Don Ealy

"The Golden Star" by Don Ealy

As our cherished community evolves and many of our longtime collectors begin to downsize, we’re presented with a wonderful opportunity to share rare and meaningful pieces from their collections—art that tells stories, honors history, and inspires hearts.

Today, we are proud to present "The Golden Star," a captivating work by the esteemed regional artist Don Ealy. Not only is this painting a stunning example of Ealy’s masterful craftsmanship and keen eye for light and shadow, but it also celebrates an iconic piece of Coeur d’Alene’s maritime history—the legendary Golden Star tug boat.

The Golden Star was a propeller-driven tug that played an essential role on Lake Coeur d’Alene and the Coeur d’Alene River. Operated by the Russell and Pugh Lumber Company, she supported the timber industry by hauling logs from the St. Joe region to local mills. This hardworking vessel was part of a long legacy that began in the early 20th century and continued for over a century, with companies like the Russell and Pugh Lumber Company evolving from steam to diesel power to meet the needs of local industry. Today, remnants of the Golden Star lie on the bank near Springston, Idaho, a lasting link to one of our community’s most industrious chapters.

Don Ealy, the artist behind this piece, is renowned for working within the grand tradition of the old masters, capturing the essence of his subjects with clarity, light, and shadow. His landscapes, still lifes, and figures flow effortlessly from his brush—echoing the techniques of Rembrandt and Rubens, yet unmistakably from his own restless, visionary eye. With over forty years dedicated to his craft, Ealy’s paintings reveal the hand of a master and a calm, mature perspective that continually captivates viewers.

Growing up in Spokane, Washington, Ealy’s talent was evident early on—so much so that his mentor, Herman Keys, would shake his head and say, “The boy draws like an angel.” His artistic journey took him through Los Angeles, Mendocino, New York, and eventually Europe, settling for a time in Malaga, Spain. His travels have also taken him to Brazil, Central America, Alaska, Nova Scotia, and the saltwater ports of the Pacific and Gulf Coasts. An aircraft carrier stint in the Pacific and Far East further enriched his perspective, infusing his work with a wide-ranging sense of life and scenery across diverse landscapes.

Ealy’s work has been exhibited in major cities across the United States and Japan, earning awards and recognition for his skill and artistry. Today, he resides in Spirit Lake, Idaho, where his studio is bathed in the subtle, shifting northern light that influences his work every day—and where he and his wife Mary have raised three sons: Michael, Gregory, and Patrick.

This piece is not just a visual journey; it is a piece of our local history, brought vividly to life through Don Ealy’s remarkable talent.

And as an added special touch, with the purchase of this piece, you will receive a piece of the original Golden Star tug boat—an enduring connection to the industrious spirit of Coeur d’Alene’s maritime heritage and the legacy of the Russell and Pugh Lumber Company.

We invite you to see this extraordinary piece in person. It’s a unique opportunity to own a work of art and history, supporting a talented local artist and celebrating the story of our community.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE ART SPIRIT GALLERY.