Set in a landscape of the Western frontier’s expansive beauty, Lee Anderson’s Western American realism paintings portray the enduring symbols of freedom, hard work and the unwavering spirit of the cowboy and his horse. 

Anderson has been selected as the Artist of the Month for August 2024 by the Holladay Arts Council. The recognition acknowledges Anderson’s refined skill and creative talent as a master Western American fine arts painter.

Anderson comes from a long line of fine arts painters. His father and his father’s older sister, and younger brother were artists.

“My dad’s sister was a figurative painter, “Anderson said. “She met and fell in love with a West Point graduate, which provided her the opportunity to paint all over the world. One of my dad’s younger brothers lived here in the West and painted things similar to what I do—horses, cowboys, and the Western landscapes. My dad built a business as a graphic artist and expert sign painter. He also was an accomplished fine arts painter.”  

A friend of his father, Pete Harmon, owned a major share of Kentucky Fried Chicken. He was responsible for the franchises and for the development of KFC in the western states. Anderson’s father’s commercial graphic arts firm soon received the KFC account.

“Colonel Harland Sanders spent significant time in Utah,” Anderson said. “While he was here, Dad created the name “Kentucky Fried Chicken.” My dad and I painted portraits of Harland, and I don’t know if it was mine or if my dad’s portrait was used commercially. Pete Harmon gave the portrait to Allen Frank’s advertising agency, and they stylized it into what it is today.” 

Anderson’s father had several commercial graphic design accounts. Anderson worked part time for his father in his commercial graphic design business, lettering trucks, banners and real estate signs until he graduated from college.

Anderson attended the University of Utah, receiving a Bachelor’s in Business and Marketing. He was accepted into a graduate studies program at Pepperdine University where he received a degree in finance. 

After completing his education, Anderson served in the military in a medical unit in Korea. Upon returning home, he married and began working in the financial industry. He worked as a consultant to an insurance company and then eventually became the manager of Dean Witter in Salt Lake City, an American stock brokerage and securities firm. He also opened an office for the company in Sun Valley, Idaho. 

Business partners commissioned Anderson to paint large abstract pieces for their offices. Anderson wasn’t comfortable with abstract painting. This experience led him to his Impressionistic, realistic, representative approach. A few of his paintings are near photorealistic, but Impressionism is also evident.

Plein air artist Bill Davidson has influenced the work of Anderson. Formerly a trial lawyer, Davidson closed his practice and shifted his career to a full-time landscape artist, embracing the words of Aristotle: “Happiness is the meaning and purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.” Anderson embraces a similar vision in his artistic path as Davidson—set time priorities and direction in your life, become technically skilled in your painting skills, and learn to deal with business issues.

After leaving the world of finance, Anderson began a career as an artist. He continued his study of painting, learning from master realism painters in England, Australia and the United States. To find subject matter for his paintings, he traveled to working cattle ranches, participated in cattle roundups, and explored the backcountry of the West extensively.

“I find great satisfaction in the beauty of nature and all its forms,” Anderson said. “Through my art, I want people to experience the same reverence, beauty and excitement that I do.”

The only thing that surpasses the importance of art in Anderson’s life is his love for his faith, wife and family. 

Anderson has been an outstanding athlete throughout his life. He was an avid tennis player, marathon runner and triathlon athlete. He now finds enjoyment each morning walking in Murray Park, often reflecting on the beauty of nature surrounding him.

To learn more about Anderson’s art visit www.leeandersonwesternart.com/.

Anderson’s Western American realism art exhibit will be on display at Holladay City Hall, 4580 S. 2300 East, through August.

To nominate a Holladay resident for Artist of the Month, visit www.holladayarts.org/suggest-an-artist  λ