Local artist Anna Leigh Moore captures the diverse Utah landscapes through her paintings. She primarily works in watercolor and oils, capturing the beautiful magic of the Mountain West landscape. Her creative process begins with playing outside. It may be the vibrant colors at the top of the mountain hike or the lines that delineate the snowy mountain ridge and dark blue sky while out skiing that feed into Anna’s art. “My goal is to translate those blissful moments in paint,” she says. Art has always been a part of her upbringing. She learned to paint in her grandmother’s studio and continued her passion in college by graduating with a degree in Journalism and Fine Arts. Anna has also created community-oriented public works of art such as large-scale painted murals, art to beautify utility boxes, fabric banners along the trails, and even chalk sidewalk murals across Summit County.

After graduating college, Anna took a job as a railcar porter. From the windows of that train, she found inspiration in the untamed landscapes of the West. The ragged mountains, the sun-bleached deserts, and the impossibly blue skies all prompted her to move out West and eventually to Park City, Utah. After eight years of living in Park City, she says, “I know I’ve found my muse for life” here in Utah. “When I’m not skiing, climbing, biking, or hiking, I have a paintbrush in hand.”

FAVORITE art ADVENTURES FROM THE outdoorsy painter:

1. Your art depicts the beauty of the Western landscapes. Where in Summit County do you go to find your inspiration?

I feel so fortunate to be able to walk out my front door and be surrounded by beauty! My favorite spots for inspiration in Summit County are Empire Pass, the Canyons Ridgeline, and Round Valley. All three of these spots make my heart sing with big mountain expanses that are stunning in every season.

2. Who are some of your favorite artists in Park City/Summit County? This could be musical artists to culinary artists.

My all-time favorite local painter (from Utah and beyond) is Kevin Kehoe— who captures the magic of the west in both paintings and photography. His “Western Therapy” is perfection.

Another local favorite is House 48– a family team of jewelers who have a truly impeccable sense of style. Metalwork is such a mystery to me, and I’m always impressed with their designs!

And an artist I truly admire is Bridgette Meinhold — who creates ephemeral encaustic mountainscapes that feel like a distant memory. I had the privilege of taking a watercolor workshop from her— and highly recommend joining one if you get the chance!

3. Describe your perfect art day in Park City/Summit County. This can include culinary arts to performances to favorite spots to find art (maybe some local gems or secret spots that you love).

For me, the best art in Summit County is the landscape! So naturally, I’d start with a mountain hike or a cross country ski in the winter. Then, sip a coffee in the immaculately curated greenhouse at the Park City Gardens Cafe before cruising Main Street’s galleries. Along the way, I’d be sure to stop at Alpine Distilling, Old Town Cellars, and High West Saloon -it’s a long street! Finishing off with dinner at Handle is always a good choice!

My Picks:

Be sure to stop in the Garden Boutique at the Park City Garden. The space is brimming with green goodness and the best bespoke souvenirs.
Favorite galleries: Gallery Mar and Meyer Gallery are my top picks.
Try Alpine Distilling’s Lafayette Spiced Bourbon Whiskey
Old Town Cellar’s Townie Rosé
Handle’s crudo and cauliflower appetizers are divine!

4. You participate in various local art festivals and shows. What are some of your favorite arts-centric events in Park City/Summit County?

Of the many art and culture events in Summit County— The Kimball Arts Festival is hands down my favorite. Not only do I love participating in the festival, but I really enjoy seeing the amazing work of the artists it draws from around the world. This year, I was lucky to be by the live music stage and rocked out to traditional Japanese drums, bluegrass, and Flamenco, programmed by Park City’s Mountain Town Music.

I also really enjoy the Monster Drawing Rally each summer. The premise behind the event is that artists create a finished piece of art in 50 minutes— in front of a live audience! People really love the behind-the-scenes look at the creative process, and the artists feel like rock stars! Not to mention, there’s bumping music, drinks, and it feels like a big performance!

5. Why is Park City/Summit County’s art and culture scene (i.e. culinary, film, visual art, music, and performance scenes) important?

Art is a type of magic. The act of creating turns the imagined into reality— and I think everyone likes to believe in potential and possibility.

Without art, place is an empty shell—like a body without a soul.

Art in all forms is how we connect. How we share.

Whether it’s a meal, a film, or a mural, art creates a container where we can explore the possibilities of this one, beautiful life. And, boy, is life beautiful in Summit County!!