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I, Lonnie Collinsworth have spent my whole life in Montana, and consider myself privileged to do so. From my early childhood education in Deer Lodge, Montana to a master’s degree from Western Montana College in Dillon and also Montana State University in Bozeman, I have spent time in many great areas our state has to offer. Beginning in 1985, I taught high school art and coached high school sports for thirty-three years before retiring from Whitefish High School in 2018. While many retirees look back and are happy to end their careers, one of the most difficult things that I’ve ever done was leave the classroom.  Young adults were so enjoyable to work with, and it was always exciting to watch them explore all the different mediums making each day special and unique. 

To fill this recent void of teaching, I continue to pass on my artistic knowledge on a smaller scale to young adults through private lessons. I feel blessed to be able to pass art on to others through these aforementioned lessons. A positive of my recent retirement is that it has allowed more free time for me to explore art on my own as I work in my studio painting.

As I’ve transitioned into more time painting, I am inspired and influenced by so many things that we call home in this diverse state of Montana.  Whether it be the mountain peaks, crystal-clear water, an abandoned homestead, or abundant wildlife each setting provides me with amazing  subject matter. Even though I was in the classroom for thirty-three years, I feel like I’m just discovering the painting process and learning something new every time I paint.

I call Whitefish, Montana home along with my wife, Caty, and family.​