational - Lakewood, CO - Group Show
12/2019 - ASLD - The Future is Feminine - Denver, CO - Group Show
11/2019 - Helikon Gallery - All Good Things - Denver, CO - Group Show
08/2019 – Spectra Art Space – For the Record – Denver, CO – Group Show
12/2018 - Helikon Gallery - Tiny Treasures - Denver, CO - Group Show
10/2018 - Red Wolf Gallery - Denver, CO - Group Show
07/2018 - Helikon Gallery - Hometown Heroes - Denver, CO - Group Show
10/2017 – Spectra Art Space – For the Record – Denver, CO – Group Show
01/2017 – Spectra Art Space – Budding Artists – Denver, CO – Group Show
12/2016 – The Vault Art Studio – Sweet Dreams – Denver, CO – Group Show
10/2016 – The Vault Art Studio – Cannaball & Tiny Art Show – Denver, CO – Group Show
07/2016 – House of Cannabis Art Space – Denver, CO – Group Show
11/2014 – Helikon Gallery – Denver, CO – “Volume” – Group Show
08/2011 – Next Gallery – Denver, CO – “Heat” – Group Show
08/2011 – Spark Gallery, Inc. – Denver, CO – Group Show
02/2010 – Avondale Artworks – Jacksonville, FL – Group Show
Education:
Florida State College at Jacksonville - 2009
Degree in Graphic Design / Digital Media
I am a self-taught painter and sculptor, born in Rockledge, Florida. My interest in art began at an early age and continued throughout my life, despite not being exposed to much art during my youth due to growing up in small rural towns in Florida and New Hampshire. Drawing became a way for me to express my inner emotional state, particularly as I often felt like an outsider due to an unstable childhood and my family moving almost every year.
As I grew older, my passion for art deepened, and it eventually became my identity. I taught myself how to paint and sculpt, experimenting with different techniques and styles to develop my own unique voice. I was driven by a desire to convey emotions and ideas through my art, to create pieces that would resonate with others and perhaps even make a difference.
Over time, my talent grew and dedication to my craft began to pay off. I started exhibiting my artwork in local galleries and selling my paintings to collectors. My artwork received recognition for its emotional depth, its raw honesty, and its ability to connect with viewers on a visceral level.
Today, I continue to create art that reflects my inner world, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and connection. I use a range of mediums, from oil and acrylic paint, to clay, to bring my ideas to life. I am passionate about sharing my artwork with others, believing that art has the power to heal, inspire, and bring people together.
Despite facing challenges and obstacles along the way, with perseverance, creativity, and self-discovery, I have remained true to my artistic vision and found a way to turn my passion into a career.