POLSON — The plethora of artwork adorning the walls adds to the coziness the Big Sky Bistro on Main Street is known for.

This influx of color can be attributed to artist  Julie Christopher, a native of Polson whose work holds much of the outdoorsy Montana spirit as well as the use of vibrant color.

Christopher has been a hairstylist for 25 years, but has had a  love of art for all her life.

“When I was 2 or 3 I started painting,” Christopher laughed, “mostly on the walls of my family’s home.”

Christopher’s artistic zeal and joie de vivre continues to be expressed in her work.

Whether using a photo of her nephews and transforming them into ostrich form, or drawing on imagery from her garden, Christopher uses color and a style reminiscent of the impressionists to produce lively pieces with just a touch of the Wild West.

In 1996 Christopher signed up for a watercolor class through a friend.

“At first I did not get into it,” she said. “I had a teacher that just wanted you to sketch and taught like a college class.”  Christopher continued, “My friend recommended that I switch to her class. We were able to use color and I really enjoyed it.”

Since the beginning of her coursework, Christopher’s work has flourished.

She continues to use oils and watercolors, but also enjoys experimenting and perfecting new techniques.

The most innovative technique includes the use of beeswax and damar gum (a kind or resin obtained from forest trees) , melted down and mixed with a  wide array of pigments.  

Christopher then uses the resin to paint her colorful large-scale pieces, including many Montana natives, such as grizzlies and buffalo.  

The finale for these pieces is the use of the blow torch to produce an exquisite and “waterproof” piece.

Christopher has decided to devote herself full time to her artwork, aside from teaching the occasional class.

In January, Christopher will offer classes in oil and watercolor and intends to add glass and ceramic painting workshops in the near future.