I like to try to capture some of the beauty of the natural world around us in my watercolors.  It might be a cascading mountain stream, or the quiet atmosphere of the forest. 

I grew up in the east, and spent part of my childhood summers fishing and hiking in the mountains of New England.  While serving as pastor of churches in Minnesota, Wyoming, and Montana, I have used my art in conjunction with my ministry.  One way I have done that is to illustrate children’s sermons.

I began drawing at an early age, then received training at the American Academy of Art in Chicago.  From that point on I became more focused on artwork, finding watercolor to be one of my favorite media.  Teaching classes in both drawing and watercolor has helped me keep sharpening my own skills. 

My wife, Joyce, and I lived for a number of years in Helena, and now our home is Bozeman.  It has always been an encouragement for me to meet and learn from other artists, including such contacts as I have had through the MTWS.
 
Jim Howard Email: jimandjoycehoward@gmail.com

New Background Art by Andy White

Andy’s journey brought him full circle, back home to Montana seven years ago.  Since leaving Montana for family and career reasons Andy has lived in six other states including Idaho, Wyoming and New Mexico – all of which are fine places, but he had forgotten how inviting Montana is.  Inviting landscapes, inviting people, inviting waters, inviting places for artists!  So coming home was special. 

For Andy, artwork has been a common thread in this journey called life and he tries to convey the thrill of coming home in his brushwork.  Anybody who finds themselves where they truly love to be wants to share that. 

From Andy:  This particular painting is of a Glacier Lily in Glacier National Park.  I painted it for my daughter who not only wanted real flowers at every table of her wedding reception, but paintings of flowers, too!  I thought it was a great idea and because I had a deadline and so many paintings to do there is a quick and loose feeling to this painting I like.
Andy White  flyingadecoys@yahoo.com