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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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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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Sunsets over Flathead Lake never disappoint. This view shows Big Arm on the west shore. Original pastel Image size: 12” x 24" Framed size: 16.5" x 28.5" 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. There are no additional costs and 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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
Golden aspens shimmer in the breeze and are a vibrant response to the cooler nights of autumn. Framed in a gallery-quality dark brown wood frame and anti-reflective glass. Original pastel Image size: 16” x 12" Framed size: 23" 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. -
This clay vase was a souvenir from Switzerland and is perfect for lemonade. The yellow of the lemons worked well with the blue in the vase. I added the cloth to add more blue and for the directional lines leading the viewer into the painting. Framed in a gallery-quality gold leaf 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. -
Who doesn't love the red berries of the pomegranate? Not only are they delicious, they add a red sparkle to any dish or salad. These beauties were fun to paint with their little "crowns" for hats. Original pastel Image size: 12” x 16" Framed size: 19" x 23" 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. -
The dark background provides a rich tapestry to nest this trio of apples. The name "Appellation" is a humorous nod to an otherwise classical arrangement and presentation. Original pastel Image size: 11” x 14" Framed size: 18" x 21" 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. -
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" This piece is sold UNFRAMED. Free shipping to locations in the continental U.S. -
There is often a sense of calm in the woods. The feeling of time suspended and the muffled silence of deep snow. This piece was inspired by the reflective quality of the snow and the low winter light illuminating a path into that calm. Original pastel Image size: 12" x 16" This painting is sold UNFRAMED. Free shipping to locations in the continental U.S. -
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.
©Francesca Droll
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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. -
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. -
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. -
McDonald Creek is always a favorite painting spot with the mountains surrounding it and the glacial water flowing over the colorful rocks. We had been plein air painting nearby and then the rain came. We had to pack it up but not before snapping a few more photos at this spot. I knew that it would be great fun to play with this colorful fall scene in my studio. Original pastel Image size: 12" 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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This painting was started onsite in early September 2021. The smoke from the distant wildfires turned the sky an ethereal orange in the evening light. This view was looking west from the East Glacier area. Original pastel Image size: 9" x 12" Framed size: 16" x 19" This painting is showing at Hockaday Art Museum (Kalispell, Montana) at "A Timeless Legacy" Exhibit. Please contact the museum at 406-755-5268 to purchase. For more information or to purchase, you may contact the museum at 406-755-5268. Alternatively, please contact me or purchase here on my site and I will reimburse the museum for their commission. The painting will be available after the August 30 Opening. -
Sometimes it stretches the imagination to think that every sunset is unique. It’s just variations on color and cloud formations. The bonus being that it’s a surprise every evening as to what will be painted across the sky. Original pastel Image size: 12" x 9" -
Beargrass is unique to the Pacific Northwest and nowhere are they more abundant and lovely than in Glacier National Park. The plants bloom in June and only once every seven years. Luckily there is such a proliferation of plants that every year one can enjoy the blooms. Original pastel Image size: 11" x 14" This painting is sold UNFRAMED. Free shipping to locations in the continental U.S. No sales tax. -
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. -
Flathead cherries are a sweet summer treat for locals and tourists alike. Original pastel Image size: 8” x 6" Framed size: 15.5" x 13.5" This painting is showing at FoR Fine Art Gallery in Bigfork, Montana. Price includes shipping. 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. -
This painting was inspired by the area surrounding Somers, MT, on the northwest corner of Flathead Lake. Every season has its beauty and winter is no exception. The colors reflecting off the snow and the brilliant red and orange hues of the leafless scrub willows adds to the effect. Original pastel Image size: 12" x 9" This piece is sold UNFRAMED. Free shipping to locations in the continental U.S. No sales tax. -
Autumn colors are loud, boisterous, and gaudy and we are dazzled by their kaleidoscope of intensity. Water influences the glorious colors of the season with its own shimmering dance. This scene was inspired by reflections on the east shore of Flathead Lake. Original pastel Image size: 7" x 14" This piece is sold UNFRAMED. Free shipping to locations 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. -
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. -
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. -
These little mergansers swam up and down the river following their mother. During our time at Granite Cabin we watched as they grew steadily larger but we also noticed that their number were fewer. I suppose that's an example of survival of the fittest or just plain luck. Original pastel Image size: 7" x 14" This painting is sold UNFRAMED. Free shipping to locations in the continental U.S. No sales tax. -
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. -
It was an sparkling summer afternoon floating the Swan River and I watched one beautiful view after another while paddling by. Unfortunately, I couldn’t sit in my kayak and paint this inspiring glimpse of nature in action. This was painted in the studio from that memory and a snapped photo. Original pastel on archival board Image size: 9" x 12" This piece is sold UNFRAMED. Free shipping to locations in the continental U.S.
©Francesca Droll
©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 on archival board Image size: 9" x 12" 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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
This painting was started onsite in early September 2021. The smoke from the distant wildfires turned the sky an ethereal orange in the evening light. This view was looking west from the East Glacier area. Original pastel Image size: 8" x 10" "East Glacier Evening" was part of the Hockaday's "A Timeless Legacy" Exhibit from August 30 - October 29, 2022. This painting is sold UNFRAMED. Shipping is included to addresses in the continental U.S. No sales tax.
