Josh
Elliott
Josh Elliott was born in Great Falls
in 1973, and was introduced to painting at an early age by his father, Steve Elliott,
an accomplished wildlife and landscape painter. After studying fine art at universities
in Colorado and Idaho, Josh realized that there was no better place to learn than
by his father's side. In 1995 he entered into a year of intensive study with Steve,
discovering in the process his passion for painting landscapes outdoors. "My
dad has been my greatest artistic influence," says Josh.
Josh
began showing his first oils at Chaparral in 1996 while pursuing a degree in fine
art at MSU. After graduation, Josh spent a few years in Oregon, but has now relocated
to Helena with his family. "Returning to Montana has been the realization
of a dream," he says. "It's my home state, and a never-ending source
of inspiration for me as a painter." Josh maintains a studio in his home,
and remains dedicated to painting on location, always searching for the moment
when nature reveals a powerful composition. Josh's spirited brushwork, naturalist
pallette, and advanced sense of design place him firmly among the very best landscape
painters working in the West today.
Josh
has received numerous awards and accolades for his work in recent years, including
the Award of Merit and the Heritage Award at the Western Rendezvous of Art, the
Ralph "Tuffy" Berg Award and the Honorary Chairman Award at C.M. Russell
Art Auction, and inclusion in this year's prestigious American Masters show at
the Salmagundi Club in New York City. His work has been the subject of feature
articles in Wildlife Art, Southwest Art, and American Artist
magazines.