In mid-life Bessann saw an opportunity to explore a lifelong dream of watercolor painting—and she took it! Through camping, backpacking, and river trips she has immersed herself in Utah’s breathtaking national parks, wilderness areas, and other protected landscapes. The medium of watercolor allows her to express the freshness of color and light found in our red-rock vistas, spring wildflowers, and brilliant autumn foothills.
Bessann's work has been featured in solo exhibits throughout Utah, and recently on the cover of Deep Wild journal. Other recognition includes awards from Art in the Parks, both nationally and at Utah’s own Capitol Reef, where she spends part of each year along with her husband, environmental writer Frederick Swanson. She has also been recognized in Paint America and the International Women’s Watercolor Competition.
The support of our state’s many talented artists has been instrumental in her development, leading her to share her love of painting and sketching in workshops and classes through the Utah Watercolor Society and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
BESSANN SWANSON
