Lee Greene Richards

Style & Genres

Lee Greene Richards is best known for his portraits but has other notable works in different genres. Richards painted many portraits of family and close friends. He also painted more official portraits of leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Lee Greene Richards made a significant contribution to the art world in the form of murals, landscapes, and still lifes. He was involved with the painting of murals depicting Mormon pioneers in Utah’s state capital building during the Great Depression era. Additionally, he worked on scenes displayed in temples of the Church of Jesus Christ. Lee Greene spent a good portion of time in red-rock country, particularly Bryce Canyon, where he painted landscapes in an Impressionistic style.

Biography

Lee Greene Richards was born July 27, 1878 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Lee was very familiar with art growing up as both his father and grandmother were talented artists themselves. Lee also lived close to prominent Utah artist George Ottinger. Lee would often visit Ottinger’s studio with friends A. B. Wright and Mahonri Young. All three boys would go on to become renowned artists.

Upon completing his primary education, Lee went to England on a mission for the LDS church. The traditional style and technical details of English portraits inspired Lee to attempt portraiture himself. After his mission, Lee returned to Utah where he worked in a bank until he’d saved enough money to study art in France. He moved there in 1901 and studied at both the Académie Julian and the École des Beaux-Arts.

In 1904, Lee Greene Richards moved back to the United States and began a career as a portrait artist. His skill with a brush and connections to the community gave him great success. In 1908, he married Mary Eldredge – the daughter of a prominent Utah banker. They honeymooned for a couple of years before returning to Utah. In 1910, Lee set up a studio in Salt Lake City where he continued to paint portraits and other works until his death in 1950.