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A beautiful afternoon walking on the Swan River Nature Trail in Bigfork, Montana. A popular walking trail for the locals, there are an endless variety of scenes to paint along the trail. Spring is lovely with the. bright green of new leaves. Original pastel on archival board Image size: 9" x 12" This piece is sold UNFRAMED. Free shipping to locations in the continental U.S. -
Original pastel on archival board Image size: 10" x 8" This painting is sold unframed. Shipping is included to locations in the continental U.S. Please contact me for shipping costs to other locations. -
Original pastel on archival board Image size: 10" x 8" This painting is sold unframed. Shipping is included to locations in the continental U.S. Please contact me for shipping costs to other locations. -
Original pastel on archival board Image size: 10" x 8" This painting is sold unframed. Shipping is included to locations in the continental U.S. Please contact me for shipping costs to other locations. -
Original pastel on archival board Image size: 10" x 8" This painting is sold unframed. Shipping is included to locations in the continental U.S. Please contact me for shipping costs to other locations. -
Every fall in Bigfork, Montana, is the Bigfork Bay Rumble celebrating those shiny, colorful gems of automobiles. Car owners and aficionado's come from miles around and as far away as Canada to enjoy dozens of vintage automobiles of all makes and models. Original pastel on archival board Image size: 12" x 16" This painting is sold unframed. Shipping to locations in the continental U.S. is included. Please contact me for shipping costs to other locations. -
During a plein air day, I walked past this beautiful blue Chevy and thought, "Wow this would be a fun challenge!" I loved the gold parking lines against that vibrant blue and couldn't resist. Original pastel on archival board Image size: 12" x 16" This painting is sold unframed. Shipping is included to locations in the continental U.S. Please contact me for shipping costs to other locations. -
Serenity is in abundance on a beautiful June day in the Mission Valley. The Ninepipes Waterfowl Area is full of inspiring scenes for this landscape painter. Original pastel painting Image size: 9” x 12" Framed size: 13.5" x 16.5" This painting is showing at Brea Gallery in Orange, California for the "Pastels USA: 99 Voices" exhibit running from October 12 – December 6, 2024. If you're interested, click here to go to the painting on the Brea Gallery's online store or contact the Gallery (714-990-7731) for details. I'm happy to assist. -
One of the many peaceful ponds in the Flathead River valley. Softly bathed by the evening sun, the trees glowed orange and the reflections on the water were stunning. Original pastel on archival board Image size: 12" x 16" Framed size: 19" x 23" This painting is showing at FoR Fine Art Gallery in Whitefish, Montana for the 2024 Small Works Show from December 13, 2024 – January 18, 2025. Opening reception December 13 from 5 – 8 pm. If you're interested, please contact the Gallery (406-730-8855) for details or I'm happy to assist. -
Serenity is in abundance on a beautiful June day in the Mission Valley. The Ninepipes Waterfowl Area is full of inspiring scenes for this landscape painter. Original pastel painting Image size: 9” x 12" Framed size: 16" x 19" This painting is showing at FoR Fine Art Gallery in Whitefish, Montana for the 2024 Small Works Show from December 13, 2024 – January 18, 2025. Opening reception December 13 from 5 – 8 pm. If you're interested, please contact the Gallery (406-730-8855) for details or I'm happy to assist. -
Cherries are one of the many delights of Flathead Valley. The unique microclimate around Flathead Lake allows these beauties to flourish. They are such a treat during the summer. Original pastel on archival board Image size: 8" x 6" Framed size: 15" x 13" 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. -
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. -
The sunset on this particular evening was amazing with the variety of colors illuminating the sky and reflecting off of Flathead Lake. The sunsets are unique from day to day and always bring joy to one's heart. Original pastel on archival board Image size: 12" x 9" Framed size: 16.25" x 13.25" 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. -
This view is an embellished scene of the rich farmland in the Creston area with the Swan Range behind. This was near the corner of Hwys 209 and 35. It’s wonderful that we can still enjoy these undeveloped and pastoral views in our beautiful valley. Original pastel painting Image size: 24” x 48" Framed size: 27" x 51" This painting is showing at FoR Fine Art Gallery in Whitefish, Montana. "Explorations" is the title of my solo show as featured artist in June 2024. If you're interested, please contact the Gallery (406-730-8855) for details or I'm happy to assist. -
An early morning ride up to Logan Pass in Glacier National Park to watch the sunrise was an inspiring adventure. I did one painting on site when the sun was full up. This one was painted in the studio from a photo and the memory. The sun rose too fast to capture this lovely light in those first few minutes of dawn. Original pastel painting Image size: 8” x 16" Framed size: 11" x 19" This painting is showing at FoR Fine Art Gallery in Whitefish, Montana. "Explorations" is the title of my solo show as featured artist in June 2024. If you're interested, please contact the Gallery (406-730-8855) for details or I'm happy to assist. -
I couldn’t resist naming these three ladies as The Troublemakers. Their intense glare and stance would give me pause if I met them on their turf as my husband did during a rainy afternoon hike. Perhaps they were just wet and cold. Original pastel painting Image size: 12” x 24" Framed size: 15" x 27" This painting is showing at FoR Fine Art Gallery in Whitefish, Montana. "Explorations" is the title of my solo show as featured artist in June 2024. If you're interested, please contact the Gallery (406-730-8855) for details or I'm happy to assist. -
These roosters can be quite intimidating and this guy was a robust specimen with his stunning cockscomb. He was not shy in strutting his stuff around and I made sure to stay out of his pen. Original pastel painting Image size: 8” x 8" Framed size: 11” x 11" This painting is showing at FoR Fine Art Gallery in Whitefish, Montana. "Explorations" is the title of my solo show as featured artist in June 2024. If you're interested, please contact the Gallery (406-730-8855) for details or I'm happy to assist. -
Matilda is what I named this little beauty. I was at a farm in Flathead's lower valley picking up fresh produce when I saw the field of goats and pulled out my iPhone to take photos. My new friend spied me from across the field and trotted over to introduce herself. I fell in love. Original pastel painting Image size: 8” x 8" Framed size: 11" x 11" This painting is showing at FoR Fine Art Gallery in Whitefish, Montana. "Explorations" is the title of my solo show as featured artist in June 2024. If you're interested, please contact the Gallery (406-730-8855) for details or I'm happy to assist. -
This little piglet was as cute as any animal I’ve seen before. White and pink all over, she was a charmer. I couldn’t wait to capture those glowing orange ears. Original pastel painting Image size: 8” x 8" Framed size: 11” x 11" This painting was showing at FoR Fine Art Gallery in Whitefish, Montana. "Explorations" is the title of my solo show as featured artist in June 2024. -
I was up early at a friend’s farm in west Kalispell, when her horses came thundering past for their early morning run to the barn to get their grain. It was exhilarating for both the horses and me! Original pastel painting Image size: 11.75” x 36" Framed size: 14.75" x 39" This painting was showing at FoR Fine Art Gallery in Whitefish, Montana. "Explorations" is the title of my solo show as featured artist in June 2024. -
It's always an exciting time when the Sandhill Cranes return to the valley to mate and raise their young. Not just for the bird lovers but for all the locals as it is a sign of the circle of life continuing after a long winter. Original pastel painting Image size: 12” x 16" Framed size: 15" x 19" This painting was shown at FoR Fine Art Gallery in Whitefish, Montana, as part of my "Explorations" solo show. I was featured artist in June 2024. -
There is nothing so endearing than a newborn with its mother. I came across this sweet duo and stopped to take photos. The foal was very curious but wouldn’t venture far from the mother’s side. Original pastel painting Image size: 12” x 16" Framed size: 15" x 19" This painting is showing at FoR Fine Art Gallery in Whitefish, Montana. "Explorations" is the title of my solo show as featured artist in June 2024. If you're interested, please contact the Gallery (406-730-8855) for details or I'm happy to assist. -
The Swan River provides habitat for many species including this Great Blue Heron. I was fortunate enough to be kayaking by while this beautiful bird fished over the river. Original pastel painting Image size: 9” x 12" Framed size: 12" x 15" This painting is showing at FoR Fine Art Gallery in Whitefish, Montana. "Explorations" is the title of my solo show as featured artist in June 2024. If you're interested, please contact the Gallery (406-730-8855) for details or I'm happy to assist. -
The Swan River offers so many views to paint if you’re willing to walk the couple of miles into the heart of the Swan River nature trail. I have yet to lug my backpack of gear into the heart but I’m working toward that. Original pastel painting Image size: 20” x 16" Framed size: 23" x 19" This painting is showing at FoR Fine Art Gallery in Whitefish, Montana. "Explorations" is the title of my solo show as featured artist in June 2024. If you're interested, please contact the Gallery (406-730-8855) for details or I'm happy to assist. -
This row of silos at the junction of Hwys 93 and 82 is a familiar view for most. I have always been intrigued to paint them but wasn’t sure the best way to capture them. I felt that highlighting the repetition of the shapes and reflections was best done by simplifying the scene to its essential warm and cool tones. Original pastel painting Image size: 15” x 12" Framed size: 18" x 15" This painting is showing at FoR Fine Art Gallery in Whitefish, Montana. "Explorations" is the title of my solo show as featured artist in June 2024. If you're interested, please contact the Gallery (406-730-8855) for details or I'm happy to assist. -
This is one of my favorite old barns to paint on Hwy 82. With every passing year, it becomes a little more battered by the weather. I’m sure one of these years it will collapse entirely. As long as it stands, I’ll keep exploring new versions of it with my pastels. Original pastel painting Image size: 24” x 20" Framed size: 27" x 23" This painting is showing at FoR Fine Art Gallery in Whitefish, Montana. "Explorations" is the title of my solo show as featured artist in June 2024. If you're interested, please contact the Gallery (406-730-8855) for details or I'm happy to assist. -
There is nothing that feels so sacred as a beautiful sunrise spreading over abundant farmland. It connects your soul to the land and to an earlier era in deep and profound ways. In this piece, the warm tones contrast engagingly against the cool lavenders and pinks of the morning sky. Original pastel painting Image size: 18” x 18" Framed size: 21" x 21" This painting is showing at FoR Fine Art Gallery in Whitefish, Montana. "Explorations" is the title of my solo show as featured artist in June 2024. If you're interested, please contact the Gallery (406-730-8855) for details or I'm happy to assist. -
These small ornament paintings have been described as a delightful addition to holiday decorations. Pick up one for yourself and a loved one! Original pastel Image size: 8" x 6" This piece is sold UNFRAMED. Free shipping to locations in the continental U.S. -
It was a beautiful summer morning and the gardens were extensive. I’d often heard of Bibler Gardens but this was my first visit. It did not disappoint. The many beds were intensively planted and the range of varieties was mind-boggling. After running around snapping photos of a dizzying array of options, I settled on this view. I liked the big flox blossoms against the dark foliage behind. The sun was rising on the right and adding a warm glow to everything. I set up my easel quickly to capture the golden sunlight before the light changed, working on a 9” x 12” board. I eliminated some trees and foliage to simplify the scene and allow for interesting shapes in the sky around the tree tops. The trees and bushes offered the perfect backdrop to highlight the blossoms. The pink tones compliment the warm greens and dark turquoises. The arched pink flowers add movement to the composition. Original pastel on archival board Image size: 9" x 12" This piece is sold UNFRAMED. Free shipping to locations in the continental U.S. -
I again liked that the dark foliage offered a foundation for the foreground to come forward. The flowers ranged in the cooler color range and the pink added a pop of color. The bright green was the warm tone to complement the flower colors. The leggy plant added a capricious touch. Original pastel on archival board Image size: 6" x 8" This piece is sold UNFRAMED. Free shipping to locations in the continental U.S. -
The tulips in the Bibler Gardens are a kaleidoscope of riotous color. Tulips everywhere. Lots of them. I can’t imagine how many bulbs must have been planted to produce such a gorgeous display. I later learned from one of the gardeners that they had planted 30,000 bulbs. And yet, I still can’t fathom it... The contrast between the softness of the blossoms and foliage against the hard edges of the rocks created an interesting dynamic. The sun was bouncing off the rocks and the brick pathway behind illuminating the foliage with warmth. The bright color notes of the tulips pop off the background in a playful way. Original pastel on archival board Image size: 9" x 12" This piece is sold UNFRAMED. Free shipping to locations in the continental U.S. -
This scene is at the far east end of the gardens overlooking Flathead Valley. The Swan Mountain Range is in the distance and the foreground is populated with tulip bulbs. The sun was high in the sky so the light was bright without many shadows. Original pastel on archival board Image size: 8" x 6" This piece is sold UNFRAMED. Free shipping to locations in the continental U.S. -
The early morning sun was streaming in and creating interesting patterns of shadow and light. I loved how the warm glow of the background highlighted the shadow in the foreground. The path leading to stairs invites the viewer to come down and discover more of the Gardens. Original pastel on archival board Image size: 9" x 12" This piece is sold UNFRAMED. Free shipping to locations in the continental U.S. -
I was feeling a little more comfortable with painting the tulips and decided to try a wider view. The meandering path takes one through more tulip beds and under an ornamental plum in full regalia of bright pink blossoms. The dappled light was caused by trees off to the left side of the painting that are not seen. Original pastel on archival board Image size: 9" x 12" This piece is sold UNFRAMED. Free shipping to locations in the continental U.S. -
This small painting was done in my studio from a photo taken the previous week. The tulips were fading and the season was almost over. I wanted to capture the translucence of the tulip’s petals and approach it from a more unusual angle. It’s easy to take a photo from low down with the lens angled upwards to the blossoms—not quite so easy to paint from such a low perspective. Having observed the tulips for so many hours over the previous couple of weeks, I felt like I was well versed to paint this portrait of the three blossoms. Original pastel on archival board Image size: 9" x 6" This piece is sold UNFRAMED. Free shipping to locations in the continental U.S. -
This morning I thought I’d take a big challenge. I brought a panel that was 10” x 16”—quite a bit bigger than I usually paint when on location. I liked this landscape format and focused on one of the main paths in the Gardens which pass the stables on the right. You can just see the wood slats of the barn’s siding. My intention with this composition was to pull the viewers eye through the sunlit path to the open area at the end with another bed flowers. This path of the garden is mostly in shadow so it was planted accordingly with impatiens and begonias among others. Being such a large panel, I worked on this for a solid three hours before I finally had to quit because my brain couldn’t make another decision. I wasn’t finished though so the next time I came to Bibler, I set up in the same spot and spent another hour finishing the painting and refining some of my previous work. Then I was ready for my next subject. Original pastel on archival board Image size: 10" x 16" This piece is sold UNFRAMED. Free shipping to locations in the continental U.S. -
Walking these paths many times during my over a dozen visits, this was one of the main tributaries in the front gardens. Another bounty of color was blooming underneath the trees at this intersection. I felt inspired by the play of light and shadow in this scene. Light was spilling through tall trees on the right contrasting warmly with the cast shadows. Original pastel on archival board Image size: 9" x 12" This piece is sold UNFRAMED. Free shipping to locations in the continental U.S. -
I set up my easel to this east view with the Swan Mountain Range beyond. I was looking for that long view with the grass path pulling the viewer in. The sun was fairly harsh at this time of the day but there were some shadows from the overhanging branches which added some interesting shapes. While I was painting this scene, I met a very nice couple. He was a photographer and loving the brilliant subject matter. He and his wife asked if I would like some photos taken of me at my easel and they would send them to me. How kind of them! I received the images by email as promised and promptly shared them on social media. Those are some of the wonderful connections one makes with art lovers. Art is the bridge to community and camaraderie. Original pastel on archival board Image size: 9" x 12" This piece is sold UNFRAMED. Free shipping to locations in the continental U.S. -
An Asian flair to this beautiful gazebo that can hold 15 people comfortably on benches encircling the sides. This painting makes me chuckle. I literally tried three times to draw the gazebo but I couldn’t get the perspective right. I always take photos of the exact scene I’m painting so that I can reference the photo in the studio and make corrections. After the third attempt, I realized my time and stamina were limited and I had to move on. I turned my attention to the garden bed at the right and it was one of the most challenging I had painted because of the number of varieties. I painted simplified representations of each variety to give a flavor of the abundance and the color planning that goes into these floral works of art. I left the background in basic shapes as well as the lawn to provide a place for the eye to rest. Back in the studio, I referenced my photo and saw where I was making the mistakes in perspective. I redrew the gazebo and since this was a fairly small piece, I used pastel pencils which also helped make the rendering more accurate. Original pastel on archival board Image size: 9" x 12" This piece is sold UNFRAMED. Free shipping to locations in the continental U.S. -
My last plein air painting in the Gardens for this season. On this day, the Plein Air Painters of the Flathead group met here for their weekly paint out. I had volunteered to be site captain so I knew I could only paint for a short period. I walked under the crabapple tree and loved how the sun was throwing dappled light. The red jeweled fruit against the green leaves was stunning and I added the dark blue in the background since I didn’t want anything to compete with the elements at hand. As with all the paintings, I added some refinements in the studio. Original pastel on archival board Image size: 10" x 6" This piece is sold UNFRAMED. Free shipping to locations in the continental U.S. -
The skyscape is ever changing over Flathead Lake. This was a beautifully calm day when the sun sent shimmering sparkles across the surface of the lake. Original pastel on archival board Image size: 12" x 9" Framed size: 16.25" x 13.25" 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. -
This plein air outing was a welcome surprise. I had often seen this rural setting as I drove by but didn't realize it is part of gardens that are open to the public. It was such a magical day with the vibrant cumulus clouds proclaiming 'Big Sky Country.' I'll be going back to paint this idyllic landscape again...and again! Original pastel Image size: 9” x 12" Framed size: 16" x 19" (Gallery quality black wood frame with gold inset.) This painting is showing at FoR Fine Art Gallery in Whitefish, Montana as part of their "235 Small Works Show" on display and available for purchase until January 13, 2024. Price includes shipping in the continental U.S. If the painting is purchased here on my site, FoR Fine Art will pack and ship it to you. No sales tax and no other charges apply. -
Another beautiful day in the Flathead Valley painting en plein air. The blue sky contrasted beautifully with the warm tones of the lotus pads and the reflected trees in the water. It was a pleasure to stand and paint with the warm sun on my back and the dragonflies buzzing around. Original pastel painting Image size: 12” x 9" Framed size: 19" x 16" (Gallery quality wood frame with gold leaf.) This painting is showing at FoR Fine Art Gallery in Whitefish, Montana. If you're interested, please contact the Gallery (406-730-8855) for details or I'm happy to assist.
©Francesca Droll
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This imposing structure speaks eloquently about a past way of life. The land on which Blaisdell Barn sits in Somers, Montana, has reverted back to a wild fowl protected area and is only accessible when the birds are not breeding or raising their young. I was lucky to drive by on a warm late summer day. I stopped and enjoyed a wonderful afternoon standing in the tall grasses with only the birds chirping and the soft breeze as my companions. Original pastel painting Image size: 9" x 12" Please contact me if you're interested. Available framed for $595.00 or unframed for $450.00. Shipping charges may apply. Sales tax is not applicable. -
This sunset was painted in support of the LGBTQ+ community in June of 2023. All the colors of the rainbow are represented in the sunset. Original pastel painting Image size: 9" x 12" Please contact me if you're interested. Available framed for $595.00 or unframed for $450.00. Shipping charges may apply. Sales tax is not applicable. -
Flathead Lake is touted as the largest fresh water natural lake west of the Mississippi with Lake Tahoe a close second. The sunsets are often stunning and never the same twice. Original pastel Image size: 18” x 36" Framed size: 24" x 42" -
Farmland is still abundant in the Flathead Valley and haying season is so picturesque. The mountains in the background lead to Glacier National Park. Original pastel Image size: 16” x 12" Framed size: 23" x 19" -
One is truly fortunate to be able to enjoy a beautiful sunset standing on the Montaño de Oro cliffs. Original pastel Image size: 12” x 16" -
Sunsets over Flathead Lake are extraordinary and leave one breathless. This amazing sunset highlighted the terrain of Big Arm on the western shore. Original pastel painting Image size: 12” x 36" Framed size: 16.5" x 40.5" This painting is showing at FoR Fine Art Gallery in Bigfork, Montana. If you're interested, please contact the Gallery (406-420-2453) for details or I'm happy to assist. -
Sabino Canyon has a myriad of trails leading through an abundant desert landscape toward the canyon. Spending an afternoon here never disappoints. Original pastel Image size: 20” x 30" Framed size: 28" x 38" This painting is showing at FoR Fine Art Gallery in Whitefish, Montana. If you're interested, please contact the Gallery (406-730-8855) for details or I'm happy to assist.
