Just outside Butte, Montana, the Continental Divide looms large, the sign at Homestake Pass says it is 6,393 feet above sea level. The Continental Divide provides a high point for the North American Continent and creates the hydrological divide where water flows in several different directions including: The Pacific, Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico. In these high points, the rock formations cover the mountain sides where batches of rubber rabbitbrush and silver sagebrush grow through the alkaline cracks and craters of the rock. The gray-green shrubs grow into a rounded bouquet, each two to five feet tall, and when the sun is just right, the brush takes on Montana texture with shadows and shades that give it a dark purple glow. In these higher elevations, the treeline is the edge where the tree habitat is capable of growing, creating stunted or dwarf pines. Bob Newhall knows and captures these Montana scenes with a brisk pen and watercolor brush as in the painting below.
Robert J. Newhall, aka, Bob, is a native Montanan who started using watercolors at twelve. His childhood landscape served as inspiration, and the sky, mountains, grasses and grains served as a palette guide. He went on to study architecture at Montana State University, providing a strong foundation for design and aesthetics, while honing his sketching skills. He attributes his quick sketching techniques to the art department at MSU. The art collectors within his community adore his quick sketches, as they capture the essence and personality of the subject matter. Frequently he adds a little watercolor tint to create depth and form to his sketch.
He spent most of working career in Berkeley, CA, turning design ideas into one-of-a-kind furniture. Also during his time in California he sculpted, painted and drew, continuing to sharpen and enrich his artistic talents. Bob returned to his beloved Montana and resides now in Livingston, where he shares space in Gallery O, additionally, you can find sketches at Out of the Blue Antiques, on Main Street.
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| "Montana Sagebrush and Dwarf Pine" Watercolor on Paper Signed Lower Right: Bob Newhall with Year |
He spent most of working career in Berkeley, CA, turning design ideas into one-of-a-kind furniture. Also during his time in California he sculpted, painted and drew, continuing to sharpen and enrich his artistic talents. Bob returned to his beloved Montana and resides now in Livingston, where he shares space in Gallery O, additionally, you can find sketches at Out of the Blue Antiques, on Main Street.
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