“The beginning of the new year is always a good time for me to evaluate the past and to implement new ideas for good business practices, efficiency, and production,” says David Koch, a seasoned artist with an impressive career. At 61, Koch finds himself at what many might consider the twilight of their careers. But for him, this is just the beginning. “‘You are at the end of your career,” a friend recently told him—a statement that hit hard. However, Koch firmly disagrees. “I believe that for many people, if not all of us, the passage of time is invaluable. Skills are developed and refined, life experience is gained, and an artistic voice is discovered only with the passage of time.”

For Koch, this stage of life is less a culmination and more a launchpad. “From this perspective, I am just now in a position to create some of my best works of art,” he says. “I feel like I am at the beginning of my career and am truly more excited about my creative future than I have ever been.”

Koch likens the progression of a painter to three stages: painting what you know, painting what you see, and, finally, painting what you feel. “I feel like I am just starting to enter the third stage,” he explains. “I am now able to use the knowledge and skills developed over a lifetime to convey ideas that have also been refined and clarified with the passage of time in a way that is beautiful and visually compelling.”

At the heart of Koch’s enthusiasm is a constant drive to evolve. “I am very excited about where my artistic style is right now and how this will influence future pieces,” he says. “The anticipation of what can be created in the future is what helps artists push through the long hours, creative blocks, self-doubt, and time needed to become the artist he or she wants to become.”

In an effort to examine his practice and purpose, some time ago Koch asked himself, “What would I paint if I was independently wealthy and could paint anything I wanted?” After careful consideration he realized not much would change. “I am currently doing what I am compelled to do. However, I would ‘experiment’ more.” As a result he began meeting with three other artists on a monthly basis to discuss art, ideas, philosophy, books, travels and more. “We give each other assignments that push us to learn new things a make new discoveries. For example, creating a painting using only specific pigments, or creating a painting with a specified number of strokes. These gatherings have helped me realize how much more there is to learn and discover especially with new technology that provides us with a scope of art and ideas never before imagined.”

David Koch, “Early Spring,” oil on panel, 20×20 in.

 

David Koch, “Quirinale,” oil on panel, 20×24 in.

Koch’s passion for painting is a daily practice, enhanced by tools that keep him inspired, such as podcasts. “Listening to podcasts while I paint has given me some great ideas that I am eager to try.” This combination of curiosity and discipline allows him to stay focused and optimistic. “In short, it seems that right now the artistic stars are aligned for me, and the future seems bright and exciting.”

Reflecting on his artistic journey, Koch notes that he never tires of the creative process. “I will never tire—or retire, for that matter—of the process that is started by putting a blank canvas on the easel.”

With a career spanning decades, Koch’s work has reached prestigious heights. His painting “The Golden Road,” commemorating the 150th anniversary of the transcontinental railroad, was recently added to the State of Utah’s Alice Merrill Horne Collection. Other works can be found in the collections of notable figures, including former Vice President Dick Cheney, former Utah Governor Mike Leavitt, and Senator Mike Lee. His large-scale murals, such as those in the Utah State Capitol House of Representatives, further cement his legacy.

Still, Koch sees his greatest work as yet to come. “The passage of time, instead of diminishing me, has prepared me to create some of the most meaningful work of my life.” For David Koch, the beginning of the rest of his life is right now.

David Koch’s studio and gallery in Logan, Utah (2600 N Main, Suite 105)

You can view more of the artist’s work at davidkochartist.com.

All images courtesy of the artist.

What's New

Every January we check in with Utah artists to see what the new year holds in store for them.