William Hobbs
The nineteenth century saw the development of great American landscape and seascape traditions. Spreading out from the Catskill region of New York, this artistic style of realism became known as the Hudson River School. It is upon this historic foundation that I build my painting style by exploring the beauty and power of the natural world.
The content of my work is driven by my fascination for the natural world. As both a trained biologist and outdoor enthusiast, my art is the product of many hours observing the world around me. Sketching and painting is another way that I explore the intricacies of nature. A common theme in my paintings is moving water – from rolling ocean waves to flowing forest streams and waterfalls. I also love to depict living, growing trees in all stages and seasons. Painting is a source of relaxation and escape . While painting, I find myself reliving my excursion into nature: hiking through a stream, wading in the surf or deep snow, climbing rocks, or peering through tree branches. The final painting is an expression of my explorations.
After experimenting with various media, I have found the time-tested method of oils on canvas to be the most effective means of capturing the facets of nature that intrigue me. I am rarely without a sketchpad and often sketch an idea when inspired whether it’s on the edge of a cliff or on the beach at dawn. I also use my camera to record structural and color data for reference. Back in the studio, I explore various options of the composition with pencil and sketchpad first. When satisfied, I sketch the main elements of the composition directly onto the blank canvas. The painting itself is entirely brushwork, often using multiple layers of paint. Many times, I modify the composition as I paint, such as changing the position of trees or the patterns of foam in the surf. Although I enjoy painting outdoors in the fresh air, my slow and meticulous painting style is best suited for working in the studio.
My art is included in a wide range of private and corporate collections throughout the United States as well as in France and Germany, including the collections of sanofi pasteur, Portland Steel, the Weiler Corporation, and Vigon International. My paintings have won many awards and I continue to exhibit in a growing number of galleries and art shows. It is my hope that the viewer will discover in my paintings the bright optimism of a world full of the life and motion that inspire me.
As an Artist in Residence at Weir Farm, I plan to immerse myself in the natural environment, engaging in extended periods of plein-air painting, creating artistic studies of natural phenomena. This work will be augmented by studio painting on larger canvases. I will enjoy the artistic exploration of many tree species and woodland plants in a diversity of lighting conditions. With 30 years of experience teaching a wide range of biology courses, I will also enjoy engaging with the public while painting and pointing out the diversity of plants and animals that surround us.
Header: William Hobbs, Detail of September Falls
The content of my work is driven by my fascination for the natural world. As both a trained biologist and outdoor enthusiast, my art is the product of many hours observing the world around me. Sketching and painting is another way that I explore the intricacies of nature. A common theme in my paintings is moving water – from rolling ocean waves to flowing forest streams and waterfalls. I also love to depict living, growing trees in all stages and seasons. Painting is a source of relaxation and escape . While painting, I find myself reliving my excursion into nature: hiking through a stream, wading in the surf or deep snow, climbing rocks, or peering through tree branches. The final painting is an expression of my explorations.
After experimenting with various media, I have found the time-tested method of oils on canvas to be the most effective means of capturing the facets of nature that intrigue me. I am rarely without a sketchpad and often sketch an idea when inspired whether it’s on the edge of a cliff or on the beach at dawn. I also use my camera to record structural and color data for reference. Back in the studio, I explore various options of the composition with pencil and sketchpad first. When satisfied, I sketch the main elements of the composition directly onto the blank canvas. The painting itself is entirely brushwork, often using multiple layers of paint. Many times, I modify the composition as I paint, such as changing the position of trees or the patterns of foam in the surf. Although I enjoy painting outdoors in the fresh air, my slow and meticulous painting style is best suited for working in the studio.
My art is included in a wide range of private and corporate collections throughout the United States as well as in France and Germany, including the collections of sanofi pasteur, Portland Steel, the Weiler Corporation, and Vigon International. My paintings have won many awards and I continue to exhibit in a growing number of galleries and art shows. It is my hope that the viewer will discover in my paintings the bright optimism of a world full of the life and motion that inspire me.
As an Artist in Residence at Weir Farm, I plan to immerse myself in the natural environment, engaging in extended periods of plein-air painting, creating artistic studies of natural phenomena. This work will be augmented by studio painting on larger canvases. I will enjoy the artistic exploration of many tree species and woodland plants in a diversity of lighting conditions. With 30 years of experience teaching a wide range of biology courses, I will also enjoy engaging with the public while painting and pointing out the diversity of plants and animals that surround us.
Header: William Hobbs, Detail of September Falls
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