Montana State University graduate James Corwin has seen his artwork gain significant attention this summer, appearing both on Montana’s newest license plate and the cover of a national magazine.
Corwin, who earned his bachelor’s degree in studio arts from MSU’s College of Arts and Architecture in 2014, designed the state’s new license plate that became available to drivers in August. His art was also featured on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post, a magazine with more than two centuries of history highlighting American culture.
“It’s so exciting being able to wake up every day and be immersed in this atmosphere of creating beautiful art and bringing people into that experience by sharing it with them,” Corwin said.
Now based in Missoula, Corwin specializes in hyper-realistic wildlife paintings depicting animals such as wolves, bears, and bison native to Montana. He opened an art gallery in Hamilton in 2021 to showcase his work as well as pieces from other local artists. The expansion accommodated his growing studio needs, business team, and art classes.
The new Montana license plate designed by Corwin was commissioned by the Selway Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation earlier this year. Proceeds from sales will support wilderness stewardship efforts, trail maintenance, and youth programs in protected areas including the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. The design features Trapper Peak set above cottonwood trees and elk.
Corwin described his creative process for these works as involving several hours each day spent painting until he captures what he calls a “magical spark that feels alive.” He produces over 20 original paintings annually and ships more than 100 prints each month within the United States and abroad.
One highlight for Corwin this year was having one of his paintings—depicting a crane dancing at sunset—selected for the July/August cover of The Saturday Evening Post. Since 2022, three of his works have appeared on its covers; the magazine reaches at least 350,000 subscribers nationwide. The publication is recognized for iconic covers by artists like Norman Rockwell that portray scenes from everyday American life.
“It’s such a privilege and a gift to be included among history’s great artists,” Corwin said. “It probably wouldn’t have been possible without MSU’s encouragement to do painting full time.”
Originally from Kalispell, Corwin transferred to MSU after starting college elsewhere. He credits support from faculty members with helping him choose studio arts over education as a major while gaining recognition at local markets for his paintings.
Dean Adams, dean of MSU’s College of Arts and Architecture who taught Corwin during college, commented: “It was clear to me that James was well on his way to becoming a successful artist and a business owner. He was already exploring a career in art and exemplified the entrepreneurial mindset common in many of our students. I appreciate his current business model for selling his own work while also supporting other artists.”
During undergraduate studies at MSU, Corwin often painted outdoors across Montana landscapes (a method known as plein air) or worked long hours inside Haynes Hall studios experimenting with various artistic mediums such as sculpture or ceramics. He said these experiences helped develop skills essential for painting wildlife today.
Reflecting on classroom experiences similar to traditional European art academies—with groups gathered around their drawings—Corwin noted how observing subjects directly contributed to understanding anatomy used now in wildlife compositions.
“It was a wonderful experience to have that freedom to explore myself artistically and see what I was — no pun intended — drawn to, which was ultimately painting,” he said.
Josh DeWeese is director of MSU’s School of Art where students are encouraged early on to try multiple media before focusing their careers—a philosophy he says aids graduates like Corwin finding their niche: “Our most significant role as educators is for people to find the thing they’re most passionate about,” DeWeese said. “Becoming a professional is important, but trying to discover more about yourself is the most important.”
In recognition of both artistry and entrepreneurship after graduation from MSU, Corwin received an alumni award last year.
