Brad DeFrees

When painting scenes of our beautiful Montana home, my inspiration comes from memories of recent trips in the field as I aim to capture the transient mood and lighting of a landscape. My work is completed primarily in water based media as a mode to complement this unpredictability.

It is my hope that these paintings are an honest expression of the particular day and season of a landscape, and that this expression inspires others to further appreciate the natural world in which we live.

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About Brad DeFrees

Brad moved to Helena in February of 2020 and soon came to admire the unlimited painting inspiration throughout the area. Formally trained in natural resource management, he is passionate about wild places, land conservation, and accessibility to the great outdoors for all. He has served as a backcountry ranger in the Badlands of South Dakota and the Uintas of northern Utah, and has also conducted endangered salmon and steelhead conservation work throughout Idaho. He has also participated in artist residencies in Idaho with the Atlanta School and Alaska with the Bureau of Land Management. 

Artist Statement

When painting scenes of our beautiful Montana home, my inspiration comes from memories of recent trips in the field as I aim to capture the transient mood and lighting of a landscape. My work is completed primarily in water based media as a mode to complement this unpredictability. It is my hope that these paintings are an honest expression of the particular day and season of a landscape, and that this expression inspires others to further appreciate the natural world in which we live. 

Brad DeFrees is represented in Helena, Montana by 1+1=1 Gallery. Her artwork will be available for viewing during regular business hours at the gallery located at 434 N. Last Chance Gulch. Please call 406.431.9931 for more information about Brad’s work.