Cache County's mountains, marshes and abundant wildlife frequently double as models for Utah artist Jim Morgan.
The Goshen native arrived in Logan 22 years ago to enroll in art classes at Utah State University but soon discovered the most beneficial courses were not found on campus - but in nature."Most of my college years were spent outside, under the demanding tutelage of Logan Canyon," Morgan said.
Morgan's local education has since reaped national recognition. The fine-arts graduate was an August recipient of the Ben Stahl Artist's Choice Award at the 16th annual 1993 North West Rendezvous in Park City. Morgan was also one of six wildlife artists awarded the Juror's Choice Citation during the weeklong event.
"Receiving the Stahl Artist's Choice was especially rewarding for me because my work was selected by my peers," he said.
Forty-five Canadian and American artists competed against Morgan in the exhibit.
"For me, the highlight of each NWR is not the competition - but the chance to gather with other wildlife, Western and landscape artists and enjoy one another's friendship and talent," said Morgan.
Prior to each NWR, participants gather for Artist's Camp - a five-day outing in the Uintah Mountains to share canvas, paints and fellowship.
"The exhibit in Park City is an event opened and organized for the public, but Artist's Camp is designed for artists only," said Morgan. "It's an inspiring seven days surrounded by nature and artwork in motion."
Despite national accolades, Morgan has had difficulty making a steady living in a reluctant in-state market.
"Utah is a conservative place to sell art," said Morgan, who left his job at Wurlitzer Piano to paint full-time in 1985. "I exhibit in one Utah gallery, but most of my pieces are sold in Arizona and New York."
A self-proclaimed apprentice of Mother Nature - the "master of art masters" - Morgan said he attempts to create "an artistic impression of nature's endless colors and ever-changing lights, capturing a moment that will never again be quite the same."
By Jason N. Swensen, Deseret News staff writer.