Dalas
Ward Klein, born January 14, 1950, left this
world to see his dad July 30, 2015, his family
by his side.Born in a small town, Eads, Colorado, to Frank and Margaret Klein, his early life was influenced by the ranches they lived on while dad was working, checking the fence line and feeding cattle. This influence would appear later in his art work.
In 1954 the family moved to a small town in northern Idaho near Bonners Ferry and spent their first winter in a tiny log cabin with a dirt floor and a hayloft in which he remembers sleeping. He liked to share that story.
In 1964 his father went into logging and moved the family to Libby, Montana. It was here he first tried his hand at art. Mother had dabbled in oils and to his amazement he had a talent.
In high school Dalas was fortunate enough to study art under the tutelage of now internationally known artist, Tom Sander. He and his football buddies also claimed the title of 1967 Class A State Football Champs. They’ve remained close through the years.
In 1971 Dalas married high school sweetheart Nancy O’Leary, and soon added daughter Tess to the family. As life goes, Dalas was torn between his art and making a living. He found a talent in welding and went into the Ironworkers Union, spending the next eighteen years painting on and off as a hobby.
Later in life Dalas became an accomplished artist, working with many different art genres and mediums. He was published in magazines and attended many art and gallery showings.
Dalas leaves behind many loving friends and family.
He had something to say…
“The feeling I would like to project to the viewer of my paintings is one of having “been there before.” To those who have not “been there before,” I would like to give them the opportunity to fantasize and “go there.” If people are born with certain abilities, then my ability is to see what other people might pass over and put it on paper or canvas to create a mood and share a feeling. With this, I leave you to enjoy the viewing.” - Dalas Klein