Jason Lee Tako is a nationally recognized artist known for his evocative oil paintings of historical Native American subjects set against the vast, untamed landscapes of the American West. Rooted in direct observation from nature—through plein air painting and life studies—his work explores themes of restoration, solitude, and the deep human connection to the land. Growing up in rural Minnesota, Jason developed an early love for the wilderness, spending countless hours sketching the woods, prairies, and wetlands that surrounded his home. Trained in applied visual arts, he initially worked as a graphic designer, but his passion for traditional drawing and painting never faded. He dedicated his free time to sketching from life, honing his ability to capture the essence of wildlife, people, and landscapes with striking authenticity. Jason’s work has been exhibited across the United States, including at the C.M. Russell Museum and Legacy Gallery. He has been honored as the Featured Artist at premier art events such as the Southeastern Wildlife Expo and NatureWorks, earning recognition for his ability to bring history and nature to life with masterful brushwork and a profound respect for his subjects. His work and artistic journey were also the focus of a featured editorial in Art of the West Magazine, further cementing his place in the Western art world. Awards and Recognitions:CM Russell Museum-Saturday Auction 2025CM Russell Museum-Saturday Auction 2024Encore Artist-2023 NatureWorks Art ShowCM Russell Museum-First Strike 2023CM Russell Museum-Charlie's March Roundup 2023Best of Show Award-NatureWorks 2023Featured Artist-2023 NatureWorks Art ShowCM Russell Museum-Charlie's March Roundup 2022Featured Artist-2020 Southeastern Wildlife ExpoOil Painters of America 2019-Landscape Award of ExcellenceOil Painters of America 2016 National Juried ExhibitionSociety of Animal Artists 2016 Annual Exhibition, Art and the AnimalOil Painters of America 2016 Eastern Regional Juried Exhibition1st Place-Plein Air Camp Hill 2015Plein Air Magazine Award of Excellence-Plein Air Camp Hill 2015Quick Draw People’s Choice Award-Plein Air Camp Hill 2015People’s Choice Award-Plein Air Camp Hill 2014Honorable Mention-Plein Air Camp Hill 2014Award of Excellence-NatureWorks Wildlife Art Show 2014Utretch Award-Cumberland Society of Painters First Annual Exhibition 20132nd Place-Local Color Plein Air 2013Quick Draw People’s Choice Award-Plein Air Camp Hill 2013Society of Animal Artists 2012 Annual Exhibition, Art and the Animal2nd Place-Easels in Frederick 20121st Place Quick Draw Award-Plein Air Camp Hill 2012People’s Choice Award-Plein Air Camp Hill 20122nd Place-Mountain Maryland Plein Air 2012Best of Show-Contemporary Fine Art International Miniature Juried Show, Fall 2011Juror’s Award-Paint the Parks 2011 Mini50Western Art Collector Editor’s Choice Award-51st Annual Art & the Animal Exhibition 2011, Society of Animal ArtistsVanishing Landscape Award-Plein Air Easton 2011Best Architectural Painting-Plein Air Easton 20111st Place-Plein Air Camp Hill 20112nd Place Quick Draw Award-Plein Air Camp Hill 20112010 Recipient of the Evelyn & Peter Haller Distinguished Young Artist Award, by the Society of Animal Artists