Tomorrow begins Art Week in Great Falls, MT. I will be involved with two of the five different art shows in town. I am showing in room 176 at the Heritage Inn (part of the Ad Club’s Russell Art Show) and also have a piece in “The Russell” – the show to benefit the C.M. Russell Museum. I chose to do the wall sale this year instead of the auction. That sale is this Thursday night, March 18 from 5:00 – 8:00pm. You may view the catalog online.

I’ve shown you this painting before but since this is the big week, I thought I would show it to you again. It’s called “The Season’s Last Lilies” and is an oil, 24″ x 24″. Hope to see you there!

I had been eying an older painting recently that I felt needed a redo. I began that redo with my saw and made a vertical painting square, which immediately helped the composition! Then after getting rid of the frog, adding the two flower buds and some new paint I think I have a piece I really like. “Prelude” is 18 x 18.

I have been doing lots of landscapes lately. I’m not quitting the figurative pieces, but I feel I need to gather some more good research in that regard. I hope to get to some rendezvous, rodeos, Native American events and biker rallies this summer!

It was a year ago today that our friend Joe Halko died. He was a very kind man, a good friend to many and a talented artist. Joe worked as a taxidermist for many years, which I’m sure led to his great talent as a wildlife sculptor. We are lucky that several of his large bronzes grace establishments here in Great Falls so that we may continue to see them. Joe’s wife Margaret and girls just donated a huge Mama Grizzy and cubs to the Russell Museum. It’s wonderful to know that it’s there.

Joe had a smile for everyone, and the sound of his laughter stays in my mind.  He left a hole in the community that can not be filled. We miss you Joe.

Many of us in the art community are marathoning for the Russell Shows that begin on Wednesday, March 17th. That is enough to think about, but also on our minds are the events of a year ago at this time, when Tara Bowman was killed in the Montana Trails Gallery explosion. Just a few days later, another good friend, artist Joe Halko died as well. Such a sad time it was, and now it comes to mind again. I had posted a blog then with a sketch I’d done for a painting to be done in Tara’s memory. I have recently finished the painting. It was time. I will be giving it to Tara’s family.

The Bridger Range of mountains lies just to the north east of Bozeman, MT. I understand that Tara once lived where her view was this one of the Bridger’s. Tara, may you rest in peace.

I share a display room at the Russell Show with Sheila Rieman, a good friend, great painter and teacher. Sheila has done primarily pastel paintings over the years, but she’s now doing some wonderful oils as well. I love this little piece of hers – Mike and Maybe Resting. It’s 9×12 and an oil. Knowing Sheila and her husband Pete, there’s a story there in the name Maybe! You may view more of Sheila’s work on her website.

Come see us at the Russell Show beginning March 17th in Great Falls, MT.