Raised amidst the stunning landscapes of Colorado, Jay Moore’s journey into the world of landscape painting unfolded against a backdrop that might seem naturally aligned with such a pursuit. However, his path was anything but conventional, as his family legacy leaned toward banking, with his father and uncles all holding esteemed positions in prominent Denver financial institutions. It was the encouragement of his high school art teacher that ultimately persuaded his family to support his aspirations, leading him to the Colorado Institute of Art.
After a decade spent honing his skills in graphic design and commercial illustration, Jay began to merge his profound love for the outdoors with his love for painting. He showcased his early landscape pieces in a local Downtown Denver coffee shop, where his talent quickly caught the eye of a local art dealer. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership, enabling Jay to create commissioned works for private clients’ ranches throughout the western United States and Canada. Over the years, he completed more than 100 such projects.
While these commissions provided financial stability, they did not afford him significant exposure within the art community. However, his persistence paid off when editors from various art magazines recognized his talent, leading to greater visibility through advertising campaigns, galleries, and museum exhibitions.
As his family grew—especially when his wife was pregnant with their first child—Jay made the decision to scale back on his plein air travels. He began using the small studies he created during those excursions to produce larger works in his studio, a transition that has proven to be fruitful and enduring over the past three decades.
A passionate fly fisherman, Jay often draws inspiration from the serene beauty of Colorado’s mountain rivers and lakes, which remain his favorite subjects. In recent years, he has embraced the challenge of incorporating wildlife into his landscapes, portraying the stunning animals he encounters on his adventures.
Today, Jay Moore owns a gallery in Downtown Parker, CO, and is represented by several esteemed galleries including Astoria Fine Art in Jackson Hole, WY, Saks Galleries in Denver, CO, and the Shaun Horne Gallery in Crested Butte, CO. His dedication to capturing the natural world, coupled with his rich artistic background, continues to resonate with art lovers and collectors alike.
