Distinctly Montana Magazine

w w w . d i s t i n c t l y m o n t a n a . c o m 51 formation. Frequently that information is in written form, so you need to "recreate the scene" whether it's microbiology or surgery. This requires a composition that highlights critical elements that convey key educational concepts and excludes extraneous details. In a surgical illustration (regardless of medium you use), the basic artistic fundamentals of form, how light falls on that form, and your com- position must be used to assemble essential focal points of the procedure. I use that training all the time. If my photo of an animal has a different light source on it than the surroundings I want to put it in, I have to think about that and make changes to one or the other, as necessary. Also, using color to make elements come forward or recede and draw the eye around a composition. WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON NOW, AND WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF GOING WITH YOUR ART OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS? It goes without saying that 2020 has been a challenge, but art shows have still gone on, whether live or virtual. Recent pieces in the "After Humans" series have involved winter, and I will likely continue with more of those. A trip to Yellow- stone is in order, but we're not sure when that will happen. One important part of my career going forward is working toward decreasing the apprehension of digital painting and artwork. While I see increased accep- tance in more areas, there is still strong opposition that I think is based on false assumptions. Like my medical illustration colleagues, I would say fine artists now using digital techniques are also well versed in all design concepts and are likely quite adept at traditional media. A fancy sable brush or computer application needs a human; they can't do anything without a person's talent. A fancy sable brush or computer NEEDS A HUMAN; THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING WITHOUT A PERSON'S TALENT. After Humans Lake Bears After Humans Lake Winter Sunshine After Humans Lake Hotel Winter Dunraven Spring

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