ST. GEORGE —  The St. George Art Museum’s Third Thursday Art Conversation on April 17 will feature acclaimed oil painter and watercolorist Ron Larson who will share his passion for capturing the beauty of nature on canvas — especially the amazing national parks here in southern Utah.

“As a young person growing up in Utah, my family spent a lot of time camping, hiking and exploring all over the Southwest,” Larson said. “I grew to love the variety and beauty it held, and have always been fascinated by the colors, rocks, sand, vegetation, animals — even the smell of the desert is compelling. I moved to southern Utah in 1989 and paint so much of the Southwest subject matter simply because it is what surrounds me. Whether a painting is small or a large-sized mural, this beautiful area has become a part of me, and I have become a part of it.”

Beginning at 7 p.m., Larson — whose career as a professional painter spans more than 40 years — will speak on his philosophy that everything presents itself as art.

Art conversations at the St. George Art Museum are regularly scheduled adult gatherings of art lovers interested in more information about artists on display, collectors or topics relating to shows at the museum. Art conversations are free-of-charge.

The St. George Art Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 47 E. 200 North, St. George. According to the museum’s mission statement, the city-owned and operated facility exists “to educate … through quality exhibitions, from all periods, cultures and media … and to collect, conserve, inventory, exhibit and interpret art and artifacts from Utah and the West.”

For more information about this and other scheduled Art Conversations during the current “Pictured: Close to Home, Our Own Spectacular National Parks,” see www.sgcity.org or call 435-627-4525.