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Original pastel Image size: 12” x 16" -
Aspens are happy trees with their fluttering heart-shaped leaved. My heart is warmed while standing in an aspen grove with the leaves dancing all around, catching the light like green prisms. The twigs and branches entertwine to create abstract patterns against the backdrop. Original pastel Image size: 8” x 10" -
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" -
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" -
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" -
Woods Bay on Flathead Lake is in the town of Bigfork, Montana. Woods Bay provides a safe haven for boats and is a great place to enjoy watersports of all kinds. Original pastel Image size: 12” x 9" Framed size: 18.5" x 15.5" -
Sunsets over Flathead Lake never disappoint. This view shows Big Arm on the west shore. Original pastel Image size: 12” x 9" Framed size: 19.5" x 16.5" -
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" -
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" -
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 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. -
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. -
This painting was inspired by an area that is just behind my home in Woods Bay on the shores of Flathead Lake. Although I changed the scene a bit with my artist license, the feeling of the place is captured here with a touch of mystery added to draw you into the path between the trees. Notecard size: 7" x 5" with white envelope High quality paper printed in full color, blank interior.Free shipping to locations in the continental U.S.
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Bigfork, Montana is surrounded by picturesque farmland. The sky is often changing with dramatic clouds shifting overhead. The colors of the growing season are vibrant and alive. Such an inspiration for the creative spirit. Notecard size: 7" x 5" with white envelope High quality paper printed in full color, blank interior.Free shipping to locations in the continental U.S.
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When the light filters through the trees and casts shadows on the landscape, magic happens. The water reflects prisms of color. Notecard size: 5" x 7" with white envelope High quality paper printed in full color, blank interior.Free shipping to locations in the continental U.S.
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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. Notecard size: 5" x 7" with white envelope High quality paper printed in full color, blank interior.Free shipping to locations in the continental U.S.
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This landscape was inspired while painting outdoors at the Ninepipe Wildlife Refuge in the Mission Valley of northwest Montana. This area provides sanctuary for many animals including ducks, geese, badgers, muskrats, porcupine, and the occasional bear. Notecard size: 5" x 7" with white envelope High quality paper printed in full color, blank interior.Free shipping to locations in the continental U.S.
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This is one of 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. Notecard size: 5" x 7" with white envelope High quality paper printed in full color, blank interior.Free shipping to locations in the continental U.S.
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Pack of notecards. Six different paintings included in the pack along with six white envelopes.All notecards are the same size: 7" x 5" High quality paper printed in full color, blank interior.
Free shipping to locations in the continental U.S.
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Pack of six notecards with a Holiday message. Includes six white envelopes.All notecards are the same size: 7" x 5" High quality paper printed in full color, holiday message.
Free shipping to locations in the continental U.S.
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Pack of six notecards with a Holiday message. Includes six white envelopes.All notecards are the same size: 7" x 5" High quality paper printed in full color, holiday message.
Free shipping to locations in the continental U.S.
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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. -
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. -
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 8" 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 8" 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 8" 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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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 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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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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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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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 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. -
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.
