Artist Michelle Murphy-Ferguson

By Meg Wall-Wild

Michelle Murphy-Ferguson grew up in Humboldt, so it’s only natural she would paint cows, horses and the people who ride the range. Born in Scotia, she spent her early years in Fortuna, enjoying the rodeo. She loved visiting the cabin of ranching friends with paint brushes in hand, giving her access to the sweeping range. Capturing Humboldt’s beauty and its people inspired her to pursue an art education. She switched to business agriculture at College of the Redwoods to stay closer to her hometown roots. Murphy-Ferguson rubbed elbows with Fortuna’s ranchers during her time working at Humboldt Auction Yards, giving her a thorough knowledge of her subjects.

An avid lifelong learner, Murphy-Ferguson studied with many talented painters in California and beyond, making her way to Paris, France, and Florence, Italy.

She passed on what she learned, giving painting lessons and workshops in Eureka and Fortuna until 2016. Her portraits show a deft hand and an understanding of the sitter. You may recognize her work from seeing it exhibited up and down the coast, or hanging in the CattleWomen Association’s Cowbelle Barn at the Humboldt County Fair. Murphy-Ferguson’s paintings are held in private and public collections worldwide, including Lamscheid Town Hall in Germany. Her love of plein air painting is evident in her luminous landscapes and seascapes. Visit michellemurphy-ferguson.com to see her skillful depictions of Humboldt life, both two- and four-legged. Better yet, bid high at the auction on Saturday, July 15, to rope in her new piece, this year’s cover image, for your collection. The creation on offer is uniquely Fortuna Rodeo and Michelle Murphy-Ferguson. ✪