Biography
Amber Scally is a graphite and charcoal artist working in rural Montana. Her goal is to capture the beauty and wonder of the American West. From her home base in Martinsdale, she gathers reference photos for her drawings from the wildlife, landscapes and working ranches that surround her. Every image is a translation of an authentic moment in time. Her hyper-realistic work defies the boundary between photography and drawing, building connection between the viewer and the subject.
Amber’s drawings are primarily based on personally collected reference photos. She spends a great deal of her time on the base drawing, making sure it is as accurate as possible. When the bones of a drawing are set, she begins the process of adding value, texture and detail. Her toolbox contains a variety of materials including powdered graphite and charcoal, small paint brushes and numerous pencils and erasers. She finds the drawing process therapeutic, challenging, invigorating and humbling.
Rooted in personal experiences and a profound connection to nature, Amber’s work is a genuine reflection of her life in Martinsdale, Montana. Each stroke carries not just the skillful rendering of a scene but also a narrative woven with the personal experiences connected to the subject being drawn. Each image is the translation of an authentic moment in time from bear cubs playing on a power pole to ranchers hard at work during a branding. In Amber’s hands, graphite and charcoal become conduits for storytelling, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the raw and untamed beauty of the West.
Her art is a testament to the enduring power of connection, both with the natural world and the human experience, creating an honest dialogue between the artist and those who encounter her hyper-realistic creations. Through her drawings, Amber hopes to build a greater respect and sense of knowing for rural and western life for anyone who views her work.
Memberships
Since 2024 Women Artists of the West – Associate Member
Since 2022 Cowgirl Artists of America (CGA) – Signature & Founding Member
Group Shows & Exhibitions
2025
“Homeland” Women Artists of the West, Clarksville, TN
Western Spirit Juried Art Show & Sale, Cheyenne, WY
The Great Western Show, Great Falls, MT
“Women’s Work 2025” CGA, A.R. Mitchell Museum, Trinidad, CO
Summer SLAM Festival, Bozeman MT
Small Works, Great Wonders, Oklahoma City, OK
The Wild Bunch, Group Exhibition – Irma Hotel, Cody, WY
Yellowstone Art Museum Winter Show, Billings, MT
2024
The Great Western Show, Great Falls, MT
Spring Fest, Billings, MT
“Women’s Work 2024” CGA, A.R. Mitchell Museum, Trinidad, CO
Summer SLAM Festival, Bozeman MT
Bosque Art Classic, Clifton, TX
International Guild of Realism’s Online Fall Salon
Small Works, Great Wonders, Oklahoma City, OK
Mountain Oyster Club Art Show, Tucson, AZ
2023
The Great Western Show-August, Great Falls, MT
Summer SLAM Festival, Bozeman, MT
The Great Western Show-March, Great Falls, MT
Prairie Sisters Vintage Show & Sale, Billings, MT
Wild Flowers Show & Sale: Western Gallery, online
2022
Summer SLAM Festival, Bozeman, MT
Big Sky Artisan Festival, Big Sky, MT
Rocky Mountain Regional Juried Exhibition, Red Lodge, MT
Western Spirit Juried Art Show & Sale, Cheyenne, WY
Awards
2025
Best in Show – “Through the Looking Glass”; Women’s Work
Finalist – “Muley Bucks”; Strokes of Genius 17: Best in Drawing
Best in Show – “World In My Hand”; The Late Show – WAOW
Honorable Mention, Top Finalist – “Colton”; PleinAir Magazine
Top Finalist – “Run Away”; PleinAir Magazine
Top Finalist – “Muley Bucks”; PleinAir Magazine
Best in Associates – “The Fawn”; Homeland – WAOW
Best in Drawing – “Muley Bucks”; Western Spirit Juried Art Show & Sale
2024
Silver Medal – Drawing – “Muley Bucks”; Bosque
Best In Drawing “Where There’s Smoke”; Women’s Work 2024
2022
Top 100 Finalist “World in My Hand” – PleinAir Magazine
