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

Playing A Fish, 1983

Shirley Cleary
American (born 1942)

Location: Oroville Elementary, Oroville

About the Artwork

Playing A Fish 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. These were made on location in early fall on the Clark Fork River in western Montana. She notes, "The days were still hot and very bright. The grass was just turning a golden color along the banks. My husband (and model) had just hooked a good size trout on a 'hopper' dry fly and was taking his time playing the fish before he brought it in and released it."

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.