William Hagerman Artist Statement and Bio
When wishing to “seize the day,” all too often, it seizes us instead and
drags us along at unprecedented speeds. Our life’s journey seems to be
blurring by. However, patiently, yet with intense focus my artistic hand
is applying the brakes one brush stroke at a time, until full stop is
achieved. A new creation inspired by creation is born. Why do my oil
paintings focus on the beauty of the landscape rendered in a realistic
manner?
As humans we are made up of the elements of the earth, even the
pigments I use in my artwork are often of earthy origin. When we
experience the scenic outdoors, we feel drawn to it, nurtured by it, and
we seek its solace whenever we can. Our senses become engaged. We feel
alive, while savoring the slower pace in order to fully experience the
beauty around us!
My artwork is your invitation to “seize a
landscape painting,” and stop and experience these same emotions over
and over again thus transforming the invitation into a gift.
Art has been a constant feature in the life of artist
William Hagerman who began
painting in oils 31 years ago. His work focuses on the beauty of the
landscape.
The visual appeal of his award winning paintings are visually enhanced
by his
employment of time tested materials which adds to the permanence and
longevity of the painting. Even to an untrained eye, these intrinsic
qualities shine through.
In addition to his own personal studies, William has benefited from
classes or workshops early on in his artistic development with several
artists of distinction, such as: C.L. Curry,
Dalhart Windberg, Robert
Pummill and Gary Carter. William also credits artist Tom Ryan for his
critiques and advice and Wilson Hurly for providing a bibliography of
books to further his study of art. A common thread and a valuable lesson
learned from these artists is the value of working from life. Whenever
possible, William paints color studies on location and supplements these
with photographs for detail and completes the painting indoors or uses
the plein air studies as models for larger works.
A fairly recent honor was receiving Best of Show at Art of the Plains
2008 the Annual Exhibit of the
American Plains Artists or APA
held at the Museum of the Southwest in Midland, Texas. William
currently supports the APA as an associate after several
years as a signature member. The
artist was honored to exhibit for several years with the
American Art in Miniature Show held at the Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa,
Oklahoma.
From 2003-2009, William annually exhibited with a one person exhibit at the Nita Stewart Haley Memorial Library and History Center in
Midland. These shows have benefited the History Center which has a large
collection of rare books, periodicals and memorabilia devoted to the
history of the southwest.
Another honor was having an article written in Country Lifestyle
Magazine in the April/May 2009 issue titled: Drawn to the Light.
Sadly it appears the magazine has now ceased publication.
William also enjoys sharing his artistic knowledge with his many
students who are enrolled in his art classes and workshops. Learn
more about this on the art
class and lessons page.
He resides in Midland with his wife Rita.