”View From Temple Hill“

30 X 40 Oil

David’s first visit to Nauvoo found him hurrying through the old streets, standing in back yards, and wandering through open fields, all while armed with his camera and artist’s imagination. Like a wide-eyed child on Christmas morning, every scene was a gift for David,wonderful source material for a potential new painting. It was early November and the crowds were gone; the town was his alone.
By the end of the day he had already downloaded two hundred pictures, but one potential scene was still lacking. He wanted and hoped to find an overlook, a view over the lower town, possibly as seen from the steps of the temple. Unfortunately, at that point there still weren’t any steps of the temple, nor very many views for that matter. Due west of the temple, perched on the slope of temple hill and obscuring all potential overlooks stood a large building recently purchased by the Church to be used as the Joseph Smith Academy. David decided that if a commanding view of the old town and river were to be found, it would be from inside the Joseph Smith Academy.
Entering the Academy, David discovered a long hallway heading west which he hoped might lead to some promising views of the lower old town and river beyond. What he discovered instead were locked doors. Fortunately, after a few inquiries, David also discovered Carol Hill. Carol, who has been involved in a major way with Nauvoo Restoration Inc. for many years, is an art lover, and a fine artist in her own right. After seeing samples of David’s work, Carol generously ushered David, his easel, paints and camera to a wonderful room at the back of the Academy that provided a sweeping panoramic view of lovely Old Nauvoo and the tranquil Mississippi river beyond. Here, David was able to paint and photograph without interruption until dark.
View From Temple Hill, though painted months later, is inspired from that vantage point. As much a skyscape as a landscape, View From Temple Hill is David Koch at his most dramatic. Bold, colorful, and fluid, this work is a dramatic contrast from the quiet tonality of The Last Harvest, and wonderfully illustrates David’s versatility and command of his medium.

Private Collection

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