JOSHUA BAIRD
  • home
  • about
  • works
    • available
    • abstract
    • representational
    • photography
    • design
    • special projects
  • teaching
    • coaching
    • workshops
    • MUSE
  • blog
  • contact
Color Field Sketches, 2022
​Almost everything I do as an artist is inspired by the Colorado Plateau. I think of these color field paintings as essences of this place. Specific elements like geology, clouds and trees are intentionally removed. The more ambient elements of light and space—the aspects of the landscape I feel are most aesthetically resonant—are preserved. As a result of this process, the role of the paint changes from one of illusory representation to one of self representation. In other words the paint itself becomes the subject and the works become objects instead of windows. 

Giant Steps Series 2015-2017
This series is about natural geometries, hard edges, clean light and that unusual sense of clarity one experiences in the landscapes of the Colorado Plateau.

Colorado Plateau IV 2016-2017
Many of these abstracts are currently at Raven Heart Gallery in Kanab, Utah.
"Lone Tree", 8x8 in. SOLD
"Johnson Alfalfa", 8x8 in. SOLD
"House Rock", 8x8 in. Sold
"Canyon Light" 5x5 in. SOLD
"Sky Fire", 5x5 in. Available
"The Reef", 5x5 in. SOLD
"White Cliffs" 5x5 in. SOLD
"Capitol", 5x5 in. Sold
"Hatch Cottonwoods", 10x10 in. available

Colorado Plateau III ​2013-2015
These paintings represent a synthesis of previous explorations in the world of abstract landscapes.  The aesthetic in this latest development is highly influenced by the translation of my experience with watercolor to the medium of oils.
"Golden Brow", 12x12 in., oil on canvas, SOLD
"Rock Curtain" 12x12 in. Sold
"Rainbow Rim" 18x24 in. Available
"Devil's Garden", 8x10 in. Available

Colorado Plateau III ​2013

Colorado Plateau I 2011
I grew up in Utah where the Rocky Mountains, Great Basin and Colorado Plateau intersect forming some of Earth's most sublime landscapes. 


My love of the Inter-Mountain West--its mystery and beauty, its expansive arid vistas and curious geologic formations--are the inspiration behind my artwork.  Sometimes I paint it representationally, but as of late I am drawn to interpreting the landscape on a more abstract and universal level.

To abstract means to "separate" or "draw away from".  I leave out specific locations and land formations, but maintain the sensory elements of nature: ambient light, texture, immensity of space, atmosphere, and temperature.  By doing so I hope to connect with the viewer on a more intuitive level.  I want each painting to be a window into the viewer's own experience of the land.
Joshua Baird, "#5", 2011. Watercolor, 5x7 in. SOLD
Joshua Baird, "#1", 2011. Watercolor, 5x7 in. SOLD
Joshua Baird, "#9", 2011. Watercolor, 5x7 in. SOLD
Joshua Baird, "#4", 2011. Watercolor, 5x7 in. SOLD
Joshua Baird, "#10", 2011. Watercolor, 5x7 in. SOLD
Joshua Baird, "#11", 2011. Watercolor, 5x7 in. $85
Joshua Baird, "#12", 2011. Watercolor, 5x7 in. SOLD
Joshua Baird, "#13", 2011. Watercolor, 5x7 in. $85
Joshua Baird, "#22", 2011. Watercolor, 5x7 in. $85
Joshua Baird, "#23", 2011. Watercolor, 5x7 in. $85
Joshua Baird, "#26", 2011. Watercolor, 5x7 in. SOLD
Joshua Baird, "#29", 2011. Watercolor, 5x7 in. $85
Joshua Baird, "#59", 2011. Watercolor, 5x7 in. SOLD
Joshua Baird, "#32", 2011. Watercolor, 5x7 in. SOLD
Joshua Baird, "#42", 2011. Watercolor, 5x7 in. SOLD
Joshua Baird, "#48", 2011. Watercolor, 5x7 in. SOLD
Joshua Baird, "#49", 2011. Watercolor, 5x7 in. SOLD
Joshua Baird, "#54", 2011. Watercolor, 5x7 in. SOLD
Joshua Baird, "#57", 2011. Watercolor, 5x7 in. SOLD
Joshua Baird, "#60", 2011. Watercolor, 5x7 in. SOLD
Joshua Baird, "#61", 2011. Watercolor, 5x7 in. SOLD
Joshua Baird, "#62", 2011. Watercolor, 5x7 in. SOLD
Joshua Baird, "#63", 2011. Watercolor, 5x7 in. SOLD
Joshua Baird, "#64", 2011. Watercolor, 5x7 in. SOLD
Joshua Baird, "#66", 2011. Watercolor, 5x7 in. SOLD
Joshua Baird, "#22", 2011. Watercolor, 5x7 in. SOLD
Joshua Baird, "#72", 2011. Watercolor, 5x7 in. SOLD

Spill 2014
After 4 years of loading my head full of ideas from books, conversations, and college classes.  I created this series in about a week; I think I did as many as 8 in  one day.  I chose the title "Spill" for obvious reasons.
Joshua Baird, "Infinite Oculus", 2005. Acrylic on paper, 24x18 in. $200
Joshua Baird, "66,000 MPH", 2005. Acrylic on paper, 24x18 in. $200
Joshua Baird, "Chaos and Cosmos", 2004. Mixed media on paper. 24x18 in. $200
Joshua Baird, "Solar Clock", 2005. Acrylic on paper, 24x18 in. $200
Joshua Baird, "Essentialism", 2005. Acrylic on paper, 24x18 in. $200
Joshua Baird, "Upon the Waters", 2004. Acrylic on paper, 24x18 in. $200
Joshua Baird, "Exhumation", 2005. Mixed media on paper, 24x18 in. $200
Joshua Baird, "Dynamism", 2004. Acrylic on paper, 24x18 in. $200
Joshua Baird, "Universe Embryos", 2005. Acrylic on paper, 24x18 in. $200
Joshua Baird, "Generation", 2005. Acrylic on paper, 24x18 in. $200
Joshua Baird, "15 Balances", 2005. Mixed media on paper, 24x18 in. $200

Abstract Landscapes 2004-2005
I grew up in Utah where the Rocky Mountains, Great Basin and Colorado Plateau intersect forming some of Earth's most sublime landscapes. 
My love of the Inter-Mountain West--its mystery and beauty, its expansive arid vistas and curious geologic formations--are the inspiration behind my artwork.  Sometimes I paint it representationally, but as of late I am drawn to interpreting the landscape on a more abstract and universal level.
To abstract means to "separate" or "draw away from".  I leave out specific locations and land formations, but maintain the sensory elements of nature: ambient light, texture, immensity of space, atmosphere, and temperature.  By doing so I hope to connect with the viewer on a more intuitive level.  I want each painting to be a window into the viewer's own experience of the land.
Joshua Baird, "Sioux", 2004. Acrylic on canvas, 24x18 in. $200
Joshua Baird, "Oxidized", 2005. Acrylic on paper, 24x18 in. $200
Joshua Baird, "Calamity", 2005. Acrylic on canvas, 24x18 in. SOLD
Joshua Baird, "Ernie's Country", 2005. Acrylic on canvas, 24x18 in. $200
Joshua Baird, "Arsenic Spring", 2005. Acrylic on canvas, 24x18 in. $200
Joshua Baird, "Taliesan", 2004. Acrylic on paper, 24x18 in. NFS
Joshua Baird, "The Big Draw", 2005. Acrylic on paper, 24x18 in. $200
Joshua Baird, "Windowblind", 2004. Acrylic on canvas, 24x18 in. $200
Joshua Baird, "Water Pocket", 2004. Acrylic on canvas, 24x18 in. SOLD
Joshua Baird, "Blue Mesa", 2005. Acrylic on canvas, 24x18 in. $200
Joshua Baird, "Bright Angel", 2005. Acrylic on canvas, 24x18 in. SOLD
Joshua Baird, "Dark Mesa", 2004. Acrylic on paper, 24x18 in. $200
Joshua Baird, "Kolob", 2004. Acrylic on canvas, 24x18 in. $200
Joshua Baird, "Hurricane Wash", 2005. Acrylic on paper, 24x18 in. SOLD
Joshua Baird, "Calamity Mesa", 2005. Acrylic on paper, 24x18 in. $200
Joshua Baird, "Bromis", 2005. Acrylic on paper, 24x18 in. SOLD
Joshua Baird, "Bitterroot", 2005. Acrylic on paper, 24x18 in. $200
Joshua Baird, "Celsius", 2005. Acrylic on paper, 18x24 in. $200
Joshua Baird, "Topaz", 2004. Acrylic on paper, 24x18 in. $200
Joshua Baird, "Plateau", 2004. Acrylic on paper, 24x18 in. $200

Abstract Spray Paintings 2001
While studying art at Utah State, I began a series of experiments with spray paint.  Spray paint is so incredibly different from other paint mediums.  It's not a good medium for accurate representation, but the way the colors blend for the few seconds before the paint dries is mesmerizing.  If only the fumes weren't so toxic... Someday I'd like to go back to this unique medium and explore it further.
Joshua Baird, "Untitled II", 2001. Spray paint on cardboard, 5x3 in. $75
Joshua Baird, "The Muse", 2001. Spray paint on masonite, 24x12 in. NFS
Joshua Baird, "Untitled VIII", 2001. Spray paint on cardboard, 6x8 in. $100
Joshua Baird, "Untitled I", 2001. Spray paint on cardboard, 6x4 in. $75
Joshua Baird, "Untitled IV", 2001. Spray paint on cardboard, 8x3 in. $75
Joshua Baird, "Untitled V", 2001. Spray paint on cardboard, 4x6 in. $75
Joshua Baird, "The Three Muses", 2001. Spray paint on masonite, 24x36 in. $400
Joshua Baird, "Untitled III", 2001. Spray paint on cardboard, 6x4 in. $75
Joshua Baird, "Untitled IX", 2001. Spray paint on cardboard, 6x3 in. $100

Abstract Landscape Studies 1997-2004
When I was still in high school, I became interested in capturing more than the representational look of the landscape.  I distinctly remember driving with my family through Yellowstone National Park and thinking of ways to accentuate certain elements of the landscape while diminishing or eliminating distractions to create a more clear image of what I was seeing.

Joshua Baird, "Yellow Sky", 2001. Watercolor on paper, 5x7 in. $75
Joshua Baird, "Skyscape", 1998. Oil on board, 24x18 in. SOLD
Joshua Baird, "Red Canyon", 2003. Guache on paper, 9x12 in. NFS
Joshua Baird, "Orange Sky" 2001. Watercolor on paper, 5x7 in. $75
Joshua Baird, "Cloudscape", 2001. Oil pastel on paper, 24x24 in. SOLD
Joshua Baird, "Clouds", 2003. Watercolor, 5x7 in. $75
Joshua Baird, "Clouds", 2003. Acrylic on paper, 9x12 in. $100
Joshua Baird, "Cloudburst", 1997. Oil on paper, 16x11 in. SOLD
Joshua Baird, "Cliffs at Dusk", 2003. Oil pastel on paper, 9x12 in. $100
Joshua Baird, "By Design", 2004. Oil on board, 19x24 in. SOLD
Joshua Baird, "Before the Reef", 2002. Guache on paper, 9x12 in. $100
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • home
  • about
  • works
    • available
    • abstract
    • representational
    • photography
    • design
    • special projects
  • teaching
    • coaching
    • workshops
    • MUSE
  • blog
  • contact