Self-taught metal sculptor Don De Mott is known for recreating vivid scenes of the American West in remarkable detail. Inspired by his love for Colorado’s breathtaking landscapes, his latest focus—one-of-a-kind aspen tree sculptures—captures the natural beauty of the Rockies. Each piece is entirely hand-welded and meticulously colored to reflect nature with striking realism.

Don began working at 15, learning to weld from his brother, John De Mott, who founded a metal sculpture business in 1972. What started with art shows in Southern California quickly grew into a thriving company supplying major retailers such as Macy’s, Broadway, Bullocks, and J.C. Penney. Don became the company’s first employee and later its head designer, helping expand the family business to 80 employees at its peak.

In the late 1970s, John left to pursue painting, and Don continued leading the design and production of their popular metal works.

Don’s artistic direction changed in 1979 after a scenic drive through southern Colorado. Inspired in part by John Denver’s “Rocky Mountain High,” he was captivated by hillsides covered in shimmering aspens. The experience reshaped his career, leading him to recreate the trees in metal.

In 1981, Don donated his first aspen sculpture to an auction benefiting John Denver’s Windstar Project. By the late 1980s, after years of camping in Colorado and photographing aspens, he launched his “Colorful Aspens” gift line. He built retail accounts across Colorado and, in 1993, relocated there permanently, where he continues creating his distinctive metal art today.