Whether he is depicting a Native American hunting party, a stagecoach arriving in a frontier town, or a cowpuncher riding night herd in the moonlight, the imagery of Montana-based artist Gary Lynn Roberts clearly reflects his belief that he lives and works in God’s country. For him, it’s a reality in more ways than one. Living on a remote 100-acre spread in the majestic Bitterroot Valley some 50 miles south of Missoula, Roberts doesn’t have to venture far to find the towering snow-capped mountains, sparkling rivers, and native wildlife that so richly complement his compelling compositions. Gary Lynn Roberts Wapiti
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Archives for Genre
A Creative Calling
Albin Veselka wants to talk about art. First, though, he wants to say a few words about the meaning of life and the purpose of art. “I’m always trying to uplift people; I think it’s important to better the world,” says Veselka, whose Christian faith, along with his missionary zeal for art, guide his creative journey. “My faith helps me to do that—to uplift people and to show them something through my art.” This spirit of expansive generosity suffuses Veselka’s work, as well as his artistic philosophy. Albin Veselka Sunset Tide Oil 24″x15″ “I love the way white reflects all
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The Race is Still Going
There is nothing Morgan Weistling enjoys more—or works as hard at—as telling a story. It is exciting and challenging, as he spends countless hours—and makes thousands of decisions—to create each painting in a manner that captures the attention of viewers, draws them in, and—he hopes—puts a smile on their faces. Snake Oil Salesman is a prime example of how Weistling works. “I look at that painting, and I see 100,000 decisions I had to make,” he says of the piece, which depicts a gathering of men, women, and children around a man enthusiastically extolling the benefits of the snake oil
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The Evolution Continues
A few years ago, Jason Rich was invited to visit some of the people who had started collecting his work early in his career. He hadn’t seen the paintings in almost 20 years. and he admits that he was surprised when he looked at them again. “Day after day, as you’re working at your easel, the changes in your work are so subtle that you don’t even notice them,” he says. “But when you look back at your early work, you see the evolution. You see the changes that you don’t see day-to-day.” Rich was in his mid twenties, when
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Billy Schenck
Preferring to be called Billy rather than Bill or William, it is obvious that Billy Schenck is a man secure in who he is and what he does—with good reason. In addition to being a much sought after painter, the 67-year-old artist can also be described as a nearly compulsive collector of fine art and prehistoric pottery, an avid cattleman, horseman, and rodeo promoter. He is a multitalented man, whose fascination with life and learning has allowed him to excel at all these endeavors and more. At first glance, working in the Western genre might seem a bit of an
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All About the Light
Debra Huse Above Avalon Oil 12″ x 16″ “This was painted on location, overlooking Avalon Harbor on the California island of Catalina. The perspective makes an interesting challenge for a painter. We are looking down through the trees at the boats moored in the harbor and at the Catalina Island Yacht Club. What joy, standing amidst the eucalyptus and painting this incredible vista on a warm, summer day.” Debra Huse Running With the Wind Oil 24″ x 36″ “This is a favorite of mine. My husband Randy and I were invited to sail in a regatta, in a boat called
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A Universal Chord
Mike Untiedt lives right in the center of downtown Denver, Colorado. He can ride his bike to see the Colorado Rockies play baseball, drop in at any number of good eateries, or shop the downtown stores. Yet the oil painter’s heart and mind are often in another time and another place. “I like painting cowboys,” says the 63-year-old Denver native of his focus on painting the outback lifestyle. “Cowboys strike a universal chord, but I try not to make it too ‘cowboy,’ so people of all backgrounds can identify.” For Untiedt, a natural born storyteller, the direction works. Michael Ome
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The Joy Of Being Alive
Donna Howell-Sickles has been making her way as a fine artist for four decades. She’s earned numerous awards for her paintings and has been inducted into the Cowgirl Hall of Fame in Fort Worth, Texas. But, if you think she’s settled into a comfortable routine, you would be sadly mistaken. While the past has been pretty darn spectacular, the future for this award-winning artist promises to be more than a little exciting. Donna Sickles Soul Searching—The Pick of the Litter Mixed Media 36″x36″ “You can never have too many dogs or enough protective footwear, albeit the symbolic kind, because you
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Relationships Are Key
After running a successful veterinary practice in Pennsylvania for 20 years, John Fawcett decided to cash it in and forge a new career as a fine artist. It was not a decision he made lightly, however. After all, his first love has always been animals (he bought his first horse at age 10), and leaving his practice behind hadn’t even been a consideration, until he and his wife Elizabeth happened on a Western art show in Arizona. John Fawcett Savvy Watercolor 23″ x 14″ “During gatherings and brandings, it is essential for cowboys to have a good horse that knows
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I Have Enjoyed Every Minute
John Moyers says he is a lucky man. As a young boy, he was surrounded by art and art supplies, thanks to his father, award-winning artist William Moyers. As a teenager, he was mentored by distinguished painter, Robert Lougheed. And, as an adult he met and married his soul mate and fellow artist, Terri Kelly, and the two have happily traveled the world, painting as they go. He is modest about his accomplishments, grateful for the opportunity to spend his life doing what he loves, and excited about the future. John Moyers Return From Blue Lake Oil 30˝ by 48˝
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