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What do you feel when your artwork is sold and goes away?

11/22/2019 3:48:09 PM

When I sold my last painting my husband saw me preparing to ship the painting to it's new owner. He told me, ''I think it is hard for you to part with your paintings". I responded, ''Oh, no I am happy to know people love my art so much that they are willing to pay money to have my artwork.''

But later, my thoughts returned to that conversation and I realized this is true. It is not always easy to part with a piece of art that you have created and loved and lived with for days, weeks or months. Some artworks are born easily, some require more effort....

When you decide a piece of art is complete, you feel happy and want to share your creation with the world - you want to know what people think and how they feel when they look at your art. And one day that painting is sold and you feel happy but the same time you feel lost.

Then you are start creating something new and the process starts all over again. Your thoughts sometimes go back to that sold painting and you remember the joy of the person who bought it and their excitement about placing it in their home and the joy of sharing your art, and you realize this is part of why you create.

''The Poetry''', original painting by Svitlana Prouty (sold)

''Apple garden'', original painting by Svitlana Prouty

( available at Mountain Sage Gallery)

Today I photographed a sculpture of Lyle Schwabauer which was sold and will be shipped to California. I asked him , ''what do you feel when your artwork is sold and goes away?" Lyle said, ''It is different with different artworks. It's exciting because I feel that I succeeded and stirred up the emotions of my customer to the point they want my work, they can relate to the piece . For some art you became so attached , that it's not easy to let it go. Those are the difficult ones."

''Redeeming love'', bronze sculpture by Lyle Schwabauer (sold)

''Breakaway'', bronze sculpture by Lely Schwabayer

(available at Mountain Sage Gallery)

Ann Bishop - ''When a painting goes to a new home I am elated that that someone else saw what I was trying to depict in subjects and liked it.

Proud that they want to live with the creature I have created and glad to start a new adventure, also happy to hear people laughing.''

''Brutus'', original painting by Ann Bishop (sold)

"Valeric Bunny'', ceramic vase by Ann Bishop

(available at Mountain Sage Gallery)

Russ Ratcliff - ''Early in my career I found it difficult to let go of something I had worked so hard to create. Now I consider it an honor when I sell a piece of art. The buyer has seen the creativity and hard work in a piece and is willing to pay a good money for my efforts. That is a huge compliment!"

''Colors of the Hot Springs'', rock mosaic by Russ Ratcliff (sold)

''Slow spin'', rock mosaic by Russ Ratcliff

(available at Mountain Sage Gallery)

Linda Roberts - ''When I create my photographic art, I try to tell a story or evoke an emotion. When a piece of my art is sold and the buyer hears a story or feels an emotion that connects the art to them i feel like I have done my job. It gives me great joy to have that appreciation for what I do.''

''Effervescence''. Fine Art Photography by Linda Roberts.

(available at Mountain Sage Gallery)

''A Tempestuous Soul'' photography by Linda Roberts

(available at Mountain Sage Gallery)

As I was finishing this blog post I received a check and a letter from one of my customers, who purchased my painting titled "The Poetry". This lady wrote to me and told me that when she saw my painting she knew it would be a great gift for her granddaughter, who is a writer and a poet, for her graduation from college. She told me this portrait makes her cry because in my painting she saw her granddaughter.

This letter makes me cry because this experience reminds me that my art has meaning.

What is your inspiration and how did you decide to become an artist?

9/13/2019 2:26:32 PM

While I was working at the gallery today, a visitor was admiring my work and asked how I came up with the ideas for my paintings – what was my inspiration? I was surprised at her understanding that ideas just appear to my mind - or perhaps even to my soul – initially as a complete image. My work as an artist is to take that complete image and translate it to canvas or to my silk scarves and add detail to make it come to life. Creating art is as much a mystical process as it is an educational process.

How do people realize that art is their vocation? I was curious where other artists get their ideas, what inspires them. Here is what I found out from fellow artists at Mountain Sage Gallery.

Janice Bogy:

I cannot remember a time in my life when I did not think of myself as an artist. I was always drawing and painting and singing. Music and art are just what I am, so I cannot claim I made a conscious decision to be an artist.

''VIGILANT'', Scratchboard by Janice Bogy

''True Grit'',Scratchboard by Janice Bogy

Ann Bishop:

I started drawing with anything that would make a mark before i was 3 according to my sister but, animals were so intriguing that I decided to become a veterinarian. I went to school at CSU in Fort Collins Colorado but after almost 4 years of prevet studies I realized only 1 woman was allowed out of 50 students to continue on with the 4 more years of vet med studies . I changed to art at that point but have a great background in anatomy and animal behavior.

""Fire bear'', original painting by Ann Bishop

Everything we are confronted with daily is amazing….what makes me react is what I paint. Right now the crows and magpies are fighting over something they have found outside! Idea??

"Bill'', original oil painting by Ann Bishop

Paul Graham:

As a young child I completed an art assignment in Kindergarten that was a small book of thumbprints I made into wildlife drawings. I wrote a statement saying when I grow up I want to be a famous artist like Charlie Russell. So apparently I've wanted to be an artist since a very young age. I've worked in many mediums including photography, watercolor, pastel, stained glass, and oil painting. I released several limited edition prints of my oils in the late 1990's. In 1997 I discovered a new process of combining stained glass and metal sculpture. This new art form allowed me to resign from my position as the Finance Director of the Airport Authority and pursue a full time career with my artwork.

I've expanded my glass and metal sculpture to include plates, free standing sculptures, hanging window designs and chandeliers. in 2006 I purchased the metal plating company that I used to put a custom finish on all of my pieces. This has allowed me to continue experimenting with custom metal finishes on my artwork as well as use my artistic abilities on other customer's projects such as antique cars and home improvement projects.

''Battling Bulls",glass and metal sculpture, antique brass plating by Paul Graham.

The inspiration for my artwork comes from everyday life experiences. We raise horses on a small mountain ranch outside of Helena that has a variety of wildlife including bears, coyotes, foxes, mountain lions, bobcats, deer and elk and countless species of birds. I spend as much time as possible fishing, hunting, camping and enjoying the great outdoors. We visit Glacier and Yellowstone Parks every year. I've also taken wildlife workshops at the Triple D Ranch in Kalispell with artists Greg Beecham, Julie Chapman, and John Seerey-Lester. We've enjoyed week long horse pack trips into the back countries of the Bob Marshall, Scapegoat and Great Bear Wildernesses. Living in the outdoors of Montana all my life has given me enough inspiration for creating artwork for the rest of my life.

Chandelier ''Wolf", fused glass and metal by Paul Graham.

Kathryn Fehlig:

In the fifth grade I became an “artist.” This is the first time I remember thinking that I had a rare talent, however my mother recognized my artistic talents long before that. From the age of ten I spent many hours drawing and painting. The high schools I attended didn’t have art programs, but I took lessons and used every opportunity to not only draw, but make “things.” I was an enthusiastic seamstress and began my obsession with horses.

When I attended college, it was liberal arts with a major in fine art. That’s when I learned to paint. That’s when I learned color theory and the abstract constructs of building a successful painting. It was all abstract art ( it was the 60’s) but it was a good foundation.

I never expected to have a career as a fine artist. But took my artistic flair into other fields while I tried to make a living. When I retired, however, I decided to take my art seriously. It’s never amounted to more than a supplement of my income, but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and I’m still making “things.”.

'Tenmile at Rimini", original painting by Kathryn Fehlig

When I decided to paint landscapes, I took some workshops in plein air that focused my attention on the elements of landscapes that intrigued me. My abstract training played a major part in my choices. Today I rely on my photographs for ideas and so I spend quite a bit of time exploring local creeks, reservoirs, mountain roads and parks. There are endless possibilities. I also am drawn to horse events. Sometimes I just start making marks on a canvas or paper and see where it takes me.

"Main Street Overpass", original artwork by Kathryn Fehlig

Marion Tompson joking:

Needed something to do during my retirement))

And added:

I find one of my photos I like and paint that. It’s usually a landscape, a boat, or a steam locomotive.

''Western Breeze', original oil painting by Marion Tompson

''Yacht Basin Sunset'', oil painting by Marion Tompson

These are the stories of only 5 of our 13 members at Mountain Sage Gallery. Stay tuned for more….

What is your creative story or inspiration?

Do you buy art? What inspires you ?

8/18/2019 12:39:50 PM

Happy me and happy rabbit by Ann Bishop.

I was in a home decor\art store a while back shopping for art supplies. This store carries a large selection of craft and art items, as well as decor for the home and many related items. After making my selection, I went to the checkout where I was behind a lady who was buying a piece of wall art for her house ( or for a gift?) This particular piece of art was an animal done in a graphic-art style 9 two primary colors) and was printed on wood panel and was ready to hang. To me, it seemed to a very impersonal piece with no soul. AS is most of the art at this particular store, it is a mass-produced product likely available in all the stores this company nationwide.

Next day I came into Mountain Sage Gallery and saw a wonderful ceramic piece of a rabbit by Ann Bishop. This rabbit sits on the table with his ears sticking straight up and his pink eyes looking right at you. When you pick him up and hold him upside down ( by the ears) he can be used as a drinking cup ( wine anyone?). The downside is that you can't put him down until the beverage of choice is gone.

'' Purple bird'', ceramic artwork by Ann Bishop

' Pinky", acrylic painting by Ann Bishop

Ceramic bird by Ann Bishop.

Ann's ceramic pieces have the same wonderful character that her paintings have. She builds a personality into the animals she creates that bring joy to those who view her work.

''Amanda'', oil pastel by Ann Patterson Bishop.

That piece spoke to me! I feel like I NEED that piece, even though I don't collect rabbits, no I do collect ceramics art. To me, art has to speak to the buyers or potential buyer. And that rabbit spoke to me.

Would that impersonal piece of wall art find in multiple stores across the country speak to you? It doesn't to me.

''Rabbit wine cup'', ceramic by Ann Bishop

A story - Gallery member Sally Angove had a customer from out of the area buy one of her miniature paintings. This customer had looked at two of her pieces and couldn’t decide which one to buy. Decided on one and took it with her. She called the gallery a week or so later and asked if the second piece was still available. She said she got about halfway home and realized that she should have bought both pieces and if it was available would like to purchase the second one.

Long story short, both pieces “spoke” to her. She only bought one at the time,but couldn’t live without the second one.

"Apple Blossom Shadows", watercolor painting by sally Angvone.

When you come into Mountain Sage Gallery, you will see the work of 13 different artists in many mediums, from photography to glass to oils, watercolors and acrylics. Also sculptures and pottery. All of our artists create works that tell stories, create emotions or just make you happy!

Do you like to paint?

7/26/2019 12:23:02 PM

Do you like to paint? Or maybe you have always wanted to learn but you were not sure how to start?

Artists in Mountain Sage Gallery can make your dreams come true. We work in different mediums, styles, and techniques like pastel, watercolor, oil painting, acrylic painting, silk painting....we’re planning workshops and lessons. Add your contact information to our list. The attached photos are of Sally Angove teaching her watercolor class.

"Rita's Teapots" by Sally Angove,

watercolor, paper (10 x 14)

"Stargazer and Friends" by Sally Angove,watercolor, paper (10 x 14).

5TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY MOUNTAIN SAGE GALLERY. SCULPTURE DEMO BY LYLE SCHWABAUER.

7/24/2019 3:34:04 PM

Mountain Sage Gallery invite you to join us for our anniversary party August 2nd 6-9 pm. You will have a unique opportunity to watch a nationally known sculptor Lyle Schwabauer demonstrate his creative process. His bronze monuments are at national parks and many public places and private collections. He is known for both his animal sculptures and historical native portraits.

You can enjoy art in a warm friendly environment with tasty sweet snacks and a glass of wine.

What is a LOCAL ARTIST?

7/22/2019 10:35:05 AM

Mountain Sage is owned and operated by 13 “local” artists. We are your friends and neighbors. We stand in line with you at the grocery store and the movies, but we are also a group of professional artists who have earned top national and international recognition for outstanding work. We have been judged and juried by the best and accepted into the Pastel Society of America, Women Artists of the West, the Montana Watercolor Society, Professional Photographers of America, Western Heritage Artists, the Society of Animal Artists (international) and the International Society of Scratchboard Artists. This year alone, we will be represented at prestigious shows in New York City, San Diego, Santa Fe, Jackson Hole, Tucson, San Antonio and Russell Week in Great Falls. Our collectors hail from nearly every state. So, we invite you to take the opportunity to get to know and invest in these current masters. Is the next Charlie Russell one of us?

Artists collective featuring Sally Angove, Ann Bishop, Janice Bogy, Dave Barnes, Kathryn Fehlig, Paul Graham, Sheri Nagy, Kendall Ratcliff, Russ Ratcliff, Linda Washburn Roberts, Marion Thompson, Lyle Schwabauer, Svitlana Prouty.