Dramatic wildlife portraits feature of November exhibit

Phillips Gallery is hosting the Montana’s Bounty exhibition featuring the work of Kalispell artist Carl Inselman for the month of November. This exhibit is full of dramatic wildlife portraits in a stylized and bold, expressive design. 

Inselman’s love for animals and his joy for life come out in his work. His family is his main inspiration for his creativity.  “A dear friend pointed out that my color palette changes with my mood”, says Inselman.  As an avid outdoorsman, being in the outdoors fishing, hunting or camping centers him and inspires each painting.  

“My favorite pieces are born from a place where I’m happiest," he said. 

Inselman is a classically trained chef and graduate of the La Mesa Academy of Art California. His passion for drawing and painting started at a young age. 

“My art journey started in grade school, drawing became my escape, my happy place," Inselman said. "I had a multitude of teachers and supporters who helped to guide me on my way. As I grew and got out into the world my view changed, started drifting less from fine art and started focusing on culinary art, it became my vocation." 

Food was an edible medium for his artistic outlet and he so loved creating delicious food that he did it for nearly 30 years. But he started to feel like that wasn't enough and his artistic needs weren't being met. 

"After a very long time I picked up a paintbrush and began to create on canvas again," he said. "I hated, I mean really hated the way that it looked. So, my natural inclination was to just keep going because my mother raised a stubborn man."

After a multitude of pieces that he wasn't thrilled with a glimmer of home came through and since then his passion for creating has grown exponentially.

The public is invited to the opening reception on Nov. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. The artist will talk about his journey as an artist and his work at 5:30 p.m. The Montana’s Bounty exhibit will be on display at Phillips Gallery, located inside the Kalispell Center Mall through Nov. 21. Call the gallery for more information at 406-309-2335.