Steven Oiestad

Steven Oiestad is a Montana pastellist, whose work celebrates the spirit of the American West. Born and raised on a ranch near Big Timber, Montana, Oiestad spent his childhood years studying and sketching native wildlife. With an intense passion for the outdoors, Oiestad received a degree in Agricultural Education from Montana State University, and shortly after was chosen to represent the United States on agricultural exchange programs to both Poland and Africa. In the late 1980s, Oiestad relocated to Great Falls, where his enthusiasm for art was once again renewed and where he pursued a full-time career as a professional artist. Incredibly authentic, Oiestad’s paintings revealed not only innate talent but also the ability to depict both the countryside and lifestyle that reflect his own upbringing. Now a 30-year veteran of the C.M. Russell Auction, where he has participated in many quick-draw events, Oeistad was awarded the prestigious Honorary Chairman’s Award in 2004. In 2017, Oiestad was selected as one out of four artists to become a member of the Charlie Russell Riders Group – a time-honored organization that supports a number of museums in the west. Additionally, Oiestad was selected to be an artist in residence at Glacier National Park and his original pastel paintings have been exhibited at the Montana Governor’s Mansion and the Hockaday Museum of Art. Steven is also a founding member of the “Montana Painters Alliance,” a fellowship of professional Montana artists to encourage artistic excellence and to develop skills in plein air painting. On a national level, Oiestad was thrice juried into the National Pastel Top 100 in the United States. As well, Leanin’ Tree Cards Inc. regularly publishes his works of art and his paintings grace the front covers of many books and magazines. Oiestad works from his home and studio in the beautiful Sun River Valley, not far from Great Falls.