Sean Wallis, a native of Utah, grew up in an artistic environment, as his father, Kent R. Wallis, is a renowned impressionist painter. It wasn't until Sean reached the age of 21, while pursuing history studies in college, that he sought instruction from his father in painting. For five years, every Saturday saw the father-son duo engaged in outdoor painting sessions. Wallis observes that the traditional apprenticeship model in art is fading, with artists increasingly adhering to academic principles. Nevertheless, his mentorship under his father profoundly influenced his development as a traditional painter in a modern context.

As an Impressionist, Wallis meticulously examines the interplay of light and color, capturing fleeting moments with oil paint and a diverse palette. His adept manipulation of light, hue, and atmosphere creates a captivating illusion of depth in his artwork. His chosen subjects often evoke nostalgia for a disappearing era, ranging from the vibrant flora of botanical gardens to the rustic charm of California missions and weathered barns.

Equipped with a personally crafted painting box, Wallis can swiftly transition from his vehicle to painting in about five minutes. His objective is to promptly capture the initial inspiration on canvas, recognizing the transient nature of light. He emphasizes the importance of portraying the interaction between light and subject matter within a constrained timeframe. Despite occasionally having to halt paintings when only partially completed due to changing light conditions, Wallis finds fulfillment in painting on large canvases en plein air, enabling his works to be gallery-ready without enlargement in the studio.

Recently, Wallis achieved recognition by winning the Plein Air Competition at the Logan Summerfest in Utah, and his work has been featured in exhibitions at esteemed venues such as the Springville Museum of Art in Utah and the Tucson Desert Art Museum.