Landscape Archives – Francesca Droll

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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Pastel painting of meadow on the north end of Flathead Lake in Montana.

A Meadow Song ~ 12″ x 16″

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"

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Photo of a pastel painting of someone fishing on the Swan River with frame.

Photo of a pastel painting of a person fishing on the Swan River.

A Place of Reflection ~ 8″ x 10″

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"

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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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Photo of a pastel painting of an evening sky over Flathead Lake with frame.

Photo of a pastel painting of an evening sky over Flathead Lake.

As Day Settles ~ 12″ x 16″

$895.00

Looking up into Big Arm on the west shore of Flathead Lake reveals a layering of mountains going far into the background. The sunset over this beautiful view is often stunning! Original pastel  on archival board Image size: 12" x 16" Framed size: 16.25" x 20.25" This painting is showing at FoR Fine Art Gallery in Bigfork, Montana. Please contact the gallery (406-420-2453) to purchase or let me know if I can be of help or provide more information.

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