Elizabeth Ganji is a self-taught artist specializing in soft-pastel.  "I grew up watching my mother set up her paints in the tiny laundry-room, finding only brief escapes from the four of us children--not an easy feat for a stay at home mom.  It was from her that l learned the foundation principles of art.  Apprehensive about the prospect of living my life as a starving artist,  I chose to earn my Bachelors of Science Degree in Business from Montana State University, Bozeman, in lieu of pursuing an art degree.  At the time, I had no idea just how valuable the business knowledge would be in starting an art career.  "It was the years living in Montana that intensified my intrest in the West and intrigue of the nostalgia encompassing the last Frontier.  I was introduced to the massive western wildlife such as bears, bison, and elk during my exploration of the state.  Much of my trekking was done on horseback; the two horses i brought with me to school.  It was Montana that inspiried me to paint full time.