Schwiering, Conrad 1916-1986
Conrad Schwiering was born in Boulder, Colorado, on August 8, 1916, and grew up in Laramie, Wyoming. The wide open spaces, mountains and streams, and the Western way of life became part of the young boy, leaving a lasting impression. Schwiering fell in love with the Teton Range while on a trip with his father. Later in life those mountains would define his career.
After graduating from the University of Wyoming, with a degree in business and law, and a minor in art, Schwiering soon found his urge to paint the Western scene overshadowed all else. He went to New York City to paint full time and studied at the Art Students League with the nation’s most outstanding artists, one being Charles S. Chapmen, the painter he most admired. Schwiering also studied under Robert A. Grahame and Raphael Lillywhite of Denver.
When he finished serving in World War II, Schwiering returned to Wyoming and settled in Jackson Hole with his wife Mary Ethel. Soon after, he established a studio in Grand Teton National Park, overlooking the Tetons. He went outside daily to sketch and paint, no matter what the weather, in order to capture the ever changing moods of the landscape. He became best known for his dramatic Teton scenes. In an interview several days before his death he stated, “I am different in that I am part of the land. I record the things that I know as a way of breathing – a way of living.”
Schwiering reached peak stature as an artist. Well know he was the subject of television shows, two full length monographs, and countless newspaper and magazine articles. He was represented by leading galleries throughout the United States, most notably Grand Central Art Galleries of New York City. Over his lifetime he sold more than 1,000 paintings, passing along his love of the Tetons to others.
Conrad Schwiering passed away January 26, 1986 at the age of 69 while sketching and gathering material for a painting in Point Lobos State Park near Monterey, California. Today his paintings are found in numerous public and important private collections throughout the country.
Written by Curtis Tierney; Sources: Peggy and Harold Samuels, Artists of the American West; Conrad Schwiering’s studio brochure: Schwiering Western Artist; David Moore - National Museum of Wildlife Art
