Bud Helbig, born Erwin E. Helbig, (March 7, 1919 – February 7, 2002) was an American painter, illustrator and sculptor. His artwork depicted the American West, especially cowboys.

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Early life

Helbig was born on March 7, 1919, in Butte, Montana.[1][2] He grew up in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Montana's Bitterroot Valley.[3][4]

Helbig was educated at the Mills Academy in Saint Paul, Minnesota.[4] He graduated from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.[3]

Career

Helbig began his career as a magazine illustrator in Chicago.[3] He remained in Chicago for two decades until 1969, when he moved to Kalispell, Montana, to become an independent artist.[2][4] In his paintings, Helbig depicted the American West, especially cowboys.[3] He also designed bronze sculptures.[4]

Helbig joined the Cowboy Artists of America in 1972.[4][5] His work was added to the permanent collection of the Hockaday Museum of Art in Kalispell.[6]

Personal life and death

Helbig had two sons, Ric and Vern.[5] He resided in Kalispell, Montana.[1]

Helbig died on February 7, 2002, in Kalispell, at age 82.[1][5]

References