The artist finds his subject matter in the serene beauty of his Colorado home where there is abundant wildlife and seemingly endless landscape vistas. Self-taught in pastels, oils and watercolors, he painted from what seemed to be an irrepressible creative talent. As a young man, he began painting by reading "how-to-do-it" art books and also by researching the methods of artists he admired.

A native of Monte Vista, Lockhart earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree at Emporia State University in Kansas and then returned to his home town to run his family furniture business. In 1986, he began to paint full time.

He has attended numerous workshops including ones by Ted Goershner and Ray Vinella, who inspired him to appreciate location and "plein aire" or outdoor painting. From Irvine Shapiro of The American Academy of Art in Chicago he learned the "seductive quality of watercolor."

Numerous publications have recognized Lockhart's talent including The Pueblo Chieftain, The Valley Courier, Wildlife Art, Taos Magazine and The Artist Magazine in which he was recently chosen as one of 50 finalists in the All Media Competition. In 1990, he was voted Colorado Artist of the Year for Ducks Unlimited.

He has become a regular exhibitor in the national "Arts for the Parks" exhibition, which features paintings representative of the country's national parks, monuments and historic sites. His three prize-winning pieces are of Yellowstone National Park, and laughingly he says he may become known as a "geyser painter." Then after thinking a minute, he said: "But I would just like to be known as a good painter." However, he loves watching the geysers and thermals, which become "like jewels" in the sunsets. Limited Edition prints have been made from his park landscapes.

The artist has strong protective feelings about the environment and thinks that many of the national parks are being overrun. He paints scenes from these parks to "let people know what a treasure we have in them. The best way to develop awareness is through art."

Source:
The Taos Gallery Scottsdale
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A native of Monte Vista, Colorado, he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Emporia State University in Kansas and then returned to his home town to run his family furniture business. In 1986, he began to paint full time. He is a "plein aire" painter and has attended workshops by Ted Goershner and Ray Vinella. In 1990, he was voted Colorado Artist of the Year for Ducks Unlimited. He is a regular exhibitor in the national "Arts for the Parks" exhibition, featuring paintings of the national parts. He is an active environmentalist.