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"We as a society have gotten so used to looking at a screen
and getting instant gratification," Scott said. "[Ralston] cap-
tured a period of time where our values were different, yet those
are the values that make us Montanans. We are strong people,
we are kind, we take part in our civic duties and we take care of
our neighbor, whether we like the fella or not."
Although Ralston always knew he wanted to paint, he put ser-
vice first, and signed up for the Army during World War I, while
enrolled in art school. He served in the 62nd
Infantry, Eighth Division, then returned to
Chicago to continue his education.
• • •
At her small cattle ranch in Missoula, Scott is
proud to share her grandfather's collection,
passed down from her mother. Some were
gifts from Grandpa, including a rare portrait
of Sitting Bull ("he gave me that when I was
seven, probably because I was his favorite,"
Scott said, laughing).
Scott's home is a treasure chest with tre-
mendous sentimental value. Many of the
paintings and the sketches depict family
members, capturing life in eastern Montana.
Ralston died in 1987 at the age of 91. Scott said he never quit
drawing, even in hard years at the end. But hardships came with
the territory. He was familiar with struggle, as a commercial art-
ist in the Pacific Northwest and back home in Montana during
the Depression era. "Artists don't make a lot of money," Scott
added, "even when they're good. But, when he came back to
Montana, he was creating the art he felt most important."
Call of the Bugle
1500 Fairmont Road Fairmont, Montana • 406.797.3241 • 800.332.3272 • fairmontmontana.com
