Cougar graduate, traveler and artist Dan Kiessling will have his debut art featured at The Bank Left Gallery.

 Kiessling, a Pullman native, spent his twenties roving the western part of the country before graduating in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts. He said he had always intended to return to school and earn his degree.

 “It just felt like getting it completed was kind of a good thing for me – definitely in my art career,” Kiessling said.

 This is the first time Kiessling’s work has been shared with the public. He said the reason he hasn’t had his work displayed before is because he didn’t have a body of work in which he was confident.

 “I didn’t want to show anything that wasn’t good,” he said.

 After committing himself to working consistently at his art, Kiessling decided to debut his work at the Bank Left Gallery.

 “They’re a well-known gallery in the area,” Kiessling said. “Nelson is very enthusiastic and he’s been very helpful to me.”

 Nelson Duran, owner and director of Bank Left, said they chose to feature Kiessling’s art because they found his pictures stunning.

 Duran said Kiessling’s “use of color, the way that he combines these beautiful colors in these abstract shapes” sets him apart from other artists.

 “It’s very abstract work, but also conveys a lot of meaning,” Duran said.

 Kiessling said WSU art professor Chris Watt aided him in preparing for the show. He said Watt is a seasoned artist who has always been supportive and helpful.

 Kiessling works with oil stick and dry pastel on paper, and said his work is inspired by nature.

 “I’m always transfixed by the topography of the Palouse,” he said.

 Duran said the exhibit has been a success with audiences.

 “A lot of people came, and people really connected with his art,” he said. “(Kiessling) sold several pieces during the show.”

 Kiessling’s exhibit will run until Nov. 2 and is free to the public. The Bank Left Gallery is located in Palouse, Wash.