Amber Blazina is a contemporary western oil painter, specializing in Impressionist and Expressionist alla prima methods. She melds her vast experience in design, the research and knowledge of painters of whom she has studied, and the experiences of her rural Montana upbringing to create bold, energetic paintings. A freelance graphic designer since 2002, she transitioned to oil painting in 2016, becoming a full time painter in 2017. Amber has received recognition as an Associate Member of the Oil Painters of America and the Society of Animal Artists. Amber was published as Big Sky Journal’s Artist of the West in their Summer 2019 Issue. Amber has had the distinction of being juried into many regional shows and auctions, including the Charles M. Russell Museum’s First Strike Auction in 2019 and 2020, a highlight in the native Montanan’s life, having grown up learning about the OG Charlie Russell himself. She has been the recipient of numerous awards, including a finalist and several meritorious entries in the Rochester75 International Small Works 2018 Art Competition, Daily Paintworks March 2017 1st Place Winner, ArtMuse Finalist Emerging Artist awards in March, April, & July 2017, and the ArtMuse Emerging Winner in November 2018. She resides with her family and paints in the Rocky Mountains, in her beloved home state of Montana. Select Publications "Collector's Notebook," Western Art & Architecture, April/May 2018"Artist of the West," Big Sky Journal, Summer 2019 Select ExhibitionsOut West Art Show, Great Falls, MT, 2019 & 2020The Russell First Strike Auction, Great Falls, MT, 2019 & 2020