Biography
Parson was born in Ogden, Utah and grew up in Rexburg, Idaho, where his father was an art professor at Ricks College. He is one of nine children, three of whom became professional artists.
Parson attended Ricks College and later Brigham Young University (BYU), where he received a B.A. in Life Sciences in 1972 and a Master of Fine Arts in drawing and painting in 1975. Parson was a gallery and portrait artist before becoming a professor of art at Dixie College in 1988. There he was awarded the Teaching Excellence Award from the Utah College Council in 1990.
After the death of his wife Joycel and youngest daughter in a 1978 car accident, Parson felt inspired to begin painting primarily religious subjects.
In 1983, he was commissioned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) to paint "Christ in Red Robe," his first portrait of Jesus, which has since been used in many church materials. A popular urban legend claims Parson produced the work under the direction of church general authorities, who suggested how to make it more accurate, until it was deemed the closest resemblance of Jesus Christ. Parson denies this, stating the work's commission and revisions were according to the needs of the church curriculum department.
In April 2011 the biographical film "Del Parson: Portraits of Love" premiered on BYU-TV.
Parson lives in Cedar City, Utah with his wife Lynette, and has six children.
Read more about this topic: Del Parson
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