Biography

Anna Winkelaar (BFA, Utah State University) is a Utah-based artist whose work depicts the landscapes of the American West. Bold brushstrokes, heavy palette knife work, and vibrant colors. She has exhibited her work at Prince Gallery in Logan, Utah. Her work has been featured in numerous exhibitions and shows.

Artist Statement

I grew up surrounded by Utah’s wide, rugged landscapes, and I have always felt a strong connection to the spirit of the West. My paintings pay tribute to the West, especially the unique landmarks of Northern Utah. My work explores how regional identity and personal memories come together through painting.

I focus on light, bold color, and texture in my work, inviting viewers to see beauty in familiar places and to feel peace and nostalgia. I use oil paint on masonite panels because they are strong enough for my hands-on process.  I build each piece up with bold brushstrokes and a palette knife, then sand, scrape, and deliberately strip away layers. I reveal the paint’s history underneath, much like the layers of earth and memory that shape a place. In the end, my paintings reflect my own experiences and my ongoing effort to capture a deep, lasting connection with the land.