Donald Beauregard

Donald Beauregard is best known for his landscapes and scenes of life in the American West. His works often portray everyday life on farms and ranches, such as milking cows or clearing ground for farming. His original style was primarily impressionist, but he later added elements of cubism to his art. His works incorporate vibrant colors, thick paint, and simple details to portray the realities of farm work and give his subjects life. 

He was born in 1884 in Fillmore, Utah. His parents were ranchers but recognized his artistic talent early and encouraged him to pursue it. In 1900, Donald left home and went to Brigham Young University. After studying there for a couple years, Donald switched to the University of Utah where he studied under Edwin Evans for three years. During this time, Donald saved his money in order to travel to Europe and study art. By 1906, he had enough money to leave the United States and travel to Paris. Donald attended the Académie Julian and was inspired by the impressionist style of Monet, and later by the cubist style of Gauguin.

After two years of study in Europe, Donald Beauregard returned to Utah. In 1908, he became the head of the art department in the Ogden City School District. He also got a job as an illustrator for the Western Monthly magazine and worked for Deseret News. Donald also became acquainted with a wealthy art patron from New Mexico named Frank Springer. Springer financed a second trip to Europe and Donald was able to travel to France, Spain, and Germany on this excursion. Donald spent much of the journey painting and sold many of the paintings in both Europe and America.

Upon returning from his second trip to Europe, Springer commissioned Donald to do a series of six large murals for an exposition in San Diego. Donald began working on the murals, and also wrote an essay for each piece. After completing two of the murals, Donald became extremely ill and was unable to continue working on the pieces. He died not long after and just before reaching the age of thirty.