Mary Fielding Smith's Millcreek farm circa 1850

I was asked to render what Mary Fielding Smith's Millcreek farm may have looked like in 1850. Shortly after arriving in the Salt Lake valley, this remarkable pioneer woman saddled her horse and rode south to what is now the Millcreek area. She found a clear, flowing spring on a gentle mountain slope and carved out her homestead there. All we have are descriptions of her farm from journal entries today … this is my rendition of how it may have looked back then.

Oquirrh Mountain Temple

This is the latest in my body of work of these sacred LDS temples … the Oquirrh Mountain temple in South Jordan, Utah. 

Far West, Missouri circa 1838

I was asked to paint a scene depicting what Far West, Missouri may have looked like in 1838. There is not much left of the original settlement today, but through study of journal entries and other historical notes, and time spent on my knees, this is my rendition of it.

Surfs up

We recently went on a cruise to the Bahamas and I was inspired to paint a surfing scene … enjoy!

Mama beside me ...

While traveling, I had the chance to interact with this little guy. He was too shy to leave his mama's side, so I just painted him at her side.

Fish On

This is a little self portrait of me fly fishing on the Green River. If I can't be there in person, I guess painting the experience is the next best thing!

Delicate Winter

Delicate Arch is perhaps the most photographed rock formation in the state of Utah. I have painted it many times. This is my rendition of it in winter.

Section B on the Green River

One of my favorite fly fishing destinations is the Green River in Eastern Utah. This scene is looking from our lunch spot on Section B of the river.

Hawkeye

This Red-tail Hawk terrorized our backyard flock of chickens this past Fall. He actually got a couple of them while I was gone and before I could protect them. Though it was not fun to lose those two birds, it was quite an experience to watch this majestic bird soring above our neighborhood and perched atop the light poles in our backyard.

Deep woods creek

This was a fun painting to do with my art class. They wanted to learn how to create depth without distance in an outdoor scene. This is what I came up with to teach them.

Cozy Christmas

This was the painting I used for our family Christmas card in 2018. I wanted to show the warmth and coziness that such a mountain cabin can provide in winter, much the same as the warmth and comfort of the Savior's love in our lives.

Rescue

This is my rendition of a famous photograph. I do not know the name of the photographer, but I saw it up in Montana in a restaurant. I was on a fly fishing trip up there in October and actually saw a cowboy with a calf across his saddle in a blizzard on the Sitz Bull Ranch. I just had to come home and paint it! I call it "Rescue".

Mesa arch

Utah is home to a variety of landscapes … from high mountain Alpine areas to colorful and unique arches and rock formations, from desert vistas to lakes and reservoirs galore. This little piece is of the famous Mesa arch in Canyonlands National Park.

Liberty

This piece was a little out of my comfort zone and skill set. However, it was fun to do and to learn new techniques. I wanted to portray the symbols of our freedom and patriotism. It was the first to sell at the Zion's Bank Art Show in SLC last November.

Dad's baptism in the Big Hole on Crow Creek

Eighty-one years ago this summer, Dad was baptized in the Big Hole on Crow Creek in Star Valley, Wyoming. Though it was early June, he recalls that they still had to break a little ice away from the edges of the river before entering … brrrrr!

Last year, we took dad back home and enjoyed hearing his first hand accounts of his Star Valley childhood. Our grandchildren were glued to his every word as we visited cemetaries, homesteads, and the new LDS temple in Afton. Though the site of his baptism doesn't look the same anymore, he was able to describe it enough for me to attempt to put this sacred experience on canvas. I am sure it is not entirely accurate, but it portrays the event and secures its memory.

Release

Next to hooking and fighting a beautiful trout, I love a successful release! This is my version …

Yellowstone Falls

Years ago, we visited Yellowstone National Park with some of our family. This waterfall was made famous by Thomas Moran back in the 1800's. This is my version of it.

Royal Elk

I have wanted to paint this guy ever since I saw him in the wild many years ago. I finally mustered up the courage to try it …

Easton's locker

My grandson, Easton, has a room that is decorated in a sport's theme, His parents asked if I could paint an overlay to put on his closet door that looks like a gym locker. Here is my attempt at the request …

Cuteness in the grass

One of my students brought a photo of this little guy to our class as reference material for a springtime painting lesson. This is my version …