Paul Mann is an artist who grew up loving the old West and continues his love of this time period by devoting himself to bringing the authentic wild west to his canvases.

Mann has always been interested in art. Even as a young boy he knew that he loved creating pictures. Coming from a family that valued art, he found acceptance and support for his work. His father was a photojournalist and painted as a hobby, and his older brother is also an artist.

As a high-school student, Mann gained recognition when he was presented the Award of Merit from the Society of Illustrators Show in New York City. Additionally, he was a participant in a summer workshop at Utah State University working with some of the top illustrators of the time.

After attending Utah State University and serving a two year mission, he was faced with a difficult choice: return to Utah State to complete his degree or accept a job offer in the field of illustration. Mann chose to follow his avid interest in illustration.

He says, "I love the Golden Age of Illustration, especially art produced during the 50's and the 60's. I have always felt the caliber of art and artist during this time period were the best in illustration such as artists like Tom Lovell, Frank McCarthy, Howard Terpning and Robert McGinnis. I studied their techniques and learned everything I could from them."

Although he was engaged primarily in illustration field, he did show western paintings in several galleries where he gained a reputation for his art. In addition to doing extensive research into Indian life and lifestyles, Mann collected costumes and handmade clothing, adornments and implements. He worked from life with models that he discovered.

Eventually, it was time for him to make another life-altering decision: continue to pursue a career in illustration or re-establish himself in the area of fine art, concentrating on western art and seeking new representation in galleries. This time, he chose to paint for the galleries. He feels that this is where he wants to be and should be at this point in his career. "I love the art of building a picture, the design, color and value. I love the use of drama and strong lighting with a great story. I continue to relish the research and making and collecting clothing from the 1800's."

Written and submitted October 2004 by David Wilkinson, fine-art professional. His source is the artist.

Paul Mann, b. 1955, Salt Lake City, Utah (United States)

Paul Mann has always been interested in art. At the age of seventeen he had work accepted in the prestigious Society of Illustrators Show in New York City and received an award of merit. While still in high school, Mann and other high school students were invited by Utah State University to spend a summer in their illustration workshop program. It was wonderful and gave Mann the chance to work shoulder to shoulder with some of the great Illustrators of that day. Mann attended Utah State University for one quarter and was then offered a full time position in an ad agency. Mann has been working steadily ever since. During those years Mann produced hundreds of magazine illustrations, book covers, and editorial art.

Mann has done extensive research for authenticity, collected many clothing items and props. Mann loves the art of building a painting, the design, color, and value. He loves the use of drama and strong lighting with a great story line. Mann grew up watching old western movies with great visual images. Mann's love of the old western movies and the discipline of illustration gave Mann the background he needed to bring the old west to life.

Education
• Utah State University, Logan, UT
Selected Exhibitions
• Davis Art Center, Society of Illustrators Show, Bountiful, UT, 2011
• Brigham Young University, Faculty Show, Provo, UT, 2011
• Traces of the West, Ogden UT, 2013
Selected Press
• Western Art Collector, August, 2009
• Southwest Art, 2005
Awards
• Traces of the West, Judge's Award, Ogden UT, 2013
• Society of Illustrators Show, Award of Merit
Selected Collections
• Forbes Collection