This is Sheila’s painting below. It is called  ”Just Before Dark”  and is an oil, 24 x 48. It is a phenomenal piece.

Sheila was a bright spot in so many people’s lives. She was always laughing and fun to be around, a true friend, always there to help, a hard worker, an amazing multi-talented person, a great teacher, a great artist. I can’t tell you how much she’ll be missed – by so many.

Just last week I tore the following poem out of the paper, meaning to file it away. In seeing it now I know that it was meant for Sheila. She has lived her life close to nature, with her own animals and the wild ones that frequent her space. Her great art has been a tribute to all of those things. Sheila, my friend, my family, I can’t tell you how much we will miss you. The world won’t be the same without you.

“The Song of the River” by W.R. Hearst

The snow melts on the mountain. And the water runs down to the spring.

And the spring in a turbulent fountain, with a song of youth to sing,

Runs down to the riotous river, and the river flows to the sea.

And the water again goes back to rain, to the hills where it used to be.

And I wonder if life’s deep mystery isn’t much like the rain and snow.

Returning through all eternity to the places it used to know.

For life was born on the lofty heights and flows in a laughing stream

To the river below who’s outward flow ends in a peaceful dream.

And so at last when our life has passed, and the river has run it’s course,

It again goes back o’er the selfsame track to the mountain which was it’s source.

So why prize life or why fear death, or dread what is to be?

The river ran it’s allotted span till it reached the silent sea.

Then the water harked back to the mountain top to begin it’s course once more.

So we shall run the course begun till we reach the silent shore.

Then revisit earth in a pure rebirth from the heart of the virgin snow.

So don’t ask why we live or die, or whither or when we go,

or wonder about the mysteries that only God may know.

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.

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

I’m still painting away on my circle of paintings. I do think this is good. I really am seeing a lot of things I want to change or finish as they come around a second or third time. Not that I always have time to paint like that, but it’s a good thing.

Buddy, I hope you’re racing through green pastures now and kicking up your heels.

My first image is testimony to why I’m still sitting at the computer…our bunkhouse in the cold this week. The next are pieces from the Gallery Russia in Scottsdale. I always try to get to the Main Street galleries when I’m there, as I was a few weeks ago. The nude is a painting by a Russian artist,  Laimodot Murnick from the 50′s. I am amazed by the color! The next piece is called “The Pickers” and is by Maija Eliase, also from the 50′s. The landscape is called “Snow in the Country”, by Valery Shmatko, 2002. These pieces impress me so, as do many of the classical Russian impressionist works. There is so much texture, vibrance and gutsy brushwork. These are, in my opinion, some great painters!

Good news in that the Creighton Block Gallery web page is soon to be launched, and it sounds like it will be wonderful with a virtual gallery tour, professional photography of the art, and a link to the artists’ blogs. I’m looking forward to seeing it. Colin sent me this image which shows the beautifully restored Virginia City building that is now the gallery. Those are my pieces on the white wall. David Lemon’s bronzes are in the foreground and Russell Chatham’s pieces are on the stone wall. Stay tuned. I’ll let you know when their site is up.

We drove home through Teton and Yellowstone Parks. The leaves were turning and it was beautiful! All in all, we had a great week!

This is Tom’s painting, Yellow Leaves Moon. It is an oil, 50×50