If you haven’t been to Philipsburg, Montana, now you have a great reason to go. Equidistant between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, Philipsburg is a charming 19th-century mining town that still proves to be a gem for visitors interested in history, geology, outdoor recreation—and art. Once voted among the prettiest painted places in America, its colorful art scene and the local Illume Gallery West make for an ideal location for Oil Painter's of America's annual Masters Show.The exhibition, which opens August 3 with a reception from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and runs through August 31, features 70 paintings from an elite group of OPA artists and invited guests. Thirty-five artists are OPA Master Signature artists and the rest are comprised of nationally recognized artists from OPA’s Signature division.
Kathy Anderson OPAM, Spring Still Life with Tulips, oil, 12 x 20"“OPA has a long history with gallery owners Jane Bell and Mark Lundgren,” says OPA marketing manager, Liz Pusch. “So, when they decided to open Illume Gallery West in Philipsburg, Montana, OPA was excited for the opportunity to work with them again. As for traveling to Montana, the real question is who wouldn’t want to visit Montana in the summer?! It is one of the most beautiful parts of the country and should be on everyone’s bucket list.”
Davis Perkins OPA, Towards the Coast Range, oil on panel, 18 x18"
Artists, collectors and art enthusiasts will find several recognizable names in this nationally and internationally acclaimed group of oil painters, a selection of whom are featured here, as well as a wide range of subject matter and styles.
“OPA’s Master Signature artists were invited to take part in this exhibition since their paintings always have a high standard of excellence,” says Pusch. “Joining this year’s OPA Masters are nationally recognized Signature members who had to submit multiple works that were vetted through a rigorous jurying process only allowing the best of the best.”
Linda Besse OPA, Blue on Blue, oil, 24 x 24"
Richard Alexander OPA, Let the Flowers Grow, oil, 24 x 18"
More than $30,000 in cash and merchandise prizes will be awarded during the show by internationally acclaimed artist Scott Christensen, who will serve as juror of awards. After nearly three decades at the easel, Christensen is known for his stunning landscapes in both oil and gouache, as well as the emotion he evokes through his art.
Top row, from left: Ned Mueller OPAM, An Artist’s Paradise, oil, 14 x 11" ; Paula Holtzclaw OPA, Homeward Bound, oil, 16 x 20". Middle row, from left: Rebecca Leer OPA, Composition in Blue and Grey, oil, 24 x 36"; William A. Suys, Jr. OPAM, Peacemakers, oil on panel, 24 x 18". Bottom: Calvin Liang OPAM, Monument Valley, oil on canvas, 12 x 24"
Signature OPA member Davis Perkins’ juried work Toward the Coast Range was inspired by coastal vistas near his home in California’s Marin County. His love of painting the landscape stems from the 13 summers he spent working as a smokejumper (parachute firefighter) for the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. “I was so fortunate to work in the pristine areas of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, fighting fires in remote areas,” says Perkins. During the winter months, he studied painting at the University of Oregon, graduating with a degree in fine art. “My larger studio paintings originate from plein air studies done on location,” he continues. “I recently came up on this view looking towards the coast range. The welcome rains caused the vegetation to explode in shades of greens, along with the fast moving shadows over the landscape.”
Suzie Baker OPA, Life on the Edge, oil, 20 x 24"
Featured here is a sampling of additional juried works by OPA members that will be part of the exhibition.
An opening reception and award ceremony will be held on Thursday, August 3 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Illume Gallery West. Awards will be announced at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free and all paintings will be for sale. To purchase a painting from this exhibition, please contact Illume Gallery West directly at (435) 313-5008 or email jane@illumegallerywest.com. —
Clockwise from left: Barbara Summers-Edwards OPA, Heavens Gaze, oil, 30 x 20"; Richard Prather OPA, Blue Norther, oil, 24 x 36"; Camille Przewodek OPAM, Color Field, oil, 24 x 16"
Oil Painters of America's Masters show
When: August 3-31, 2023
Where: Illume Gallery West, 130 E. Broadway Street, Philipsburg, MT 59858
Information: (815) 356-5987, www.oilpaintersofamerica.com
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