Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A • S U M M E R 2 0 1 8 48 SEVERAL YEARS AGO YOU WON THE NATIONAL "DUCK STAMP" CONTEST. WHAT WAS THE IMPACT OF THAT AWARD FOR YOUR CAREER? Winning the Federal Duck Stamp in 1987 was an incredible honor and a lifetime achievement, particularly at that time. In retrospect it gave me the confidence and resources to really launch my career. Spanning a decade, my work appeared on more than 30 stamps. REALISM IN ART IS A CHALLENGING TASK. ARE YOU SATISFIED THAT YOUR ART ACHIEVES REALISM AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL? Achieving realism at the highest level is a somewhat intangible term. ere are plenty of artists who paint with an extreme level of detail and realism that surpasses my work. My objective is to create the illusion of realism through a delicate balance between wildlife and habitat. Too much detail can be a detriment as it can detract from the subject and weaken the composition. I strive for my paintings to be realistic but also want them to stand as a work of art. I want my art to resonate with the viewer on a much deeper level... to strike an emotional chord. I have a deep reverence for all of my subjects, as they are a gift from God. WE ONCE HEARD YOU SAY THAT PAINTING "WATER" IN ITS INFINITE VARIA- TIONS IS THE MOST DIFFICULT ACCOMPLISHMENT FOR "PHOTOREAL" ART. HOW DO YOU APPROACH THE PAINTING OF WATER IN YOUR ART? Painting water is a challenge that I fully embrace. It's a compositional element that provides variety and interest when combined with wildlife. I rely on photography for the basics but the key to capturing water is the understanding of its nuances. I like to break it down into three proper- ties…transparent, reflective, and translucent. When you fully compre- hend these characteristics and their transitions, it simplifies the task. WHICH PAINTINGS DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR MASTERPIECES, AND WHAT IS THE ONE ELUSIVE MASTERPIECE YOU WOULD LOVE TO CREATE? It's very difficult to be objective about one's own work. I'm not sure that any of my paintings qualify as masterpieces; however, I do have a few favorites. I find that public perception can often influence my judgment as my mind immediately goes to award winners. I strive to improve with every painting and deeply appreciate the blessing of being American Icon Austere Ascent

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