Artwork copyright Shirley Cleary. Photo courtesy of the artist, 1985.

The Little Blackfoot, 1982

Shirley Cleary
American (born 1942)

Location: Oroville Elementary, Oroville

About the Artwork

The Little Blackfoot is part of artist Shirley Cleary's paintings of her favorite fishing spots in Montana. She created the composition based on a series of photos and sketches of the Little Blackfoot River. It is located between the cities of Helena and Garrison in western Montana. She notes, "The setting is very lush, with a wonderful variety of greens in the trees and grass. The river was dredged quite some time ago, leaving very rocky shore lines in some areas. The painting takes place on a very sunny summer day, late in the day so the sun is just creeping through the thick growth of trees and bushes."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Oroville School District.

About the Artist

Montana-based artist Shirley Cleary creates paintings that celebrate the landscape of the American West. Many of her works depict fishing and other outdoor activities. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. She received a Master of Fine Arts degree from Tyler School of Art at Temple University in Philadelphia. She has lived in Montana since 1971.