About the Artist

Born in California, and raised in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana, Tracie Hubbard has enjoyed drawing and painting since early childhood. She began painting at the age of 13, encouraged and supported by her grandmother, an oil painter. She continued to paint throughout high school and beyond, focusing on art while attending the University of Montana. Her early work reflected her love of animals, consisting mostly of western wildlife and pet portraits.

In 2009 Tracie discovered the importance of working from life when she began painting en plein air (out in the open air). "Because of changing light and weather conditions, plein air painting forces me to quickly decide on my concept and design. Color, value and temperature are more accurately captured in paint than with a camera.” She often uses her plein air work as the foundation for her larger studio pieces. Recently she has rediscovered her love of painting animals and birds, incorporating them into her landscapes. Preferring an lmpressionist approach, she remains focused on capturing the essence of the scene, stopping short of photorealism. 

Tracie supplements her practice by attending workshops annually with accomplished artists whose work she admires. Participating in workshops at least once a year is an important part of her growth as an artist and a member of the western art community. Her past instructors include William K. Peterson, Michael Chesley Johnson, Marc Hanson, Frank Serrano, Joshua Clare, Mark Boedges and Bob Phinney. 

Tracie and her husband Dave currently reside in Corvallis, Montana.