“I wasn’t always an artist. In fact, I was a journeyman bookkeeper when I almost kicked the bucket from Crohn’s disease back in the mid 80’s. Thankfully, I didn’t, and when I woke up in the hospital I told everyone I knew that the bookkeeper was dead after all – but in his place was a man who was going to become a successful artist. They though I was nuts. I wasn’t. Two years later, I started the Coyote series. My inspiration was a Joni Mitchell song “Coyote”. At the time I was 26, a dirt poor billboard painter. In fact, I couldn’t even afford a shower curtain to serve as a wedding present for two good friends. I figured they might like one of my Coyote drawings so I did a romantic one and took it there – the people at the wedding went nuts! Well, you know how these things go – somebody knew somebody who knew somebody in the art business, and within a year my art was being sold in galleries across the country.
“Many years ago someone asked me my favorite thing about the coyotes, and I said “They celebrate life. Sometimes life kicks them around, but they embrace it just the same. Heartaches, bad breaks, job problems, job triumphs, true love, rotten luck, vast fortune. Good or bad, they celebrate, I like that.
“The coyote’s are now in their second decade. The first was a hard, fun, nutty decade of dogs in suits, and the second promises to be that and more. For any budding artists out there seeking my advice, I would simply say this: never give up, outwork everyone else, and don’t be afraid to take risks. In this way, I feel I follow the paths of the greats, even if I am painting Coyotes in suits. Your vehicle may be the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile, it doesn’t mean your destination can’t be a great one.”
“I wasn’t always an artist. In fact, I was a journeyman bookkeeper when I almost kicked the bucket from Crohn’s disease back in the mid 80’s. Thankfully, I didn’t, and when I woke up in the hospital I told everyone I knew that the bookkeeper was dead after all – but in his place was a man who was going to become a successful artist. They though I was nuts. I wasn’t. Two years later, I started the Coyote series. My inspiration was a Joni Mitchell song “Coyote”. At the time I was 26, a dirt poor billboard painter. In fact, I couldn’t even afford a shower curtain to serve as a wedding present for two good friends. I figured they might like one of my Coyote drawings so I did a romantic one and took it there – the people at the wedding went nuts! Well, you know how these things go – somebody knew somebody who knew somebody in the art business, and within a year my art was being sold in galleries across the country.
“Many years ago someone asked me my favorite thing about the coyotes, and I said “They celebrate life. Sometimes life kicks them around, but they embrace it just the same. Heartaches, bad breaks, job problems, job triumphs, true love, rotten luck, vast fortune. Good or bad, they celebrate, I like that.
“The coyote’s are now in their second decade. The first was a hard, fun, nutty decade of dogs in suits, and the second promises to be that and more. For any budding artists out there seeking my advice, I would simply say this: never give up, outwork everyone else, and don’t be afraid to take risks. In this way, I feel I follow the paths of the greats, even if I am painting Coyotes in suits. Your vehicle may be the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile, it doesn’t mean your destination can’t be a great one.”
Yes! We offer flexible payment options through Shop Pay at checkout, making it easier to collect the art you love. We also offer financing through Wells Fargo by heading to our financing page. We can assist you further with using our Wells Fargo financing if you give us a call at (530)544-4278.
We work directly with the artists or their official publishers. Every piece is guaranteed authentic and comes with documentation for provenance.
Of course! Just reach out to us—we're happy to provide additional images, detail shots, or a video to help you get a better feel for the piece in real life.
Our shipping department professionally pack each piece with museum-quality materials and insure all shipments for the full value. You’ll receive tracking information once your order ships.
Your satisfaction is our priority. In the rare case of damage, we manage the claim and resolution entirely. If the piece isn’t quite right, we offer returns or exchanges on a case-by-case basis with discretion and care.
The right frame doesn’t just protect your artwork—it enhances it, bringing out its colors, depth, and personality. At Marcus Ashley Gallery, we offer expert custom framing services tailored to each piece and your personal style. Whether you're framing a new acquisition, preserving a cherished piece, or looking for a fresh update, our team will help you find the perfect frame to complement your art and space. With museum-quality materials and a keen eye for detail, we ensure your artwork is beautifully showcased for years to come.
With over 20 years in business, Marcus Ashley Gallery has built a reputation for integrity, quality, and genuine connections with our collectors. We carefully curate our collection, working directly with renowned artists to bring you authentic, high-quality pieces. Whether you’re purchasing your first artwork or adding to a growing collection, you can trust that we stand behind every piece we offer. Our team is here to provide expert guidance, honest advice, and a seamless buying experience—because finding the perfect art should be just as enjoyable as owning it.
Choosing art is a deeply personal experience, and our expert art consultants are here to make it effortless and enjoyable. Whether you’re searching for the perfect statement piece, building a collection, or exploring investment opportunities, our team takes the time to understand your style, space, and vision. We’re here to answer your questions, offer thoughtful recommendations, and ensure you find artwork that truly resonates with you. No pressure, just a friendly, knowledgeable team ready to help bring your vision to life.
