Think of it as a snapshot in paint.

Dubois artist Gary Keimig attempts to complete a picture per day of Western scenery or wildlife.

He doesn't spend more than an hour and a half on such paintings, which are done either in oils or watercolors.

In the past, he has done such "quick draws" as dude ranch entertainment and at various art shows. "I've kind of gotten used to working fast that way," he said.

Art blogs around the country indicate other artists are doing similar projects, he said. Keimig started his effort last winter.

Keimig wants to extend the quick draw idea a bit, perhaps by finding a nice view of Arrow Mountain, then visiting the same spot every day, at the same time: "Every one could certainly be different just because of the mood and the way weather affects it."

Keimig sells his paintings on-line and at the Silver Sage Gallery in Dubois, which he operates with his partner Tom Lucas.

The picture-a-day pieces have been moving. They generally sell for between $100 and $225 each, for pictures that range in size between 5-by-7 and 8-by-10.

"It's a little thing people can just pick up and take with them," Keimig said.

The creative spontaneity of such quick pieces makes them easier to paint than larger commission works, Keimig said. Painting a deer is more easily accomplished if he is inspired to paint a deer, rather than if a client requests it.

"I have no idea why that is," he said. "It must be psychological."

Keimig, 68, comes from a line of Wyoming ranchers and artists. He grew up on Garden Creek Road near Casper "back when it was just a dirt road and dead ended." He has lived in Dubois for 30 years.

Keimig also has done artwork for Wyoming Wildlife magazine, for biology textbooks and for National Parkways Guidebooks.

Business Editor Tom Mast can be reached at tom.mast@trib.com, or call 307-266-0574. Or check out his "Two Bits Worth" blog at tribtown.trib.com/TomMast/blog