John Huerta, Jr.
BIOGRAPHY

John Huerta, Jr. was born in Ogden, Utah in 1964. Introduced to drawing by his
mother, Carol, John began drawing at an early age. As a child, John loved to
paint and draw wildlife, and the occasional dinosaur. John studied with several
area artists and learned to work in pastel, watercolor and oils.

John studied illustration at Utah State University, where he earned a Bachelor of
Science in Art in 2001. After college, he worked as a free lance graphic
designer and illustrator.  When the industry shifted to digital tools, John returned
to school to study digital art and web design at a local technical college.  

John has studied with Utah artists Glen Edwards, Adrian Van Suchtelen,
Harrison Groutage, Thomas Leek and Perry Stewart. He currently lives in
Ogden and, for the past several years, has dedicated himself to working plein
air. He has won several awards for his plein air work and participates in many
plein air events throughout the year.
Artist Statement

Over the years, my approach to painting has evolved. My style has changed
from being very methodical and deliberate, to a much more intuitive approach.
The catalyst for this change has come from painting outdoors. I've come to
enjoy the added challenge introduced by changing light and weather while trying
to interpret the scene. The paint strokes become more direct, infused with the
energy of being forced to react quickly to changing conditions. There is only
time to deal with the essential elements of the scene, light and shadow, color
and shape. I feel very much like I'm discovering painting all over again. Nature is
my primary muse. I seek to reflect the unity and diversity of the landscape
through my work.



Education:

2001      Bachelor of Science Art: Utah State University


Exhibitions

2007      "Plein Air of the Ogden Valley" show at The Wolf Creek Resort Gallery
2007       Invited artist 2008 Thanksgiving Point Plein Air Festival


Awards

2007      1st Place Ogden Arts Festival Quick Draw Competition
2008      Honorable Mention Logan Summerfest Plein Air Paint Out
Workshop, June 2010; on location at Mossy Cave near
Bryce Canyon National Park: