Valoy Eaton
(b. 1938)
About
Valoy Eaton’s paintings are represented with a mix of traditional naturalism and modernist techniques, such as loose brush strokes – brushstrokes that can easily be seen on the canvas as the artist intends to create a more static and free depiction of an impression in time, and in Eaton’s case, to reflect his enthusiasm, experiences, and emotions. He has said that he would rather dig a ditch than paint something he is not interested in. When looking at his paintings, Eaton hopes that viewers can understand that “some of the most profound subjects are found in everyday occurrences when living close to nature.” Although many of Eaton’s paintings are of rural areas, the works displayed in the law school are of many significant United States government buildings, standing as symbols of the American government. Through his paintings, Valoy Eaton hopes to evoke a message of truth, life, and light, an inspiring thought for the law students and faculty here as they strive to fulfill BYU Law’s mission of emulating Christ’s example.
Under Mount Timpanogos
Oil, 2012
Under Mount Timpanogos by Valoy Eaton is a painting depicting a landscape of cows grazing in a field as the snow has begun to melt. In the distance, the beautiful mountains of Utah are displayed, with wispy clouds looming overhead. Through cooler toned colors like green, blue, and purple, Eaton creates a cold scene at the end of winter, reminding viewers of Utah’s changing seasons as they look out to a notable environmental feature – Mount Timpanogos.