Montana Moon

Lunar eclipse from April 15, 2014

Paint Metal & Mud photographer, John Ashley, pulled an all-nighter to capture the lunar eclipse that occurred earlier today. This composite photograph shows the eclipse progression from left to right. The series of light images are exposed for the moon in Earth's shadow, and the series of darker images are exposed for the sunny part of the moon. Where they meet in the middle, the totally eclipsed moon is a lovely shade of orange.

NEW WORK - John Ashley

Stop by the Paint Metal & Mud gallery to see John's newest photograph, "Dream Catcher." In this macro photograph, the early morning dew drops on a delicate spider web refract the image of a nearby sunflower. You can check this one out in person at the gallery, or come see John and Tracy's booth at the Hockaday Museum's "Arts in the Park" this weekend, at Depot Park in downtown Kalispell. Show hours are 9-6 Friday and Saturday, 10-5 on Sunday.

"Dream Catcher" macro photograph by John Ashley

We Have a Winner!

Stephany Westhusin of Louisville, Colorado, is the winner in our "name the photograph" contest. Her suggested title, "Heaven on Earth," was chosen from almost 200 entries originating from at least five different states. Stephany wins a 28" x 9" limited-edition canvas print of the image that finally has a permanent name.

Many thanks to everyone who entered title suggestions. Remember to visit the gallery from time to time, as you never know what entertaining and enlightening treasures you might find. Our next "First Friday" event will be on August 2nd. See you there!

Name That Photograph!

What name comes to mind when you look at this photograph? Send it to us and you could win a limited-edition print!

John Ashley has a new photograph that's in need of a elegant title. What comes to mind when you look at this breathtaking image? Send your ideas our way via Facebook (click on the logo at right) or email (Ashley@BigSky.net) and you could win a limited-edition 28"x9" canvas print (retail value $155) signed by John! The first person to suggest the winning title claims the canvas print. To keep this manageable, please limit your entries to five per person.

John made the image from a mountain top at dawn last Sunday, after climbing up the prior evening. This view shows the Livingston Mountain Range and North Fork Valley, on the west side of Glacier National Park. At 7pm, John will announce the winner during his Artist's Reception (between 5-8pm) on July 5, 2013, at the Paint Metal & Mud Art Gallery during the First Friday Art Walk in downtown Kalispell.

NEW ARTIST! Please welcome oil painter, Raette Meredith

Join us in welcoming our newest artist, Raette Meredith, to the Paint Metal & Mud family. Raette recently moved to the valley with her husband, son and two daughters, and she's eager to get her palette knives and paints out into western Montana's bounty of beautiful landscapes. Stop by the gallery and say "hi" to Raette, and check out her beautiful paintings.


"I first found satisfaction with creating art when I was a young child. I don’t remember any time in my life when I wasn’t drawing or building something. As an adult, I find that painting with oils and a palette knife is the most challenging, and has held my attention longer than any other medium."

"When painting, time stops, I am completely focused on the subject I am painting. This focus keeps me grounded. Painting is not an option for me, it is something that I simply must do."      - Raette Meredith


"Aspens and Spring Grasses" by Raette Meredith (20"x16")

NEW WORK: John Ashley

John has added brand new moose and bear photographs to the display at PM&M.
Drop by the co-op to see all of John's new work!

"Bullwinkle" is a wild Montana moose browsing on the golden leaves of fall. (c) John Ashley.

ARTIST OF THE MONTH: Michaela Eaves

Merlot tree -- painted with merlot wine and ink pen.

Michaela Eaves is October's featured artist at Paint, Metal, and Mud. A variety of mediums are represented, from watercolor to acrylic to ink.  Themes are heavily nature-based.

Michaela works as a graphic designer and illustrator with a heavy emphasis on children's books and horror. In her spare time, she volunteers for handful of non-profits and mountain bikes, though most of her free time is spent with Buck, the world's best rottweiler.

LOIS STURGIS: New work

A new watercolor painting from PM&M artist, Lois Sturgis.

"Running Eagle Falls" (c) Lois Sturgis

PIA EAVES: New work

These new creations from jeweler Pia Eaves are earrings made of annodized aluminum. Check them out!

MONIQUE KLEINHANS: New Work!

Swimming Up Stream

With the river in front of the cabin rising every day, my thoughts have dived in to the water lately. 
Thankfully the only fish that has appeared swimming in the house thus far is my latest wall hanging. 



The fish is appliqued on a woven background and then embellished with colored pencil, fabric markers and hand dyed cheese cloth.