Turning Bear Mason has studied as a professional artist since 1976. During his tenure, he
has produced many original oil paintings by commission and freelance. His work is found
throughout world and the United States, from North Carolina to California. He is a master
scrimshaw artist as well, with commissioned works owned by Clint Eastwood and General
Swartzkoff. As a young boy living in the Eastern United States, his exploration and
observation of nature impressed upon him the infinite detail woven into creation. His
childhood exploits found him climbing trees and waiting for unexpected cows to pass under,
where he would drop in ambush on their backs! The patience he attained studying all things
created can be seen today in his mature works. Turning Bear has mastered graphite, and he
frequently produces commissioned portraits with this medium. "My paintings are only as
good as my graphite work; it is the very basis for all of my color works," he says. Of course,
this attention to detail in drawing is seen in his painted compositions of people, architecture,
animals and particularly landscapes. Naturally, landscapes are varied and complex, but he
moves with industry and confidence in a variety of genres. Some of his most recent works
include exquisite renderings of signature holes at premier golf destinations in Arizona and
Montana. It is important to note that Turning Bear's paintings are at once finely detailed
while sustaining the elemental senses of mood and contrast. In 1995 the commissioned
painting of White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, Arizona awarded him his greatest passion in
subject matter. "For me," says Turning Bear, "painting dramatic landscapes of the West is
the most challenging and rewarding of the artistic adventures I take. The White Stallion
commission was a real boost for me, and since then, numerous commissions and LTD
reproduction works have followed." From St. Mary Lake in Glacier National Park to Latigo
Ranch in Colorado, his catalogue of commissioned works continues to grow.
- James Martin, Author and Art Educator
"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do,
do all to the glory of God".
1 Corinthians 10:31