The Orders: Insects in Watercolor, by Heath Ogden

Art Exhibit Reception

"The Orders: Insects in Watercolor," paintings by Heath Ogden. Artist's talk from 3–3:30pm, followed by the opening reception from 4–5:30pm. Exhibit runs March 14–April 24 in the Level 4 Gallery.

Artist Talk: 3–3:30pm,  Level 4 Gallery

Reception: 4–5:30pm,  Level 4 Gallery

Artist's Statement

Before 2025, I’d only done a handful of watercolor paintings—mostly little attempts at landscapes and sunsets—until one day it occurred to me to try painting bugs. After all, I am an entomologist. Since then, my interest in watercolor has spiraled into a true passion. I undertook this project to paint one of all the 31 types, or “orders”, of insects, and assembled the paintings into a book, also called The Orders: Insects in Watercolor. All insects share a common ancestor, and over millions of years, they have diversified into the breathtaking variety we see today. The “phylogenetic tree” accompanying these paintings shows the evolutionary relationships between groups. Each branch tip is one of the insect orders. This show also includes a few other paintings that are included in the book as well. There are more insects on Earth than any other kind of animal. Butterflies, beetles, and bees are often celebrated in art, but I've noticed that other equally wonderful types of insects are often overlooked. Hopefully these Insects in Watercolor can help illuminate the beauty around us, from the humble housefly to the majestic mantid.

Artist's Bio

Heath Ogden is a professor at Utah Valley University, and he is currently the Chair of the Department of Biology. He specializes in Entomology, Evolution, and Bioinformatics, and in his research, has explored the origin of insect flight using phylogenetics. Though he's had an interest in art since high school, it's only in the last year that he's really put his watercolor kit to use. He lives in Orem, UT with his wonderful wife Dr. Lida Jimena Ogden, where they've raised their four children. Find him on Instagram at @artbyogden.

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