Morning March Light

As the light gradually changes in March the morning sun brings out more intense colors. The dull dormant colors of winter fields start to come alive in conjunction with the warm and cool compliments of light and shadow.

This pastel "Good Morning!" is about March light and the beautiful sunrises.

6" x 6" Montana Gran Elevator

14' x 14' mural

My first ever grain elevator painting was a 14' x 14' mural in a local deli eating area. I think it was more of a challenge painting very small.

It is always a pleasant surprise to see an old grain elevator driving in rural areas of Montana, Wyoming and Idaho, it is like you are instantly transported to a different era.

Fast Montana Storms

July in Montana can have some crazy weather. This was one of those days that you had to have your easel set up right by your car and be ready to quickly throw your stuff in when the wind and rain hit.

This pastel "Fast Storm" describes it all. I had to frantically paint before this storm hit. Great light, dynamic clouds and heavy rain!

This is "Fast Storm" a 4" x 6" chalk pastel.

Montana and Dynamic Shadows

This is the upper Madison River in the Montana side of Yellowstone National Park. I love when it is partly cloudy with quickly moving shadows that create this dynamic light.

"Upper Madison River" is a 4" x 6" pastel on 100% cotton rag paper.

Summer Solstice in Montana

This is a painting of the Tobaccorroot Mountains of Montana on the summer solstice. As the earth warms and farming is active the sunsets become more spectacular. The gentle rolling hills at the west end of the Gallatin Valley are a fun place to paint.

In March I get really excited for spring and summer I just can't bring myself to paint snow! Problem is though, summer starts around the solstice since June can be wet and cold like April.

Beaverhead Rock

This is a pastel painting of Beaverhead Rock near Dillon, Montana. Besides it's unique beauty this rock outcropping has a historic significance as well.

"Beaverhead Rock is a rock feature identified in 1805 by Sacagawea, during the Lewis and Clark Expedition, as a landmark not distant from the summer retreat of her nation."

I travel to this part of southwest Montana a lot and see Beaverhead Rock in so many light and weather conditions, this happens to be early spring when the foliage is really green and the light is very bright in this rural setting.