NELTJE
1934-2021
Abstract expressionist painter, Artist, and Author of North of Crazy
Neltje and Bandit on Neltje's ranch in the Bighorn Mountains.
“I paint the moment, I think the moment, I feel the moment. You have this second, then BOOM! It’s gone. The wind comes up, and your hat flies off. You drop your glass of champagne. It’s just a moment.”
Neltje on her ranch in Banner, Wyoming.
Listen to Neltje's Story.
Neltje overcame abuse to realize her strength as an abstract expressionist painter and author. As the former proprietor of the historic Sheridan Inn, she saved the establishment from destruction and oversaw its operation for years before becoming a full-time artist. Neltje lived in Wyoming for more than 50 years and was unafraid to live out loud. She painted 10 x 30-foot canvases and published a memoir, North of Crazy, with St. Martin’s Press. Neltje founded Jentel Arts, an artist residency program on her ranch in Banner, Wyoming, and Turned Antiques, a hidden gem with pieces from around the world and from her own travels. In addition to her painting and artistry, Neltje was a loyal friend, mother, and grandmother, and had a brigade of furry friends.
She was a recipient of the Wyoming Governor’s Arts Award in 2005.
“Well color, let’s start with color. I don’t know what my favorite color is. Probably red...because it’s outrageous. It demands courage, strength, and an unwillingness to be put down.”
“I would say that I’m a painter of the moment. I think we all are all painters of the moment. We are creators of the moment.”
Neltje at home in Banner, Wyoming.
