Alexander Basil Darais was born in Santa Monica , California in 1918. He is an arts educator and is known as a tonal figurative expressionistic painter whose work reflects his personal and religious beliefs. He lives in Provo, Utah.

Darais earned a BA from Brigham Young University, attended Claremont College in California, and earned an MFA from Pomona Associated College in 1952. He taught design and painting at Brigham Young University until he retired as professor emeritus. His work is influenced by cubist watercolorist John Martin and abstract artist Marsden Hartley, his training as a graphic designer, Zen Buddhism, and poetry.

Over Three Billion Served (1974), a mixed media piece, is featured in the Springville Museum of Art permanent collection. Gourmet was featured in the Springville Museum of Art 74th spring salon. He was also awarded one of the Most Honored Artists of 2002.

Biographical information on this page was adapted from the Springville Museum of Art.