The Artist's Backyard
J. T. Harwood (Utah, 1860–1940)
Oil on canvas
11.5 x 18 in.
J. T. Harwood, a prominent artist from Utah, was a pioneer in bringing fine art traditions to the American West. Educated at the Académie Julian in Paris, Harwood became known for his plein-air landscapes and carefully observed depictions of everyday life. His work bridges European Impressionism with a distinctively Western sensibility, focusing on light, atmosphere, and the charm of rural settings.
In The Artist's Backyard, Harwood offers an intimate glimpse of his home at 216 S 200 W in Salt Lake City. The painting captures dappled sunlight filtering through trees, casting soft shadows on a lively scene populated by chickens and surrounded by rustic outbuildings. Harwood's use of light and color imbues the scene with warmth and tranquility, emphasizing the quiet beauty of domestic life in a turn-of-the-century urban-rural environment.
This work reflects Harwood's mastery of light and detail, as well as his dedication to portraying the world around him with both technical skill and emotional resonance. His contributions to the art world have cemented his place as a foundational figure in the history of Utah art.
