Ute Vaughn has been pursuing art all her life. Growing up in Germany, she earned degrees in art and art education and later continued her studies after moving to California.

Living for 25 years in Mendocino, California — a vibrant art community north of San Francisco — provided many exciting opportunities to exhibit her work, collaborate with other artists, and participate in diverse teaching projects. In 2004, Ute moved to Tucson, Arizona, following her passion for Southwest art and culture.

Now residing in Willits, California, Ute is a member of the Willits Center For The Art and continues to create and share her art through paintings, teaching, festivals, and handcrafted leather work. Alongside her fine art, she designs and creates unique handmade leather swags and continues to be inspired by nature, adventure, spirit, and beauty all around.

Ute has been the artist-in-residence at White Stallion Ranch and belongs to several art organizations, including Artists of the Southwest, SAACA, SAAG, and the APRA Art Division. Her artwork can be seen and purchased at art exhibits, festivals, galleries, and venues in Arizona, California, and Europe.

As her love for teaching continues, Ute offers a variety of art classes and workshops for organizations, groups, and individuals.

Artist Statement:

My passion for art, color, and life is expressed through vibrant paintings inspired by animals, nature, symbols, the Southwest, and aspects of the mystical.

My favorite mediums are watercolor, for its flow and translucency, and acrylic, for its versatility and texture. Through both painting and handmade leather creations, my deepest desire is to inspire creativity, spark imagination, and touch the heart.