Randall Lake and Courtney Derrick in Lake’s studio at The Guthrie Building, 2013.  Courtesy of cityhomeCOLLECTIVE.

When asked about artistic influence, Courtney Derrick doesn’t turn to the history books or international art stars, but to someone closer to home: Randall Lake.

After earning her BFA in Painting and Drawing from the University of Utah in 2002, Derrick left the state and worked for a decade in branding, custom invitation design, and advertising. When she moved back to Utah in 2011, she was eager to get back into painting.

“I applied for a mentorship with Randall Lake, never thinking I’d be selected given the number of applicants,” she says.  Lake calls himself a 21st-century painter drawn to 19th-century realism, but what Derrick likes most about his work is how he “transforms ordinary, even mundane, landscapes into something extraordinary. He uses bold, arbitrary colors that may seem nonsensical during the process, but once the painting is complete, it’s the most exciting thing you’ve ever seen.” During their in-person interview, Lake offered some quick advice on her work and a tour of his spacious studio in the Guthrie Building in downtown Salt Lake City. “I thought that would be my one and only meeting with Randall, so I was over the moon when I found out he had accepted me as his mentee.”

Still life paintings by Randall Lake (left) and Courtney Derrick in Randall Lake’s Salt Lake City studio. Image courtesy of Courtney Derrick.

During the mentorship, the pair painted together multiple times a week. “At first, I worked on my own paintings while he critiqued them. Over time, we set up still lifes together, painting our own interpretations side by side … It was both fun and invaluable to paint side by side, seeing how differently we interpreted the same setup. Whenever I felt stuck, I’d pause to watch him work, observing how he approached challenges. It was a gold mine of knowledge for me.”

Lake’s guidance encouraged Derrick to take risks, embrace color, and break free from creative restraint. “He was always annoyed by my gravitation toward muted tones,” she says. “His deep admiration for art history sparked my own love for it and inspired me to incorporate those influences into my work.” Lake’s influence extended beyond technique—he taught her the importance of artistic confidence, urging her to resist external pressures and stay true to her own vision.

One of the greatest lessons Derrick absorbed from Lake was the ability to tune out unnecessary criticism. “He pushed me to respect my work and trust my abilities without second-guessing,” she explains. “His belief in me was transformative; he told me I was great, and I believed him.” This encouragement not only strengthened her confidence but also reinforced the value of artistic independence. Lake’s approach to painting—turning ordinary landscapes into extraordinary compositions through bold, unexpected color choices—left a lasting impression on Derrick’s evolving style.

Though their relationship began as mentor and student, it evolved into something deeper. “While I had the opportunity to study with Randall as a professional, it’s the friendship we built that I cherish most,” Derrick reflects. “We may be as opposite as two people can be, but we found more in common than not.” Their artistic connection, built on mutual respect and creative exploration, continues to shape Derrick’s work to this day.

Now, as a full-time painter, Derrick approaches each piece as an invitation for viewers to connect on a personal level. “I begin with a plan and structure, but as I work, the painting takes over, evolving in ways I can’t predict,” she explains. “It’s a balance between intention and intuition, and I love the adventure that comes from letting the process lead the way.”

Derrick’s work has been featured in both personal and corporate collections, including The Grand America Hotel and Pallet restaurant, and she has exhibited in renowned galleries such as the Springville Museum of Art, Bountiful Davis Art Center, Ramble Gallery and 15th Street Gallery. Her paintings have also been highlighted in publications like Utah Style & Design, Fibonacci Fine Arts magazine, Cityhome Collective and Salt Lake Magazine.

Courtney Derrick (left) and Randall Lake painting in the field. Image courtesy of Courtney Derrick.

You can view more of Courtney Derrick’s work at www.courtneyderrick.com. You can see more of Randall Lake’s work at www.randalllake.com.

Who Do You Love

During the month of February we ask Utah artists about a specific piece of art or artist, living or not, local or global, that has sparked their curiosity or influenced their work. We run their responses throughout the month.