SIMON WINEGAR
Simon Winegar is widely recognized for his evocative tonalist landscapes. Works that invite quiet reflection and offer a sense of calm in an often chaotic world. Rooted in mood, atmosphere, and subtle shifts of light, his paintings are less about documenting a place and more about capturing a feeling. As Winegar explains, “Sometimes it seems like we live in an ugly, unforgiving world… so the point of what I do is to attempt to beautify the world. I want to create a mood that moves the viewer." His work serves as a visual refuge. Romantic, contemplative, and deeply human.
Born in Utah in 1979 and raised in the suburbs of Salt Lake City, Winegar’s connection to art began early. He often recalls childhood holidays filled with watercolor sets and construction paper, gifts that quietly laid the foundation for a lifelong pursuit. His mother, though not a professional artist, nurtured creativity in the home, while his older brother Seth became an early mentor. Together, they spent countless hours drawing and painting, with Winegar learning both from his brother’s successes and his missteps, an experience that shaped his understanding of process, discipline, and growth.
Largely self-directed in his education, Winegar developed his craft through rigorous personal study, workshops, and an enduring commitment to the traditions of painting. He is an avid reader of art history and technique, often emphasizing the importance of learning from the masters. “What better way to excel,” he notes, “than by standing on the shoulders of the giants that have gone before us?” This philosophy is evident in his work, which reflects a deep respect for classical approaches while remaining distinctly contemporary in its emotional resonance.
Since entering the professional art market in 2000, Winegar has built a strong and respected presence within the American fine art landscape. His work has been featured in numerous national publications and exhibited in some of the country’s most prominent galleries. Over the years, he has been the subject of multiple one-man exhibitions, steadily cultivating a dedicated collector base drawn to the quiet power and timeless quality of his paintings.
His paintings have also been included in museum exhibitions, including the Springville Museum of Art, the Museum of Church History and Art, and the International Museum of Contemporary Masters of Fine Art, an acknowledgment of both his technical ability and his contribution to contemporary representational painting.
While best known for his landscapes, Winegar’s artistic curiosity extends far beyond a single subject. His body of work includes figures, still life's, seascapes, and historically inspired compositions, each approached with the same sensitivity to mood and design. This willingness to explore reflects his belief that growth is essential to artistic vitality. “There is so much to learn and explore in the world,” he says. “Without continual stimulation and growth, the artistic mind becomes stagnant.”
Today, Simon Winegar continues to paint from his home state of Utah, drawing inspiration from the landscapes of the American West and beyond. His work remains rooted in a desire to slow time, to soften the noise of modern life, and to remind viewers of the enduring beauty found in stillness, light, and atmosphere.
