Days of Innocence
by Will Davies
Coal Port

He Loves Me
$65.00

From an early age Thornton enjoyed drawing and when he was old enough he set his mind to earning enough money to attend the American Academy of Arts in Chicago, where he later taught.

His initial recognition came from his work as an illustrator. During the 1940s and the 1950s Thornton worked as a commercial artist. He designed illustrations for clients such as Coca-Cola, General Electric, Johnson S Wax, Shell Oil, and Ford Motor Co.

Thorton's work also appeared on book covers and more than fifty 'Saturday Evening Post' covers, as well as the covers of Cosmo, McCall, L.H.J. and Sports Afield. His illustrations were seen in most of the leading American magazines during that time and in many European ones as well.

To further his expertise, Thornton explored classic figurine painting, portraiture, sculpture, stained glass design and architecture. International fame was soon achieved and he became one of the country's leading contemporary painters.

Thornton painted portraits of many famous people including Princess Grace and President Jimmy Carter, with his wife Rosalynn and his daughter Amy. The portrait of Princess Grace hangs in the Monaco palace. He also painted lovely portraits of children.

His latter years were spent living on Siesta Key in Florida, where he became a member of the Ringling School of Art Board of Directors. He was a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and an elder at First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota. He painted numerous portraits for local residents during the 50 years that he lived on Siesta Key.

One of Thornton's most serious undertakings was a 1987 commission to design stained-glass windows for the Catholic Church of the Incarnation in Sarasota. The glass scenes were bold in color and reflected a contemporary interpretation. It took two years to design and complete the project. He also designed the crucifix, ceramic panels of the Stations of the Cross, and windows for the circular chapel as well as producing sculptures for the church.

Collections of Thornton Utz's work have been on display at the Air Force Academy in Colorado, the Pentagon, and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. Numerous examples of Thornton's work can also be found throughout the Sarasota area, in public buildings and in private homes.

He left behind countless memoirs of his artistic gift. The internationally known illustrator and painter died in 1999, at the age of 85.