Douglas Aagard harkens back to the summers when he hiked Utah’s backcountry, helping his grandfather herd sheep. As a teenager, he had his own version of summer camp, cooking and helping with the chores as his Danish grandpa grazed his bands of sheep. Now in his mid-forties, Aagard keenly recalls the high mountain meadows, the quaking aspen, the little silver trailer, and the unique pastoral setting as if he had been there yesterday.

Douglas Aagard (Utah)

Portrait Of A Maple
Oil
48″ By 36″
“I found this amazing tree while out hiking with my son. I had to paint it to remind me of those rare moments when life could not get any better.”

Douglas Aagard (Utah)

Cottonwood Shadow
Oil
50″ By 36″
“This is everything I love about fall: the bright yellow cottonwood contrasted and framed by blue mountains, with fields and sheds to make it a story. My grandpa was a rancher, and we would drive miles and miles on dirt roads, and I can’t seem to get them out of my system. The blue shadow coming across the road is an invitation to move in, and the road takes you the rest of the way.”