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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 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 vibrant colors of light and shadow on the water are represented here. The sunlight shines through and highlights the green of the river bottom and the sky reflects deep blue on the surface of the water in the shadow area. The duality in the nature of water provides endless inspiration. Original pastel Image size: 12" x 36" This painting is sold UNFRAMED. Free shipping to locations in the continental U.S. No sales tax. -
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" -
This painting was inspired from a hike into Sabino Canyon. The water was flowing well and the sky above was perfectly reflected in the pool of water. In such a dry environment, water can be a startling and welcome discovery. Original pastel Image size: 16” x 20" Framed size: 23" x 27" -
One of those wonderful plein air days when you pick the right spot and the painting practically paints itself. It started to rain before I could finish so I completed it in the studio. This charming fast moving creek is a little ways up the road past Hungry Horse Dam and still has quite a bit of volume in early summer. Original pastel Image size: 12" x 9" This piece is sold UNFRAMED. Free shipping to locations in the continental U.S. No sales tax. -
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" -
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" -
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. -
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. -
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.
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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.
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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. -
When light emerges through the trees and shines highlights on the water, magic happens. The water reflects prisms of color. This is Granite Creek which flows into the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. Original pastel Image size: 20" x 16" This painting is sold UNFRAMED. Free shipping to locations in the continental U.S. No sales tax. -
Water as an action sport must have a great time as it slips and slides through an obstacle course set by Mother Nature. This image was inspired by a side stream following the road into Glacier National Park. Original pastel Image size: 14" x 7" This painting is sold UNFRAMED. Free shipping to locations in the continental U.S. No sales tax. -
This side stream of the middle fork river was a very popular spot for the flyfishers. We also caught numerous fish although we threw them back to their watery worlds to live another day. Original pastel Image size: 15" x 20" This painting is sold UNFRAMED. Free shipping to locations in the continental U.S. No sales tax.
