NEAR BANKS, Ore. - Across Washington County’s forested hills and valleys, “elbow room” is easy to come by at places where you can stretch out and play.

Inside the “Grey Dog Studio,” the jazz music plays, bold colors blend and inspiration flows in uncommon style across Robert Schlegel’s canvas.

Today the artist is painting one of his favorite subjects – a bird.

“I like the shape. It’s that simple," he said. "There's a bit of mystery with them too. You can get an attitude into a bird, and they're an indicator species of the environment’s health. There's just a lot of things with birds, and I guess you just don't want to mess with 'em.”

But Schlegel likes to mess with the birds he paints - and landscapes for and builds too.

He uses earthy tones that seem to sprout from the soil.

“I love structures and the shadows that they throw ... the light throws shadows and that illuminates different parts of the plane. I can catch that luminosity somehow," he said.

Many of his scenes and structures and birds are from his own life – the farming life of Washington County.

“I have an appreciation for that because I come from that so it’s got to have some influence on what I do,” he said.

The rural influence has been profound for a third-generation farm boy who followed a career path in education – first as a teacher and then an administrator.

At the same time, he broadened his artistic skills, often through classes at Portland Community College.

Now, after 35 years, Schlegel has moved to the head of the class.

The Oregon Arts Commission recently selected Schlegel for the prestigious “Art in the Governor’s Office” program.

Nearly 20 of his varied landscape and wildlife paintings are on public display in the governor’s office.

According to Meagen Atiyeh, spokesperson for the Oregon Arts Commission, only a handful of Oregon artists have enjoyed this once-in-a-lifetime honor since the program began in 1975.

“Robert is a fabulous painter,” she said. “He works with color and light very well and really captures a tranquility that appeals to people. Plus, as an Oregon artist, he understands the land that he paints and the wildlife too. He shines in so many ways.”

Meanwhile, back at Grey Dog Studio, Schlegel is a bit overwhelmed by the unexpected privilege.

“I’m very lucky to have had the opportunity to do this, but so many important artists from the state have been there," he said. "I don't consider myself one of them – but I guess to be in the same room where they were is pretty nice.”

Plenty of humility from one of Oregon’s finest artists, who continues to create unique expressions of Oregon life.

Directions: From Interstate-5 Exit 253 take Highway 22 west; take Willamette University/State Offices exit and follow signs for 12th Street/State Offices. Turn left on Court Street (1-way). Handicap access at the east entrance. Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed on Saturday and Sunday.