All-Consuming

Consumed, 96" x 72", oil on canvas 2009 - 2010

Now that the show "Hard Times" is no longer on display, Utah-based artist Jeffrey Hein has finally had the opportunity to have his entry to that exhibit, the monumental painting, Consumed, professionally photographed and posted online. Hein began the ambitious six-foot by eight-foot painting in September of 2009 after being invited to participate in the "Hard Times" exhibit, which focussed on the economic turmoil being experienced in the United States and abroad. Preferring to focus on his personal perspective as to why the country had slipped into a recession, and not just visually represent the media's take on the event, Hein decided to create a painting which dealt with the American populace's shortcomings - "greed, materialism, and entitlement." Consumed, which took first place at the Springville Museum's Spring Salon in Utah, paradoxically "consumed" Hein himself, taking six months of the artist's time to finally complete.

Hein painting Consumed from life in his studio, in a specially designed, still-life frame.

Putting finishing touches on the painting while it was being hung.

The Painting on display at the Springville Museum of Art

To see more of Jeffrey Hein's art, visit his website, or visit the website of the Hein Academy of Art in Utah.