March 2025 Meeting

Kirt Harmon will be presenting on March 11th !

"As a builder and designer, I continue to enjoy a wonderful career here in Utah. Although I have had no formal art training, my eye for design, perspective and proportion has served me well throughout my life. During the mid-90’s, I suffered a severe back injury that laid me up for several months. During that time of convalescence, I took up painting as a therapeutic way to help me get through that time of incapacitation. I soon discovered that I really enjoyed it and that I had an aptitude for it. I have been painting ever since!
I am, for the most part, self taught. However, I have, for many years, followed and once personally studied with Jerry Yarnell, a nationally acclaimed acrylic painter. He has been the inspiration for my pursuit of painting. In fact, much of my early work was based on his art and public study sessions. Though I have used several mediums, I mostly paint with acrylics these days for health reasons as well as for practical. I have been blessed to be rather well traveled and I love to paint “on the road”, so the acrylic medium suites me best.
I have traditionally painted for myself … what I see, what I feel, for my eyes only. Each of my paintings has a story behind it. Recently however, many have encouraged me to take my work to the public.
I use a very limited palette. I prefer to mix my colors as I go so each piece is unique. The portrayal of light is one of my emphases. I have learned that composition, value structure and contrast are the foundation … the most important elements of my paintings. Adding the color scheme and details are fun, but if I don’t get the foundation right, the painting just doesn’t work! I have also learned that I cannot “force” a painting. The idea and inspiration from which the composition is born, comes at its own pace … sometimes immediately, other times slower than I want. But when it does come, I like to jump on it right away and get it done. It generally doesn’t very long for me to bring a painting to life once the basics are in place.
People tell me that my work has a richness about it and that it brings a positive, uplifting influence into their lives. I am humbled by that description. I sincerely hope that you enjoy my work as much as I have bringing it to you! I am grateful every day that I get to paint and be a dad and a grandpa!"