LECONTE STEWART (UTAH, 1891-1990)
LeConte Stewart, one of Utah's most respected artists, was a painter and teacher whose work and teaching left a lasting impact. Born in 1891, he grew up in Utah and Idaho, receiving early encouragement from artist John Hafen. Stewart studied art in New York and returned to Utah in 1914, teaching in Davis County and later at East High School and Ogden High. In 1938, he became the head of the University of Utah's art department, a position he held for 18 years.
Stewart was a gifted watercolorist, draftsman, lithographer, and muralist. He painted murals for LDS temples, including in Hawaii, Alberta, and Arizona. Prolific and dedicated, he once remarked that he painted up to six pieces every Saturday. From 1932 to 1942, he captured Depression-era Utah, focusing on poignant and understated themes, preferring subtle, introspective scenes over grandeur. His realist and tonal-impressionist landscapes, often centered on rural Utah, convey a quiet beauty.
Stewart's influence extended beyond his art. An annual festival honored his work and his many students. His paintings are held in collections including the Springville Museum of Art and the Utah Museum of Fine Arts. A major retrospective of his work was held in 2013, celebrating his enduring legacy.
Watercolor on paper
5.5 x 7.5 in.
