"I believe that only the basic elements of a beautiful painting exist in nature," states Jon McNaughton. "The sentiment and feeling that flow from the mind and heart of an artist are what create the highest beauty of landscape painting."

McNaughton is a rising artist from Utah whose paintings are attracting the attention of collectors across the country. Late evenings and stormy days are frequent subject matter for this young artist. A McNaughton painting can be recognized for the rich color and chiaroscuro effects reminiscent of the French Barbizon painters and American Tonalists of the 19th century.

McNaughton's roots trace back to the small town of Grafton, Utah. He feels a deep love for the land and of his pioneer heritage. He says it was instrumental in developing his artistic tendencies. From an early age McNaughton showed great promise that eventually led to a full art scholarship at Brigham Young University.

McNaughton describes his work as the "essence of nature." He often spends hundreds of hours simply observing and studying the varying nuances of the landscape, then returns to his studio and paints from memory. Refusing to work from photographs, an occasional pencil sketch is enough to inspire a painting!