Home Media Room       Oregon Art Beat TV Show       The Big Hole River in Paint       Chromatic Black       True Colors       Robert Gamblin Interview       Art Calendar Magazine       Brushed with Greatness       Fine Arts Magazine Interview       Oil Colors Throughout History Contact Gamblin

The Big Hole River in Paint by Pete Cole Recently Gamblin Artists Colors Co. had the pleasure of sponsoring The Big Hole River in Paint. This unique, one-day event united artists, ranchers, fishermen and the Big Hole River Foundation in a collaborative effort to help preserve one of America's most pristine rivers. The Subject The Big Hole River is known to fishermen around the world. To Montanans, it is simply Montana's last, best river. Flowing in a broad arc around the Pioneer Mountains, the river winds its way through a wide, flat valley of gravel runs and gentle pools before picking up volume and velocity with the added waters of the Wise River. The river flows north and then turns south, following the continental divide for 150 miles, completely free of dams and industry. Sometimes referred to as the crown of the continent, this unique area is the only place where the continental divide forms such a wide semi-circle, forming what is essentially a "big hole". The Big Hole River valley is home to a few hundred residents, an abundance of wildlife (including elk, moose, deer, antelope, dall sheep, bears and mountain lions), and not one single stoplight. In addition to abundant trout, the river is the last in the lower 48 states to hold fluvial grayling. With the support of the Big Hole River Foundation, this rare arctic species is making its last stand in the snow- and spring-fed waters of the upper Big Hole. The Artists The Big Hole River in Paint was conceived by Nick Oberling, a founder of the Montana Painters' Alliance. Twenty of Montana's finest artists painted the Big Hole River from various points along its 150-mile stretch - from its headwaters on the Continental Divide to its confluence with the Jefferson River, named and made famous by Lewis & Clark's expedition. Participating artists included Susan Blackwood, Ray Campeau, Tom English, Howard Friedland, Elloie Jeter, Nicholas Oberling, Steve Oistead, Mike Patterson, Aaron Scheurr, Greg Scheibel, Janet Sullivan, Ron Ukrainetz, Steve Elliott, Lou Archambault, Dave Mihalic, John C. Ulberg, Haakon Ensign, Mark Ogle and Todd Connor. Spread out along the river, each artist captured the Big Hole on the same day: June 20, 2007. "This is the first time, I believe...that an entire river is the subject of a painting," Oberling said. The finished paintings will be exhibited in Butte, Montana, during August and September and are available for sale online via the Big Hole River Foundation Half of the proceeds from each painting will go to the Big Hole River Foundation and half to the artist. All in all, a picture-perfect day, a picture-perfect river: preserved in paint - and hopefully, with continued effort, in its current pristine state - for generations to come. About the Big Hole River Foundation The Big Hole River Foundation was founded in 1988 by noted Montana conservationist, angler, and fly tyer George F. Grant. The BHRF is a nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to defending and conserving the natural and cultural resources of the Big Hole watershed. The Big Hole River Foundation's actions reflect collaboration, forthrightness, inclusiveness, fairness, accountability and informed decision making. "We recognize the uninterrupted connection of the elements of the valley's people, creatures, plants and geology. We act with care and humility as we consider the beauty of this closely integrated environment." Learn more about the Big Hole River Foundation and how to help support their efforts at: www.bhrf.org About the Montana Painters Alliance The MPA was formed to assist and cooperate in fostering, stimulating and encouraging the growing interest in plein air painting, landscape painting and studio painting by Montana's wealth of professional artists. The MPA organizes paint-outs, lectures, workshops and gallery shows for its members. It also offers in-state and out-of-state visitors the opportunity to observe Montana's finest artists at work. Learn more at: www.mtpaintersalliance.com credits: first painting: Susan Blackwood, Thompson's Corner second painting: Ron Ukrainetz, Low Water on the Big Hole photograph: Susan Blackwood and Nicholas Oberling on the Big Hole, taken by Pete Cole photograph: Scott Gellatly, Product Manager for Gamblin Artists Colors Co., painting high above the Big Hole, near Sheep Mountain. Taken by Pete Cole third painting: Nicholas Oberling, Source of the Big Hole - Skinner Lake.

	Dedicated to oil painters.
	| Home | Studio Safety | Torrit Grey | Conservation Colors | Newsletters | About Gamblin | | Purchase | Links | FAQ | Media Room | Contact | Gamblin Artists Colors Co. PO Box 15009 Portland, OR 97293 USA Telephone: 503.235.1945  Fax: 503.235.1946