Prominent Utah artist Francis Hubert Zimbeaux, 93, died at his home in Salt Lake City early Monday, March 6, 2006, from causes incident to age.

Known for his stylized figurative works, often rendered with a mix of drawing and painting, Mr. Zimbeaux also painted fauvist-inspired landscapes in a semi-abstractionist mode.

According to "Utah Painting and Sculpture," he was born in France on July 14, 1913. As an infant he traveled in Europe with his parents and then moved to rural Missouri where the family lived for 11 years.

At age 18, he entered the Civilian Conservation Corps in southern Utah. His favorite job with the CCC was "official bird bander in Zion National Park."

Mr. Zimbeaux served two years in the Air Force during World War II. It was while stationed in the Azores that he developed a theme that persisted throughout his career: figures — usually three — at the water's edge.

Returning to Utah after his military service, he studied with Bert Pumphrey at the Art Barn School and with LeConte Stewart and Alvin Gittins at the University of Utah.

Mr. Zimbeaux was the recipient of numerous prizes for his art, exhibiting regularly throughout the West in one-man and group shows.

He is the son of Frank Zimbeaux, also an influential Utah artist. In 2004, Williams Fine Art presented an exhibition of works from each.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

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