Mary Ann Judd Johnson Collection: Natural Landmarks in Utah

This selection of watercolor paintings by Mary Ann Judd Johnson includes natural landmarks in Utah.

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Horseshoe Bend (1995) by Mary Ann Judd JohnsonHutchings Museum Institute

Horseshoe Bend

Located five miles downstream from the Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell in Utah. Horseshoe Bend is located in Arizona and is a popular tourist destination for those visiting the Glen Canyon. The name comes from the unique shape the Colorado River makes as it flows around the rock. Although not in Utah, Horseshoe Bend is a popular and spectacular place to visit.

West Mountains Seen From Lehi (1994) by Mary Ann Judd JohnsonHutchings Museum Institute

This depiction of the West Mountains is as seen from Lehi. Today, this view would be hidden by the large amount of growth that has taken place in Lehi and in the neighboring city, Saratoga Springs.

Mill Pond, Spring Creek (1995) by Mary Ann Judd JohnsonHutchings Museum Institute

Mill Pond

A seemingly small pond, Mill Pond served the nearby Mulliner's Mill by helping to turn the water wheel and grind corn. Utah Sugar Co. also used the pond as it washed and processed sugar beets. There have been numerous drownings in the pond from the deep depth and muddy waters. This painting shows the pond on a dark and rainy day.

Spring Creek below Mill Pond (1996) by Mary Ann Judd JohnsonHutchings Museum Institute

Spring Creek below Mill Pond. Shown here in winter, today the creek borders a large neighborhood.

Jordan River 1 (2001) by Mary Ann Judd JohnsonHutchings Museum Institute

Jordan River

Mary Ann Judd Johnson painted an extensive collection of paintings of the nearby Jordan River. This one was painted in 2001 and features one of the many beautiful sunsets that have been seen over the river. 

Jordan River 2 (2000) by Mary Ann Judd JohnsonHutchings Museum Institute

Historically this river has been called "piya ogwap," meaning "Big River." This painting depicts the Jordan River living up to that name. 

Jordan River 4 (2000) by Mary Ann Judd JohnsonHutchings Museum Institute

Jordan River 3 (2001) by Mary Ann Judd JohnsonHutchings Museum Institute

With the Jordan River extending 51 miles from Utah Lake northward to the Great Salt Lake, there are many unique perspectives as one travels along the river. This allowed Mary Ann Judd Johnson to create a large collection of paintings of the Jordan River. Today a 45 mile trail runs alongside the river. 

Jordan River 5 (2001) by Mary Ann Judd JohnsonHutchings Museum Institute

Jordan River 6 (2001) by Mary Ann Judd JohnsonHutchings Museum Institute

Originally, the Jordan was a cold water river with an abundance of the 13 native species. Today, it has become a warm water tributary with carp overwhelming any other species. The Clean Water Act of 1972 and sewage treatment have have to clean the water, remove many pollutants, and prevent future pollutants from entering the watercourse.

Jordan River View (1997) by Mary Ann Judd JohnsonHutchings Museum Institute

Allred Pond

This pond is an unmarked pond on private property. Fans of birdwatching frequent the spot as birds prefer the standing water of Allred's Pond to the nearby Jordan River. 

Landscape of the Wet Years, Mary Ann Judd Johnson, 1994, From the collection of: Hutchings Museum Institute
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By Jordan River Looking Towards Timpanogos Mountain (2004) by Mary Ann Judd JohnsonHutchings Museum Institute

Mount Timpanogos

This view is taken near the Jordan River in Lehi, Utah and looking towards Mount Timpanogos. "Timp" is a important landmark in Utah County, with many people completing the 14 mile hike every year. 

West of Walmart Looking Towards Timpanogos Mountain (2004) by Mary Ann Judd JohnsonHutchings Museum Institute

Today, Utah County is very well built out. This view would be hard to replicate as many residential and commercial developments have been built in the area. 

Rural Lehi Looking Towards Timpanogos Mountain from Fort Area (2003) by Mary Ann Judd JohnsonHutchings Museum Institute

In the early days of Lehi, a fort was created to protect the citizens. It was a 12 foot tall, mud wall that ran along the borders of the city. Eventually as the city outgrew the fort, it was taken down. The vantage point of this painting was taken from the original fort area and looking towards Mt. Timpanogos.

Mountainous Landscape, Mary Ann Judd Johnson, 2000, From the collection of: Hutchings Museum Institute
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Bridal Veil Falls (1997) by Mary Ann Judd JohnsonHutchings Museum Institute

Bridal Veil Falls

Located in Provo Canyon and located along the Provo River. The falls get their name from their resemblance to a bride's veil. It is a popular tourist attraction in Utah County that features a short one mile hike to the falls.

Streams by Briggs Home (1997) by Mary Ann Judd JohnsonHutchings Museum Institute

Stream by Briggs Home.

Utah Lake from the West (2004) by Mary Ann Judd JohnsonHutchings Museum Institute

Utah Lake

The largest freshwater lake in Utah spans roughly 148 square feet. It is a rather shallow lake with a depth of no more than 12 feet. Because of this, the lake appears quite murky when the wind picks up and disturbs sediment. 

Utah Lake Fisherman (1995) by Mary Ann Judd JohnsonHutchings Museum Institute

Utah Lake offers many recreational activities such as boating and fishing, though the lake is mainly inhabited by carp. The lake also houses species of catfish and bass. It is not a very popular lake to fish as warm water fishing is slightly less common with anglers. This painting portrays the lake with a fisherman or a duck hunter on a dark and stormy day.

Water Running to Utah Lake (1997) by Mary Ann Judd JohnsonHutchings Museum Institute

The Provo River and Spanish Fork Rivers are the two main rivers that flow into the lake, but there are a handful of smaller rivers, creeks, and hot springs that also participate in the inflow of the lake. That makes the location this painting portrays hard to pin down. 

Credits: Story

All credit goes to the Hutchings Museum.

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