Bill Stockton (1921-2002) painted what he knew best, the views of Central Montana. His life as a sheep rancher brought him close to this land and sky each day and his art is a tribute to these views. Village in Winter was done in graphite, oil pastel and livestock marker, a large paint stick used to temporarily mark animals. This livestock marker use is a fascinating aspect of his work in the Modernism style.

On this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, this day of remembering the darkness of past and continued racial injustice in our country, some words attributed to Stockton seem most important. Bill Stockton lived through the Great Depression and is quoted as saying that he hated and seldom painted blue skies. The blue skies devoid of clouds and oppressive heat signified to him the drought that brought farmers and ranchers to their knees in those years.

Granted there have been “hard times” in this country for so many. Some caused by nature and some by the nature of people. And on this day within our own pain, may we find a different artistic conclusion. May we sit in remembrance and confession and pray for God’s light. May we paint nothing but blue skies in our thoughts and actions for those who have known too many dark days.

In gratitude, faith and hope,

Sandy Prouty  
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church