42 • portfolio
mt
watercolor
society
show
harlie Russell's name has long been synonymous
with western art. While most people are familiar with
his oil paintings and Montana State Capitol murals,
fewer people realize his artistic process originated
with watercolors. Because of their portability, Russell
simply stuffed his brushes and paints into a sock
before setting out on his horse. Over the years,
he perfected this medium and completed over
1,000 watercolor paintings.
Perhaps that history continues to be the "draw" for
the well over 200 current members of the Montana
Watercolor Society. Twice a year, the Society hosts
its own shows: one in Lewistown which is primarily for
Montana artists and one in the Kalispell area known
as "Watermedia." Ron Paulick, of MTWS says, "That
one is a national competition. We have a nationally
recognized watercolor juror who also teaches a
workshop." Now, members of the MTWS living in
Great Falls take the lead in gathering Society artists for
Western Art Week.
This year marks the third year the Society is
participating in Western Art Week. Due to renovations
at its past venue, LaQuinta Inn, the Montana
Watercolors Society show will be sharing a venue with
the Great Western Living and Design Show at Montana
ExpoPark. With this combination, MTWS hopes to
increase the number of visitors to their show.
Montana Watercolor Society Show
Explore the Wonders
By Heather Bode
"Just Montana" 16"x 29" Watercolor By Carol Spurgeon
C
"Aprons, Overalls, Garden Girl, Nightgown"
Watercolor By Shirley Sylvester
"Square Butte in Command" 6"x 14"
Transparent Watercolor By Margaret Eller
