By Billie J Olson
In the undulating landscapes of Big Sky Country, few artists captured the “Cowboy Way” with as much authenticity as Gregory Eiselein. Born in 1945 in Roundup, Montana, and raised in the Little Snowy Mountains, Eiselein was a true son of the soil. His life was not merely a study of the West; it was a lived experience that translated into a profound artistic legacy.
Growing up on and eventually running a family ranch in Central Montana nurtured Greg Eiselein’s appreciation for the land. While he was a capable horseman who spent decades working cattle for his own outfit and his neighbors, he never defined himself primarily as a cowboy.
As much a craftsman as a painter, Greg Eiselein possesses a technical mastery bolstered by years of operating his own foundry. This hands-on experience with the entire “lost wax” process gives him a unique perspective on bronze sculpture, though he now collaborates with external foundries for production. Despite his expertise, Eiselein remains deeply humble, viewing himself as a lifelong student of his craft. Rather than comparing himself to Western masters, he focuses on his internal “urgency to create” and a fascination with how light transforms color.
Greg Eiselein’s late wife, Colene Sue Eiselein, was more than a devoted partner; she was a cornerstone of his professional success. Beyond her roles as a wife and mother, she enthusiastically championed his artistic career, utilizing her marketing savvy to establish the enduring presence of Greg Eiselein Fine Art within the Western art community.
Greg Eiselein’s artwork has earned a place in prestigious juried exhibitions and auctions at the Yellowstone Art Museum (YAM) and the C.M. Russell Museum. While he continues to receive annual invitations to these competitive venues, his characteristic humility keeps him from viewing his work as a “staple” of these events, and he has chosen not to participate for several years. Instead, he remains focused on creating new work for his own Greg Eiselein Fine Art galleries and private collectors.