Montana Artworking by Cindy Betka

When I look back over 2014 I see that I completed 60 oil paintings. About 53 of these were more or less 'successful'. Of those, 20 will be in the 'Spacious Skies' Series and exhibiting in Deer Lodge starting the end of April, more on that as it gets nearer. This painting below is my official last painting of 2014. 'Sky Bridge' 20" X 20" Oil on Cradled board His compassions fail not. They are new every morning. Lamentations 3:22-23

Merry Christmas Close up of  'The Sleeping Christ Child' by  Bernardino Luini

There is something to be said for blue sky and sunshine. Especially when you go without it for days on end. The dark grey, heavy laden clouds fill every space in the lower atmosphere in winter. Those days are fantastic at sunset and rise when there is a splash of warm orange and reds peaking through in the line of clouds on the horizon. That ephemeral golden moment is captured in many a painting. But this day God gave us plenty of vitamin D to lift the spirits. Enjoy these snowy shots as I walk knee deep in snow breathing in the stillness. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born. Psalm 33:6

Why do people collect art? The sociologist, Sarah Thornton wrote in her book, 'Seven Days in the Art World', for a collector to ask some questions. After first looking at a lot of art ask; Is it intriguing? Do you find the piece deeply amusing? Do you want to spend time with it and display it in your space? Does it become more compelling the more you think about it and study it? These same questions I ask myself when I think I am done with a painting. 'Close with Pink Curtain' 20" X 20" Oil on cradled board

From the book on Anders Zorn, I thought I would share some plates of his paintings. These are a bit festive looking along with the photo of him on his horse. 'Mona and Karin'  'Herdsmaid'  'Dance in the Gopsmor Cottage'