Jim Reed

by Christi Marsico
Tuesday, February 12, 2008 2:49 PM MST

Having a jovial artistic nature is one way to describe the personality of Jim Reed, who has been one of Yellowstone National Park's Artists in Residency since 2003.

Reed, whom you most likely will see if you visit the lobby of the Old Faithful Inn this coming summer, has been painting since he was a boy.

After retiring 4-1/2 years ago from a 25-year career as a fireman for the City of Casper, Reed has pursued a career as a full-time watercolor artist.

"Fine arts is a business, and to be successful at art, you have to attack it as a business," Reed said.

Reed's wife, Donna, has played a vital role in making sure his art is appreciated and supported.

"I would not have made it as far as I have without Donna; we make a great team," Reed noted.

The Reeds make Yellowstone their home from May until October. As they prepare for their fifth year in the park in 2008, they are eager to return to all it has to offer.

"Yellowstone is the best gallery in the world, and you can't beat the exposure," Jim said.

He works 40 hours a week, painting and talking with visitors, answering all kinds of questions and meeting a variety of people from all over the world.

"There are days where he doesn't paint a stroke because he's talking with people," Donna said.

Among the many and varied conversations Reed takes a part in, one question he gets asked numerous times over remains one of his favorites.

One of the questions that kids trying to get their Junior Ranger badges have to answer is: What watercolor artist is known for helping establish Yellowstone National Park?

“I get asked if that's me all the time, and the answer is Thomas Moran, who lived in the late 1800s, which always makes me laugh. I have helped so many kids become Junior Park Rangers with that question," Reed said.

While engaging in conversations, Reed does his utmost to create paintings that not only portray stories, but also incorporate animal and human elements.

"I strive to capture Yellowstone National Park as it is in my lifetime through the experiences and fond memories I've had there," he said.

One of Reed's favorite things to paint is the bison because they are not just beautiful animals, but the last real icon of the Wild West.

Living in the Wild West has its perks, and according to Reed, living immersed in the park’s nature has created close encounters with wildlife that have been unbelievable.

During July, the children can seem unbelievable, as well, as they can't get enough of Reed's presence.

"Kids can be a joy and can be real trying as they don't seem to have a concept of personal space, and they just surround me with questions and comments," Reed said.

Despite questions and kids, the Reeds’ business, Images Studios Inc., has boomed since their Yellowstone exposure.

"Yellowstone has skyrocketed our business, and when we were first awarded this opportunity, people started taking us serious because this isn't just a hobby for Jim anymore; it gave him credibility," Donna said.

While the Reeds and Lynette Fransen have taken this year off from "Paintin' the Town," the Reeds are having a show at Hilltop National Bank, 300 Country Club Road, Dec. 3-7 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Jim will be painting in the lobby while his artwork will be displayed, featuring five new original small works and "Trouble Bruin."

For more information on this firefighter turned artist, visit www.jamesreedimages.com.

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