Groutage's artistic journey began painting movie posters in Logan. He later trained as a B-52 pilot before WWII ended, sparking a lifelong fascination with the sky and weather, reflected in his tonal landscapes. He recalled vividly capturing Utah Lake’s atmosphere in a painting. A dedicated educator, he chaired the Logan art department for seven of his 34 teaching years. Named Utah Artist of the Year in 1998, he received multiple honors, including a 2009 Professional Achievement Award. A prolific exhibitor, he earned numerous accolades across painting, printmaking, drawing, and murals.