In 1987, I was finishing by B.A. in Art at the University of Utah. I painted Windriver Trout, the 30 x 40 painting pictured above. I loved how I captured the movement of the fish caught on the red lure and thrashing in the water. Not knowing the proper protocols in approaching galleries, I dropped in to a Salt Lake City gallery and asked if they were interested in this piece. They agreed saying, "Don't be dissappointed as paintings of unknown artists usually take a long time to sell." When I went back to the gallery the next week, I was so happy to discover the painting had already sold.
In the small world in which we live, I received an e-mail a couple of years ago from the collector who had purchased Windriver Trout two decades ago. He is an avid fly fisherman and mentioned that the painting still brings him joy, especially on hectic days. He said it hangs behind his desk at his stock broker.
To me, every painting has significant meaning. I not only remember the surroundings of where I was when it was painted, looking at it also can refresh in my mind the sounds and other senses I experienced at that moment. Just like a child leaving home, it's heartwarming to hear about paintings that are in collector homes and offices.
There's a home for every painting, isn't there? I'm always fascinated to see who buys what, and what they think of the painting they buy (their connection). It completes the process, from inspiration in the artist to the collector.
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