My studio is nestled at the edge of the woods, not far from Kalispell, Montana. Direct observation of wildlife provides me with plenty of inspiration. I’ve seen fox flirting on snow banks, deer playing rowdy games of tag in the meadow and heard coyotes having late night yodeling fests up on the hill.
I paint the spirit and spunk I see in animals as they root, romp and rest just outside my studio door.
My primitive painting style has developed through years of exploring the versatile medium of acrylics. I usually have a simple sketch and a list of colors gleaned from local surroundings. Acrylics are layered. Wax is sandwiched in between. Excavation of layers is done by scraping and sanding. Colors merge. Shapes appear. Rock like textures surface. Compositions are honed through various techniques such as masking, taping or etching into wet paint. A satiny patina of hand rubbed paste wax creates a durable finish to the piece.
Recent influences on my work include vintage Mexican pottery and textiles. As a result my earthy Montana colors have brightened. Animal forms are exaggerated and embellished to create a sense of myth and mirth.
My paintings reflect the rugged elegance of the West and express the enchanting pleasures of living here.
EDUCATION
BFA, 1973, Stephens College, Columbia, MO.
Workshops with Timothy Botts, Alan Blackman
Lifetime learning continues through artists’ groups, teaching, and independent research.
SELECTED SOLO AND TWO PERSON EXHIBITIONS
2013 Featured Artist, Isleys Jewelry and Fine Art Gallery, Whitefish, MT
2013, Montana “Treasured” Artist Exhibit,State Capitol Building, Helena, MT
2013, Spring wings and Wild Things, Dodson’s Jewelry and Fine Art, Spokane, WA
2012 Featured Artist, Nicholson Gallery, Holter Museum, Helena, MT
2012 Featured Artist, Isley’s Jewerly and Fine Art Gallery, Whitefish, MT
2008 Animal Dreams, Tierra Montana, Livingston, MT.
2006 New Works, 2 Woman Show, Kalispell, MT.
2005 Fruits of the Spirit, 2 Woman Show, Kalispell, MT.
SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2013, Western Masters Art Show and Sale, Great Falls, MT
2012 Local Color Studio Tour, Kalispell, MT
2012 Western Masters Art Show and Sale, Great Falls, MT
2012 35 Artists Celebrate 35 Years with Bigfork Museum, Bigfork, MT
2011 Local Color Studio Tour, Kalispell, MT
2011 Western Masters Art Show and Sale, Great Falls MT
2010 Local Color Studio Tour, Kalispell, MT
2010 Western Masters Art Show and Sale, Great Falls, MT
2009 CM Russell Museum Miniatures Show and Sale, Great Falls, MT.
2008 Flathead Artists Showcase, Kalispell, MT.
2008 The Folks Next Door, Exploring Folk Art in Montana, Bigfork Museum of Art, Bigfork, MT.
2007 ANA 35, Holter Museum of Art, Helena MT.
2005 Taking Flight, Bigfork Museum of Art, Bigfork, MT.
AWARDS
2013, Named a Montana “Treasured” Artist, by Montana’s Secretery of State, Linda McCulloch
2010 Recipient, $1,000, Montana Arts Council Strategic Investment Grant
2009 People’s Choice Award, Bigfork Musuem of Art Members Show
2008 People’s Choice Award, Bigfork Museum of Art Members Show
2001 Jubilee of Art Silver Award
1999 BACC Summer Show, 2nd and 3rd Judges Awards
AQUISITIONS
2007 CM Russell Museum, Great Falls, MT acquired, Thunderin’ Tarnation for their permanent exhibition, The Bison: American Icon.
