Montana Artworking by Cindy Betka

When you look around, you can find signs everywhere. My sister-in-law discovered some really nice antique pub and inn signs. Here we took some photos of antique building signs. These are all in the 'Uptown' area of Butte, Montana. This historic district is the largest west of the Mississippi. All kinds of buildings with the original signs painted on the buildings as advertising for the proprietor that was occupant, back in the days. There are lots more, but that is another day. So, more to come. The artist is a receptacle for emotions that come from all over the place; from the sky, from the earth, from a scrap of paper, from a passing shape, from a spider’s web. :::  Pablo Picasso  :::  

How beautiful it is! Starting on Wednesday we have about 18" on the ground of fresh, stick to everything, snow. It was a fog, misty sunrise that I just had to run out and take some photos of. They bring to mind lots of painting ideas. Could not stay out too long, around -10 degrees.

That artist style of 'Tonalism', I have a certain fascination with. The out of focus and minimal detail lends more to the imagination. That bit of mystery draws in the viewer. In a more current painting I have been working on below; I was thinking of tonalism. Not sure it falls in the category but, the influence is there. My colors are more muted. This is actually a make-over from an earlier version of the same scene. I was not happy with the sky colors and rendering. The other area that bothered me was the foreground, so I added greater detail. The barn took on some patina on the roof. What I found to be the most challenging was the silohette of the bush on the left against the brightest part of the sky. The painting has been put aside for later evaluation. 'Skies Proclaim' 12" X 16"  Oil on panel Now take a look at the master tonalists work. By James McNeill Whistler By James McNeill Whistler By George Inness