Visiting Artist Demonstration: McKenzie S. Paxton

McKenzie S. Paxton, an artist born and raised in Elk Ridge, Utah, developed a deep connection with the mountains that shaped both her childhood and her art. Growing up in a picturesque canyon in southern Utah County, McKenzie was immersed in nature from an early age. Her father, an avid outdoorsman, introduced her to the wonders of the mountains through hunting, hiking, and skiing. Her grandfather, a snowcat driver at Deer Valley, further instilled her love for the winter landscapes, and her earliest ski memories include racing down the bunny hill slopes of Deer Valley.

For McKenzie, the natural world is a constant source of inspiration. Driving through the valleys and canyons of Utah, she developed an eye for the changing light and the way it transforms the land. This fascination led her to make the study and painting of landscapes her life’s work. In the winter, McKenzie captures the energy of skiers gliding down slopes at Western U.S. resorts, while in the summer, she focuses on the local mountains and landscapes surrounding her home. When she can find time away from her two young daughters, McKenzie often paints en plein air, connecting directly with the environment that inspires her.