It is not often an individual with exceptional leadership skills takes that gift into the art world.  Brian Hubbell is a disciplined, creative force using his skills to both create art and teach others how to hone their own artistic talents.

Hubbell has a background in finance, but decided to make a career and location change when he sold his Northwestern Mutual practice in Washington in 2015, moved to The Village at Castle Pines, and officially launched Brian J. Hubbell Art.

The transition from the Pacific Northwest was easy given Colorado’s similar climate and natural beauty.  Colorado also feeds Hubbell’s love of the outdoors.  It is no surprise that he is an athlete – using the same drive and determination he exudes in business.  Hubbell has scaled more than 44 of Colorado’s highest mountain peaks.  His favorite climbs are Longs Peak in Colorado and Mount Rainier in Washington state.

Hubbell’s love of nature translates beautifully into his oil and acrylic paintings with almost 3D brush strokes in his art.  He is a self-taught painter, and his talent was noticeable enough that he painted his first commissioned piece in college.  From that piece, his collection grew and his technique was refined.  Hubbell strongly believes that if you master the craft beginning with drawings and charcoal sketches, it is easier to add in other types of art elements like Impressionism, realism or even abstract art.  Hubbell believes the discipline he acquired working in the corporate environment is what allows him to let his creativity pour onto the canvas.  His mission is to “show God’s goodness and handiwork through artistic expression and have some fun.”

Brian and his wife Sue, who were college sweethearts, are avid climbers.  His palpable enthusiasm is encouraging as Hubbell tries to convince this writer to climb Mount Bierstadt located in the Mount Evans Wilderness.

When the Hubbells are not out on the mountains, they spend time with their two grandkids in Parker, and most recently, the newest grand baby in Manhattan.  Hubbell says his spirit animal is his golden retriever, Duncan, who walks 20 to 25 miles with him every week.  During his down time, Hubbell can be found taking on speed chess challenges where the games are three to five minutes long.

Most of Hubbell’s paintings are privately commissioned, but if dining at Trestles Coastal Cuisine in The Village Shops, his art graces the walls.  Patrons are drawn to the seascape-themed pieces.

Generally, Hubbell showcases at least seven paintings at the restaurant for purchase.  His art is also available at the Rox Arts Gallery in Aspen Grove, in Littleton, where he holds monthly oil painting classes to teach students from every range of artistic level.  His September class will be featuring the Monet rendering he created in under 40 hours.

Hubbell’s art proves that being both analytical and creative can co-exist to bring beauty into the world.  To learn more or sign up for his art classes, visit brianjhubbellart.com.

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By ViVi Somphon, photos courtesy of Brian J. Hubbell