"Big Horn Sheep" Original oil painting on Canvas by Dave Merrill Hand Signed by the Artist Size: 24" x 20" Condition: MINT Certificate of Authenticity and appraisal is included Alton David Merrill Alton David Merrill, Jr. was born November 10, 1964 in Payson, Utah, Dave was the oldest of 14 children of A. David Merrill and Ann Etta Cope Merrill. He was a good example for his siblings, a gifted athlete, and a brilliant artist. He graduated with honors from Timpview High School, then served in the Argentina Cordoba Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Dave treasured this time and developed humility and a great love of the gospel. He graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. There Dave met his best friend and companion, Trina Miller. They were married in the Salt Lake City Temple in July 1989. While studying at BYU, Dave took a trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico, and after showing his work to different galleries, he met a gallery owner who wanted to hang his paintings. A few months later he had sold nearly everything he had sent and his art career took off.