• 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"

     
  • One of my favorite trails in Glacier National Park is the Iceberg Lake Trail. Hiking through beautiful landscapes of open mountain views and shaded forests, the final approach to the cirque is one of dotted lakes and lush meadows. If you’re lucky you may get a glimpse of grizzlies, from a safe distance. In the bowl of the cirque, Iceberg Lake is aptly named as it always has icebergs floating in it even at the height of summer. This is the view of the towering cirque just a short distance before Iceberg Lake. Original pastel Image size: 20” x 15” This painting is sold UNFRAMED. Shipping is included in the continental U.S. No sales tax. This painting was part of the Hockaday Art Museum's "A Timeless Legacy" Exhibit.
  • On a tranquil lake, an evening warmed with the fading sun, may feel like it’s made especially for you. It creates a sense of wonder and gratitude. For how could something so beautiful be anything but miraculous. Original pastel Image size: 30” x 12" This painting is sold UNFRAMED. Price includes shipping in the continental U.S. No sales tax.
  • 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"
  • 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"

  • Limes are a cheerful addition to this southwest enamel bowl and are just waiting to be juiced! Framed in a gallery-quality dark brown wood frame and anti-reflective glass. Original pastel Image size: 9” x 12" Framed size: 16" x 19" This painting is showing at FoR Fine Art Gallery in Bigfork, Montana. 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 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 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.
    Photo of a pastel painting of a lotus pond.

    ©Francesca Droll

  • 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
  • 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"
  • 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"

  • 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"

  • Time moves on and the seasons change from lush green to vibrant yellow. It is the last symphony of color before winter closes in and the colors rest in preparation for Spring's leafy explosion. This scene was inspired on an October day, painting at Cascadilla Creek in Glacier National Park. Original pastel Image size: 20" x 15" This painting is sold UNFRAMED. Includes shipping in the continental U.S. No sales tax.
  • 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"
  • Bird of Paradise flowers are stunning with a rainbow of colors that are accented by raindrops. Framed in a gallery-quality dark brown wood frame and anti-reflective glass. Original pastel Image size: 12” x 16" Framed size: 19" x 23" This painting is showing at FoR Fine Art Gallery in Bigfork, Montana. 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.
  • One of the many charming farms throughout the Flathead Valley in northwest Montana. One feels the peaceful tranquility of a less hectic life set among the mountains and streams. Original pastel Image size: 9" x 12" This piece is sold UNFRAMED. Free shipping to locations in the continental U.S. No sales tax.
  • Pears! These beautiful Red Crimsons were happy to pose for me. I threw in the green Bosc for variety and a touch of humor. It's very interesting to paint the different varieties of pears—I'm learning their unique characteristics. If you've never had a Red Crimson, give it a try—very sweet. Cultivated during the 1950-1960s from a spontaneous mutation, it's becoming more widely known. Original pastel Image size: 12” x 24" Framed size: 19" x 31" This painting is showing at FoR Fine Art Gallery in Whitefish, Montana. 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. There are no additional costs and no sales tax.
  • Pears are a sensuous fruit and wonderfully sweet. These D'Anjou pears are voluptuous with short necks and subtle shades of red blush over their verdant skin. The big treat after painting a still life is enjoying the fruit afterwards. Original pastel Image size: 12” x 24" Framed size: 19" x 31"
  • Not all beautiful places in Montana have breathtaking mountains. Montana is rich with tranquil scenes of lazy creeks meandering through golden hills. It’s a wonderful place to experience the bygone era of early homesteads and working ranches. This is Basin Creek in the historic mining area of Boulder and Basin, south of Helena.

    Original pastel Image size: 12" x 16"

    This piece is sold UNFRAMED. Free shipping to locations in the continental U.S.

  • 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 Image size: 9" x 12" This piece is sold UNFRAMED. Free shipping to locations in the continental U.S.
  • 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.
  • 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"
  • 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 fourth in the series, Rock ’n’ Flow. Plunging over the rocks creates an exciting dynamic once again between the immovable and the timeless flow. Original pastel Image size: 18" x 24" This painting is sold UNFRAMED. Free shipping to locations in the continental U.S. No sales tax.
  • The first in a series of four titled Rock 'n' Flow. The contrast of unyielding rock and flowing water inspired these paintings. The light falling in abstract patterns creates an interesting kaleidoscope of color. Original pastel Image size: 18" x 24"

    This piece is sold UNFRAMED. Includes shipping to locations in the continental U.S. No sales tax.

  • Water and light are synergistic. Water is see through but light bounces off of it or shines through it for stunning effect. I never tire of exploring how light is experienced in the landscape. Original pastel Image size: 18” x 24" This painting is sold UNFRAMED. Price includes shipping in the continental U.S. No sales tax.
  • Original pastel Image size: 12” x 16"
  • Sabino Canyon and the surrounding area are a comforting landscape. The peaches and turquoises of the mountains and plants are soothing to the soul. Walking through the terrain, one feels a sense of peace and well-being. Original pastel Image size: 18” x 36" Framed size: 24" x 42" This painting is showing at FoR Fine Art Gallery in Bigfork, Montana. 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.
  • 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 Bigfork, Montana. 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.
  • During a trip through the southwest one year, I was fortunate to meet up with some of my Montana buddies who were painting en plein air around the Sedona area. What a mecca of red-hued landscapes for inspiration. I looking forward to revisiting someday. Original pastel Image size: 18” x 24" Framed size: 25" x 31" This painting is showing at FoR Fine Art Gallery in Bigfork, Montana. 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 additional costs.
  • 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.
  • 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"
  • 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"
  • 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"
  • 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”

  • Sabino Canyon is the jewel of Tucson and spring in Sabino Canyon is a floral paradise. If one catches it just right, the poppies and phlox bloom like a carpet. Hiking here on a beautiful spring day makes the heart soar! Original pastel Image size: 16” x 12"
  • 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 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"

  • 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" This piece is sold UNFRAMED. Free shipping to locations in the continental U.S.
  • Take a walk into this desert sunset highlighting the landscape of saquaros and other desert plants. Original pastel Image size: 12” x 24" Framed size: 19.5" x 31.5"
  • 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"
  • 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 Image size: 12” x 36" Framed size: 16.5" x 40.5" This painting is showing at FoR Fine Art Gallery in Bigfork, Montana. 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.
  • 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"
  • 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"
  • 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"

  • 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"

  • 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"
  • This threesome of pears is inspired by Rembrandt's technique of bringing out objects and people from a warm dark background. It makes for high drama and pears are the perfect actors. Original pastel Image size: 9” x 12" Framed size: 16" x 19" (warm silver wood frame) This painting is showing at FoR Fine Art Gallery in Tucson, Arizona. 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. Sales tax is applicable. There are no additional costs.
  • 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"

  • 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"
  • Wayfarers Park is right on Flathead Lake located in the town of Bigfork, Montana. A wonderful place to camp right on the water during the season. A perfect view of the ever changing light on Flathead Lake. Original pastel Image size: 12” x 9" Framed size: 19" x 16" This painting is showing at FoR Fine Art Gallery in Bigfork, Montana. 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. There are no additional costs and no sales tax.

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