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 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 & Recognitions:
- Plein Air Salon-Best Western Category, July 2026
- Plein Air Salon-Honorable Mention Animals & Birds Category, July 2026
- Plein Air Salon-Honorable Mention Western Category, June 2026
- Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Grand Opening 2026
- Museum of the Mountain Man-Western Art and Wine Auction 2026
- Plein Air Convention 2026-Guest Artist CM Russell Museum-Saturday Auction 2026
- Out West Show 2026
- Museum of the Mountain Man-Western Art and Wine Auction 2025
- CM Russell Museum-Saturday Auction 2025
- Out West Show 2025
- CM Russell Museum-Saturday Auction 2024
- Encore Artist-2023 NatureWorks Art Show
- CM Russell Museum-First Strike 2023
- CM Russell Museum-Charlie's March Roundup 2023
- Best of Show Award-NatureWorks 2023
- Featured Artist-2023 NatureWorks Art Show
- CM Russell Museum-Charlie's March Roundup 2022
- Featured Artist-2020 Southeastern Wildlife Expo
- Oil Painters of America 2019-Landscape Award of Excellence
- Oil Painters of America 2016 National Juried Exhibition
- Society of Animal Artists 2016 Annual Exhibition, Art and the Animal
- Oil Painters of America 2016 Eastern Regional Juried Exhibition
- 1st Place-Plein Air Camp Hill 2015
- Plein Air Magazine Award of Excellence-Plein
- Air Camp Hill 2015 Quick Draw
- People’s Choice Award-Plein Air Camp Hill 2015
- People’s Choice Award-Plein Air Camp Hill 2014
- Honorable Mention-Plein Air Camp Hill 2014
- Award of Excellence-NatureWorks Wildlife Art Show 2014
- Utretch Award-Cumberland Society of Painters First Annual Exhibition 2013
- 2nd Place-Local Color Plein Air 2013
- Quick Draw People’s Choice Award-Plein Air Camp Hill 2013
- Society of Animal Artists 2012 Annual Exhibition, Art and the Animal
- 2nd Place-Easels in Frederick 2012
- 1st Place Quick Draw Award-Plein Air Camp Hill 2012
- People’s Choice Award-Plein Air Camp Hill 2012
- 2nd Place-Mountain Maryland Plein Air 2012
- Best of Show-Contemporary Fine Art International Miniature Juried Show, Fall 2011
- Juror’s Award-Paint the Parks 2011 Mini50
- Western Art Collector Editor’s Choice Award-51st Annual Art & the Animal Exhibition 2011, Society of Animal Artists
- Vanishing Landscape Award-Plein Air Easton 2011
- Best Architectural Painting-Plein Air Easton 2011
- 1st Place-Plein Air Camp Hill 2011
- 2nd Place Quick Draw Award-Plein Air Camp Hill 2011
- 2010 Recipient of the Evelyn & Peter Haller Distinguished Young Artist Award, by the Society of Animal Artists
