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I have a good friend in Somers, an amazing photographer, Kelly Nelson, and every now and again I get a beautiful image from her which I interpret in my own way. This is a view looking east from Somers Bay toward Bigfork. Original pastel Image size: 10" x 20" -
A group of painters got up early and headed into West Glacier. The day started fairly warm and clear and quickly got cold and inclement. I did a study on site, capturing the nuances of light and color on the mountain and in the reflections in the stream. I painted this larger piece in the studio using the study as my guide. McDonald Creek looking south in Glacier National Park.
Original pastel
Image size: 16" x 20" -
This painting came from a day spent outdoors in the Nine Pipes National Refuge. It is a stunning landscape awash with birds and the Mission Mountains as the backdrop.
Original pastel
Image size: 12" x 16" -
It was an early morning in Glacier National Park. My plein air group was on the hunt for a suitable painting spot. We walked the trails around Sun Point and as we were walking back to the car, I turned around and shot this photo of the light coming over the mountain and starting to illuminate the trail. It stuck with me for a couple of years before I hunted down the photo and painted this scene.
Original pastel
Image size: 13.25” x 8.125” -
It was a beautiful Choteau evening in October and we drove to Freezout Lake in time for me to set up my easel and do a quick study of the evolving sunset. I sprayed myself with insect repellant but it only lasted so long before the blood-thirsty suckers were back on me. My husband walked in circles around me, puffing a cigar and the smoke helped to shield me from the mosquitos. The sunset was extraordinary with the warm light gilding the grasses in the foreground. I completed a 12” x 9" study in a record 45 minutes and it was well worth any discomfort. This larger painting was done in the studio from my study.
Original pastel
Image size: 16” x 12” -
It was a beautiful Choteau evening in October and we drove to Freezout Lake in time for me to set up my easel and do a quick study of the evolving sunset. I completed a 12” x 9" study in a record 45 minutes and it was well worth any discomfort from the biting mosquitoes and chilly wind. This painting of the Front Range landscape was done in the studio from my study and photos. Original pastel Image size: 12" x 24" -
'Transient Gold' was inspired walking in a coastal forest set within the township of beautiful La Conner, Washington. Original pastel Image size: 18" x 24" -
'Mystery Calling' evokes a sense of discovery as you continue around the bend. I spent an 11-day residency deep in the Great Bear Wilderness staying in a forest service cabin. This painting was started on site, en plein air, overlooking the middle fork of the Flathead River on a hot summer day in July 2017. I put the finishing touches on it in the studio.Original pastel
Image size: 12" x 9" -
We spent the day painting fall color at a friend's 30 acres north of Bigfork. It was afternoon when we finished up there and I wanted to check out a place that I'd heard about. I drove south on the Swan River corridor and found the spot. However the sun was already over the mountains and everything was in the shade, I took a few photos and headed home. On my way back, I decided to explore a wildlife refuge area that I saw when I passed it. The light was golden, spilling over the mountains and creating patterns of light and shadow filtering through the trees.
Original pastel
Image size: 12" x 16" -
Spring in the Swan Corridor near Condon in northwest Montana is a challenge for an outdoor painter. One is always waiting for the light that is so often fleeting as the heavy clouds move through. At this moment, a spring sun illuminated the meadow beyond. This was painted onsite with a few touches added in the studio.
Orignal pastel
Image size: 12" x 9" -
Flathead Lake in northwest Montana is a hub of recreation and boating in the summer time. I often drive home from Kalispell to Bigfork in the evening and the views rarely disappoint. The delicate shades of the sunset are a counterpoint to the glowing light of the landscape below.
Original pastel
Image size: 9" x 12" -
The Swan River flows into Bigfork Bay which is in the northeast corner of Flathead Lake. Before it hits the rapids called "The Wild Mile," it is mostly a tranquil river flowing lazily through farmland in the summer time. Winter is another story completely. I was inspired to paint the colorful reflections in this section of the Swan River from the deck of "The Nest," a local event venue. It was a fairly warm spring day and we plein air painters took advantage of it.
Original pastel
Image size: 9" x 12" -
The sunsets over Flathead Lake are often stunning and always unique. I like to call it "sky drama" because it looks like the heavens are putting on a spectacular show just for us.
Original pastel
Image size: 12" x 16" -
On the western side of Flathead Valley there are "pothole ponds." A natural upwelling of springs that create ponds throughout the farmland. Every year a multitude of migrating birds stop here to feed in the fields and rest to continue their journey north.
Original pastel
Image size: 9” x 12” -
This scene was painted on location in the early morning light with the view toward Glacier National Park seen in the background in the notch between the mountains. This pond is home to many waterfowl and is a resting spot for migrating birds.
Original pastel
Image size: 9” x 12” -
Driving home from Glacier National Park in midsummer, this beautiful sunset over the Flathead Valley farmland caught my eye. I shot photos out of the car window as we drove by. Rest assured, I was in the passenger seat. Strong perspective lines draw you into the painting and create a sense of presence as if you could smell the freshly rolled hay bales.
Original pastel
Image size: 24” x 12” -
From Bigfork, one can walk along the Swan River on the nature trail and enjoy its rushing and tumbling beauty. This view is in the fall when the river is running low and the trees are starting to turn color. The rocks protrude out of the peaceful current as the water dances around them.
Original pastel
Image size: 18" x 24" -
A peaceful spot in the Flathead Valley where the cattails were a golden ribbon surrounded by the verdant trees and grasslands. Painted on location with finishing touches in the studio.
Original pastel
Image size: 9" x 12" -
This painting was inspired by an area that is just behind my home in Woods Bay on the shores of Flathead Lake. Although I changed the scene a bit with my artist license, the feeling of the place is captured here with a touch of mystery added to draw you into the path between the trees.
Original pastel
Image size: 16" x 12" -
This pastel was painted on site during a beautiful evening down at Finley Point on Flathead Lake. This spectacular range of mountains begin in Bigfork and run the length of the lake and far down the Mission Valley. There is even a glacier on one of the peaks. A quote by John Muir comes to mind when I look at this painting, "The mountains are calling and I must go!"
Original pastel
Image size: 6" x 12" -
This scene of Ashley Creek was painted during the change of seasons with the beautiful golds and lavenders reminiscent of autumn in the Flathead Valley. Started on location and finished in the studio.
Original pastel
Image size: 14" x 11" -
One morning, while camping on Horseshoe Lake, I awoke early to this view of the mist over the water. How extraordinary. I couldn’t help myself. I dressed quickly and slipped into my kayak to glide through that magical experience. Painted in the studio with a photo and my memory to guide me.
Original pastel
Image size: 12" x 16" -
During spring in Flathead Valley, the fields are surprisingly colorful as all manner of wildflowers come to life. Each wildflower has its own time and the colors in the landscape roll through pinks, yellows, and blues. I captured a photo of this field after having a delicious breakfast at Echo Lake Cafe in Bigfork, Montana.
Original pastel
Image size: 16" x 12" -
This was painted from a photo my husband took while on a whiskey tour in Scotland, without me although he has promised to take me back. I love the motion of the daisies and grasses as they are blown about by the wind.
Original pastel
Image size: 12" x 24" -
During my Artist-Wilderness-Connection residency in the Great Bear Wilderness, an eagle would fly up and down our canyon fishing over the river every evening like clockwork. It was a stirring sight to see it soaring and gliding over us, its white head glinting in the sunset light.
Original pastel
Image Size: 7" x 14" -
This is the third in the Rock ‘n’ Flow series inspired by an 11-day trip into the backcountry of the Great Bear Wilderness. The nature of water is interesting in that it is both transparent and reflective creating a stunningly vibrant effect.
Original pastel
Image size: 18" x 24" -
The second in the series, Rock ’n’ Flow. Not only is there visual excitement in the patterns of light and shadow but one hears an ancient narrative in the musical notes of water as it flows over and around the rocks. Original pastel 18" x 24" -
Wayfarers Park is a very popular destination with swimming and boating access to Flathead Lake. It also has quite a few campsites and is filled with vacationers in the summer. The interesting rock formations provide natural stairways. It is a lush and beautifully wild landscape. Original pastel Image size: 12” x 16" -
The east side of Flathead Lake is lush with cherry orchards as the micro climate is ideal for growing this delicious fruit. A painter friend invited us down to Finley Point to plein air paint when the trees were in full bloom. There were also newborn lambs but that is the subject for another painting. Original pastel Image size: 9" x 12" -
Aspens are wonderful trees to paint anytime of year. In the spring and summer their leaves twinkle and whisper in the wind. In the winter, their bark reflects a spectrum of colorful light and I think of them as sleeping beauties. I photographed this stand up the North Fork and painted them in the studio. Original pastel Image size: 12" x 9" -
Driving back to our cabin after a day of plein air in Glacier National Park, we were heading out of St. Mary’s when this approaching storm came over the mountains. It was so dramatic that I asked my friend to pull over and let me take some photos. I stepped out of the car and was almost blown over by the wind. I crouched down to get the swaying grasses in the foreground. The wind was whipping and whistling in my ears as I took a few photos and jumped back in the car just as raindrops started to fall. The storm chased us all the way to Duck Lake where we were staying for the night. I painted a small study of this scene the next day while the image was still fresh in my mind. Original pastel Image size: 14.625” x 30” Framed: 21.25" x 42.75" -
On a beautiful July day, our plein air group was invited to Purple Mountain Lavender Farm on the west side of Flathead Lake to paint the lavender bloom at it’s peak. This charming set up was an invitation to sit, relax, and enjoy the sweet aroma surrounding us.
Original pastel
Image size: 12" x 16" -
The beauty of Flathead Lake sunsets never cease to inspire the creative spirit. This view is from Woods Bay on the east shore. This sunset graced the lucky viewers on August 19, 2020.
Original pastel, framed Image size: 7" x 14"
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A beautiful fall day in Glacier National Park just before the first snow. McDonald Creek is a popular destination for visitors with its tranquil meandering and impressive falls. Definitely an inspiring location to paint. The water was low enough that I could set up my easel on a gravel bar and paint as if I were standing in the creek.
Original pastel Image size: 9" x 12"
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We are fortunate to have organic farmers in our valley and every farm season we subscribe to receive a weekly box of produce. These beauties were part of one of our boxes and they were so fresh and colorful that I couldn’t resist painting them including their bent stems.
Original pastel, framed Image size: 6" x 8" -
On Flathead Lake, the view west toward the setting sun touches a romantic chord. A moment when all is well and one feels part of a boundless spirit. The sunset on December 27, 2020 looking toward Big Arm from Woods Bay. Original pastel Image size: 30" x 12" -
Flathead Valley is endlessly inspiring with its rural landscapes and big skies. This poetic scene is just north of Flathead Lake in farmland called Lower Valley which is south of Kalispell. Original pastel, framed Image size: 12" x 16" -
There is nothing more glorious than a warm clear day in Glacier National Park! Grinnell Point, with its distinctive pyramidal shape, looms over Swiftcurrent Lake and provides habitat for wild creatures and tourists alike! Named for George Bird Grinnell, naturalist, writer, and early proponent of protecting the magnificent stretch of the Rocky Mountains now known as Glacier National Park. It was previously known as "Stark Peak," a very fitting and descriptive name for this Many Glacier landmark.
This view was done from a study on site. It was a beautiful morning and I found a fairly secluded spot to set up my easel.
Original pastel Image size: 15" x 20"
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Flathead Valley is famous for their cherries. The lake creates a micro climate that is conducive to growing cherries and when it rains, the rain is of the light, misty sort which doesn’t damage the cherries as they are maturing on the limb. We wait impatiently for the cherries to become ripe for eating. All the extra are frozen to add to smoothies during the winter months. Original pastel Image size: 8” x 6" Framed size: 15" x 13" This painting is showing at FoR Fine Art Gallery in Bigfork, Montana. Price includes shipping. If the painting is purchased here on my site, FoR Fine Art will pack and ship it to you. There are no additional costs and no sales tax. -
One of the many romantic old barns dotting the Flathead Valley farmland. This one stands at the north end of Flathead Lake and one sees it as they drive from Somers to Bigfork. As old barns are being torn down, I’m interested in painting them as a record of old Montana. Original pastel Image size: 6” x 8" -
As the storm clouds dissipate, the peach tones of the sunset peek through. Looking up into Big Arm from the east side, the islands stand out and are a fun place to explore but better on a calm summer day. Original pastel Image size: 12” x 9" -
In early spring, before the trees bud and sprout, the earthy colors are vibrant in gold, orange, and maroon tones. In the background, the Swan Range is still blanketed in snow. The north shore of Flathead Lake is a wonderful place to walk when the water level is down for the winter—a popular spot for the locals and their dogs. Original pastel Image size: 11” x 14 -
This view is of a rather nondescript spot on Crane Mountain which bounds Flathead Lake on the northeast side. I was hiking one afternoon during late winter and the sun was low on the horizon which created a beautiful pattern of light and shadow on the golden grasses. Original pastel Image size: 9” x 12" -
Montana is called big sky country for a good reason. There is often so much ‘big’ drama in the skyscapes. This was an evening when the sun broke under the clouds to wash the Salish Mountains in light. Original pastel Image size: 7” x 14" -
Sunsets over Flathead Lake can be pure poetry. One is awestruck at the sheer beauty of light. My hope is that this unrivaled landscape remains as pristine as possible and is treasured by all who live here and those who visit. Original pastel Image size: 12” x 36" -
Summer evenings on Flathead Lake can make you believe that you have found Paradise. For those of us living through the winters, summer is our reward for having patience during the cold months. The feeling of jumping into the cool, clean lake water on a hot summer day is a true gift. Original pastel, framed Image size: 12" x 24" Framed size: 18.5" x 30.5" -
Fall is one of the most beautiful times to visit Glacier National Park. Although not as colorful as the east coast hardwoods, Glacier is still stunning in yellows and golds. The Park settles down as it slides into winter. Original pastel, framed Image size: 12" x 16" -
Sometimes it stretches the imagination to think that every sunset is unique. It’s just variations on color and cloud formations. The bonus being that it’s a surprise every evening as to what will be painted across the sky. Original pastel Image size: 12" x 9" -
Swan River is one of four major rivers to flow into the north side of Flathead Lake. Swan River meanders from Swan Lake through a mountain valley and farmland where it eventually feeds into Bigfork Bay. Fishing on this peaceful river gives one the opportunity for meditation and reflection. Original pastel, framed Image size: 8" x 10" Framed size: 14.5" x 16.5" -
The southwest has a unique beauty with tan and pink rocks silhouetted against the turquoise sky and reflecting in the occasional pool of water. A sense of quiet warmth prevails. For me, the quiet provides a welcome atmosphere for inspiration. Original pastel, framed Image size: 11" x 14" Framed size: 18" x 21"
