Hi.  My name is Kirk Parkinson.  I was born in St. George, Utah and grew up in the beautiful deserts of Southern Utah.

I graduated from Dixie State College in St. George (which was a junior college back in the day) where my studies included both art and journalism. After Dixie I attended the University of Utah and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business/Marketing and a Master’s Degree in Communication. Upon earning my degree I focused on journalism and postponed my painting career.

After several newspaper positions in California, Nevada and Utah, I became publisher of the Provo (Utah) Daily Herald in 1986 and managed the Herald for 20 years. During this period I was active in community affairs, was president of the Utah Press Association, and president of the Provo Rotary Club among many other endeavors.. After retiring from the publishing industry in 2007, I returned to my artistic passion.. I have enjoyed the opportunity to travel the West and paint, both outdoors and in the studio.

I paint primarily with oil, but occasionally use both acrylic and pastel. My work has evolved from moderate impressionism toward a level of realism that celebrates the unusual or dramatic aspects of Mother Nature. In seeking lighting and subject matter that expresses nature’s drama, a typical painting will have a high-intensity tonal quality and unrestrained use of color. I paint a variety of topical material, but primarily landscapes and portraits (people and pets).  I've done commission work of peóple, places and things. Favorite painting locations are the mountains and valleys of Central Utah and Western Wyoming, and the deserts and canyons of the Southwest. I'm particularly fond of the West’s national parks. I spent many days in my youth as a visitor in Zion National Park and continue that love affair as a painter.

I have received various tributes as both a publisher/editor and a painter, and my art is recognized both regionally and nationally as colorfully representative of the West’s beautiful scenery.  I find a distinct correlation between my former editorial occupation and fine art.  Both are dependent on a keen editing sense and both contribute to a level of historical narrative, so the transition from publisher to painter was a natural path for me.  Notwithstanding, publishing news, the content of which is often negative, sad or controversial, is not nearly the rush as painting a joyful picture of a wonderful place or person.  I love being an artist. .

Kirk’s website is kirkparkart.com.

His art business has been designated as a "Trusted Art Seller" with The Art Storefronts Organization, which means you can shop with confidence, and know that he stands behind the quality and value of his products.