ACRYLIC ON CANVAS UTAH, USA Stewart Anstead is an artist who has painted professionally since 2000. His studio is located at the base of the Rocky Mountains in Utah. This location holds significance as his family line, originally from the British Isles, migrated to Canada and lived among the Canadian Rockies for many years who then spread west across the USA. The Rocky Mountains are the skyline where he lives, and is often the stage where his artistic stories begin. His work celebrates rugged individualists and a deep human appreciation for the outdoors. He has a profound love for craftsmanship, depicting people of strong character who take pride in creating and doing things. The 2002 Winter Olympics, held in his neighborhood, profoundly influenced the early themes of his work. This experience taught him that people from all over the globe share his passions. He discovered that language is not a barrier to communicating ideas through art. Stewart's art explores human interaction with nature, portraying a range of remarkable wildlife in their natural habitats. He honors enthusiasts who venture further to see what lies just beyond the next trail. His work also celebrates sportsmen and sportswomen who continually refine their craft in pursuit of excellence. His themes consistently reflect a love for rugged living and the intricate, sometimes perilous, relationships between people and our planet. Using acrylics on canvas or linen, Stewart often incorporates mixed media elements such as paper and various metal leaf to make his work come alive. His themes also includes the outdoor experiences of everyday people. You may see a family skiing and, upon closer inspection, you see evidence that they are participating in the same fun activities as you do, but are clearly not of this time. His pieces can reveal echoes of bygone times through vintage newspapers, posters, and signage. These elements evoke nostalgia, connecting with a past where people were inventing ways to enjoy their free time in the North American West, a period bursting with possibilities. Stewart Anstead’s work has been noted in multiple publications, both in print and available as online magazine articles, tv news, radio shows, and podcast shows, and many are still searchable.