Artist David Graham
July, 2008
David Graham was born in Miles City, MT in 1982, while his parents and grandparents were leasing a ranch 40 miles east of Miles City
in the Powder River breaks. The 80's were tough times in this region and due to drought and other circumstances, David's family
had to give up the ranching way of life. David's family lived in a number of areas around the state of Montana while he was
in his "growing up" years. Among them were Bozeman, MT, Columbus, MT, and Fort Benton, MT, where David graduated from high school
in 2000.
The eastern plains of Montana, however, were always considered "home" by David and his family. In 2000,
David's family returned to eastern Montana after his dad accepted a position as a ranch manager, ironically enough, on the very same
ranch that they once had leased. During his college years, David was fortunate to be involved with his dad on the ranch and
to take part in experiences that vastly enhanced the art he now creates. David worked on this ranch for 7 years. He graduated
in 2004 with a Business degree, but always found time on the side to draw and paint. During the first couple years after college,
David worked half of the year on the ranch and spent the other half painting in his Bozeman studio. In February of 2007, David's
work was accepted into a gallery in downtown Bozeman, MT (Grey Fox Gallery) and by the end of that year, his art began selling at
a rate that suprised even him! Starting in January of 2008, David began painting full-time and his works have continued to sell
out of the gallery and at the various art and trade shows he attends throughout the region. David looks at himself as an "emerging
artist", and hopes to improve and refine his art through the many years that lie ahead.
His oil paintings are known for their detail and "real-life" qualities. The "real-life" qualities of his paintings
are a result of his first hand experience of the subject matter, and hours spent in the saddle capturing those "images" both in his
mind, and through the lens of his Cannon camera, which he carries on the saddle all the time. David's interest in the American West
has given him a passion for bringing it to life, and portraying how it still exists today.
David Graham Art 2007
The following is a short biography, photos, and some thoughts about David's art. Hope you enjoy!
Today, David lives in Bozeman, MT, and works on painting western art full-time. When he's not sitting at his easel,
David finds time to keep himself in shape by hiking and lifting weights. He also enjoys the great outdoors that the
Bozeman area has to offer. Many summer days will find him climbing some mountain, and taking in the breath-taking sights
and sounds. David's faith in God also maintains an important place in his life and he enjoys getting involved in his local
church.
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Summer, 2000:
David (left) and his father (right) riding in the Misourri River breaks east of Fort Benton, MT, on a ranch
where they helped a friend with cattle work every once and a while. The Highwood Mountains are visible on the center horizon
and Square Butte is barely visible on the far left horizon. The Misourri River is also in the background.
Fall 1999:
David (a senior in high school here) on "Brownie" standing in the Misourri River about 6 miles east of Fort
Benton, MT on a beautiful fall evening.
Above: Spring, 1980.
The first calf owned by David's parents, as they tried to build their cow herd while working for David's
grandparents in the early 1980's. This photo was taken in the spring of 1980, a few months before a tornado destroyed the
barn in the background.
Above: 1986
This photo was taken on the ranch east of Miles City, MT in 1986. David is 4 years old, pictured here
on "Mr. Ed" with his father Pat, and the family dog "Buffy".
Right: March 2001:
David, moving a load of straw into the calving barn. The first spring he helped
at the ranch, in additon to the 800 old cows that would calve out in the pastures, there were over 300 heifers calving. Being
first-time mothers, the heifers always demand more attention. Once their calf is born, each heifer, along with their calf
will spend at least 24 hours in the calving barn, depending on the weather. This means a lot of barn chores!
Below are more photos of David working at the ranch. For more photos of Eastern Montana ranch life, visit the PHOTO
GALLERY
Above: June, 2007:
(Photo by Vern Knight)
David branding a calf on HLCC ranch.
Left & Below: November, 2007
David riding "Rusty" up north. It was a beautiful fall evening as we were heading back
to the trailer to head home.
Right: October, 2007:
(Photo by Pat Graham)
Riding Baker near Cow Camp.
David Graham Art Copyright 2007 All Rights Reserved
Paintings and Photos on this site cannot be used without permission
July, 2008:
David, out for a hike in the mountains south of Bozeman. Here, he is on top of Hyalite Peak, at
10,300 feet. The Spanish Peaks can be seen in the background and to the right of him. It was a 15 mile hike, but the view
was great!
Below: November, 2007:
The 2 photos below were taken the same day. We were out looking for missing cattle,
which in rough country can be about like looking for a needle in a haystack!
