FINE ART PASTEL PAINTINGS BY FRANCESCA DROLL|fd@abacusgraphics.com
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  • Pastel painting of a Swan River scene in northwest Montana

    A Tranquil Moment, Swan River

    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"

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  • Pastel painting of the north shore of Flathead Lake in Montana.

    Evensong, North Shore of Flathead Lake

    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"

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  • Spring Arrives

    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"

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  • A pastel painting by Francesca Droll titled Early Winter at the Swan Wildlife Refuge

    Early Winter at Swan River National Wildlife Refuge

    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"

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  • A pastel painting by Francesca Droll titled Mystery Calling

    Mystery Calling

    '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"

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  • A pastel painting by Francesca Droll titled Transient Gold

    Transient Gold

    '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"
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  • Resplendence

    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"
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  • Gilded Grasses at Freezout Lake

    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”

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  • Yonder Come Day

    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”

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  • A pastel painting by Francesca Droll titled Mission Valley Sanctuary

    Mission Valley Sanctuary

    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"

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  • A pastel painting by Francesca Droll titled Glacier Goes Golden

    Glacier Goes Golden

    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"

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  • A pastel painting by Francesca Droll titled Somers Sailing 2

    Somers Sailing 2 ~ 10″ x 20″

    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"
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