Discover Mary Roberson’s feature in Big Sky Journal, celebrating her expressive wildlife paintings and enduring connection to nature, joy, and creative freedom.
Altamira Fine Art proudly celebrates the feature of Mary Roberson in Big Sky Journal, headlined “Leading the Pack.” The article beautifully highlights Roberson’s decades-long devotion as a painter of Western wildlife — transforming bison, bears, birds, elk, moose, horses, wolves, and big cats into expressive, timeless art.
An Artist Identified by Nature
Roberson shares, “First I need to know my subject, not only know it, but love it,” emphasizing her deep emotional connection that underpins every brushstroke. She brings raw vitality and history to her animal subjects, capturing their spirits through her painterly, slightly abstract technique — a signature style praised in the article as both realistic and emotive.
Freedom, Play, and Paint
Now at age 76, Roberson paints with renewed sense of liberation—and fun. “The more fun I have, the more success I experience,” she notes, embracing unconventional techniques like left‑handed strokes or closed‑eye work to spark spontaneity.
Observation Becomes Art
Her process begins in the wild — often in Idaho’s Tetons or Yellowstone — using a spotting scope for live contour sketches. “I do blind sketches… It allows me to observe the animals more closely,” she explains, letting fresh impressions guide the final painting.
Why This Feature Matters
“Leading the Pack” affirms Roberson’s legacy as a leading voice in Western wildlife art. Her vivid, emotionally resonant works remind us that true connection with nature is at the heart of impactful painting — and that the joy of creation can continue to grow, season after season.
Want to see Mary’s art in person?
Visit Altamira Fine Art in Jackson Hole or Scottsdale to explore her current works, including recent pieces like Relax and From the Plateaus to the Mountains.