David Meikle

Title of Painting:HEADING WEST FROM COUNCIL BLUFFS

Media Type: Oil on canvas

Dimensions of Painting: 30"x42"

Artist Statement: 

In this image, I wanted to emphasize the vastness of the prairie that the handcart pioneers were crossing. Although the weather is not a hindrance to the group yet, I hope to create a sense of vulnerability by portraying the group in a small scale compared to the vastness of the landscape around them. In putting a scene together such as this, I frequently look for opportunities to use clouds to create a sense of scale and distance. I love the work of the well-known painter Maynard Dixon, and his 1925 painting “Cloud World” has made a deep impression on me and was the inspiration behind this painting.

Artist Biography: 

David Meikle received his BFA in graphic design and illustration and an MFA in painting from the University of Utah, where he was the recipient of the Alvin Gittins scholarship. David has taught classes at the University of Utah and Weber State University. His paintings are included in the permanent collections of museums, as well as in private and corporate collections.