Aspen Art: The Town, the Mountain, and After Dark

Aspen is never only one scene to me. The glow after the lifts close, the energy of the mountain, and the quiet around the Maroon Bells each leave a different impression. I paint those changes in feeling. — Topher Straus

Aspen Lights by Topher Straus, a mountain town glowing beneath a winter night sky — Aspen Lights · Aspen, Colorado · Explore the work

Several ways to know Aspen

In Aspen Lights, warm village light meets a snowy night. Aspen Elevated speaks to the mountain's lift and energy. Maroon Bells holds the twin peaks beneath a starry sky, while Champagne celebrates the sensation of skiing powder.

Choosing among them begins with your own Aspen: the town you walk through, the mountain you ski, or the peaks you return to see. The paintings have distinct compositions and moods even when they share a place.

Aspen across four moments

Select a work to see the complete painting and its current edition details.

Aspen Elevated by Topher Straus, a Colorado mountain painting inspired by Aspen — Aspen Elevated · Aspen, Colorado · Explore the work

Maroon Bells by Topher Straus, twin peaks beneath a starry sky with fall color and a lake reflection — Maroon Bells · Aspen, Colorado · Explore the work

Champagne by Topher Straus, a painting inspired by skiing powder at Aspen Snowmass — Champagne · Aspen Snowmass, Colorado · Explore the work

A collector conversation about Aspen

A collector asks for views on the Aspen Art Fair and describes its intimate setting. The discussion is about the fair, not my artwork or an endorsement of it. Read the Aspen Art Fair question on Reddit

What would make an Aspen painting worth living with?

I would look beyond the name of the place. Spend time with the painting's color and rhythm, and ask whether it brings back something particular for you. My Aspen works move from nightfall in town to the scale of the Maroon Bells; one may feel closer to your own memory than another.

Questions collectors ask

Which Aspen painting should I begin with?

For the village after dark, begin with Aspen Lights. For the Maroon Bells, explore Maroon Bells. If skiing is the connection, see Champagne.

Do these works come in different sizes?

Each artwork page lists its available dimensions and editions. The collector's edition guide explains how the finished work is documented.

Can I discuss a painting for my Aspen home?

Yes. Share the work and the wall you have in mind with the studio; we can discuss scale, light, and the current offering.

Explore Aspen and Colorado

See more work connected to Aspen and the Colorado mountains.

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