Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A • FA L L 2 0 1 6 48 PORTRAITURE ART SEEMS QUITE OVERLOOKED TODAY. WHAT IS IT THAT YOUR SUBJECTS ARE SEEKING WHEN THEY REQUEST THAT SERVICE? By commissioning a portrait of them- selves, or someone they know, they are ordering a unique piece of original art that is very personalized. Their portrait will become a family legacy and heir- loom. A portrait is about family, their lifestyle, or their business. A bond is formed between the artist and the subject, allowing their dignity, character, and integrity to show through. I'm proud to be a portrait artist, and embrace its heritage as a profession. HOW HAS LIVING IN MONTANA INSPIRED YOUR ART? Growing up on the Rocky Mountain Front on a cattle ranch near Augusta, I have a sincere love and respect of the land, the animals, and the spirited people that live here. Montana has so much history and inspiration that it would take me many lifetimes to "get it all down." My Native American, Mountain Men, and Explorers Series have all been duly inspired by the First People, the Frontiersmen, and spirited people of Montana, and its diverse landscape. The Missouri River outside my studio window has been a great source of inspiration for my "Mighty Missouri River" series. TELL US ABOUT A TYPICAL WORK DAY FOR SHERRY GALLAGHER. In a perfect world, my work day would go like this: A.M. Have coffee, gaze at the Missouri River, the wildlife, and seasons. It's always beautiful on "The River." No music yet, just the sound of nature. Breathe it all in. I get centered and plan my day. Connect with my assis- tant, business, and marketing activities, and sometimes meet with clients. P.M. Creative Time 1:00 -5:00 or later, painting in my studio to carefully selected music, chosen according to the subject I am working on. Scheduled studio sittings with portrait clients. Or I may paint outside, plein air, on location. Evening. More creative time if possible. Frame. Read. Research. Dream. Brainstorm ideas. Social networking. Welcome interruptions are phone calls from my clients, family, caring for pets and flowers, helping my partner with the wild Mustangs, moving cattle on horse- back, and branding, all part of the creative process. I'm also the Art Director for Wrangler Fine Art Gal- lery in Great Falls, and weave this responsibility into my schedule. Lewis and Clark Oil on art screen "These art screens are painted in oil and can be custom-ordered in any subject." Charbonneau At Work, oil on art screen Sherry in her studio Sherry paints a portrait on location.

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