"Art has a way of molding, shaping, and moving one; the artist no less than the viewer. I am continually surprised and delighted at how a painting takes a direction that I wasn’t planning, and ends in a place that I couldn’t have foreseen. For that reason, I hesitate to call it 'my art'. I work in oils, and primarily with pallet knives. I love the effects I can achieve with a knife that I can’t seem to get when using brushes.
"I live in one of the most beautiful places in the world, in the Bitterroot Valley of western Montana, with my wife and five children. I am a 7th generation native to this area, and oil painting has been a part of my family for generations as well. I feel these influences have been a gift to me, and I am obligated to use these gifts to share the beauty of this world to all who choose to see."
BIOGRAPHY
Ryan Jolley was born and raised in Victor, Montana, a 7th-generation native of the Bitterroot Valley. His family arrived by way of the Oregon Trail to the Stevensville area in 1866. Ryan grew up on the family homestead on the beautiful river bottom. He enjoyed sports and academics, graduating valedictorian from Victor High School in 2002. In 2007, he married his sweetheart, Amanda, and their family quickly grew to include their five rambunctious kids on their small farm in Corvallis.
Diligently serving his community for the past 20+ years owning and operating his own small business, Purity Cleaning, has been his full-time occupation. However, Ryan has always loved making time for bowhunting, skiing with his family, coaching Little League, or taking a fishing trip to the Big Hole. His great-grandmother and mother (also local artists) encouraged him to paint, and he is grateful for their creative legacy.
Ryan is a member of the Oil Painters of America, the Legends West Art Show, the Montana Professional Artists Association, and Artists Along the Bitterroot. His work has also been selected and featured in multiple shows and expos.
