Howard H. Hill
Artist Statement : Watercolor is my medium, pure and simple. 'Scapes; land, sea and town, center my interest. They will be accurate and realistic when depicting historic or famous artifacts. However, most will be interpretive and project a degree of ardent impressionism. Unless commissioned for the work, I feel no obligation to paint exactly what is there. I want my watercolors to SING with delicious, impromptu, transparent diffusions. Thus all my w/c's start out really WET and serious works start with value sketches for compositional design. And, oh yes, I also do florals, still lifes and works from life.I am blessed with a steady hand and an eye for technical detail. This has led to dozens of nautical, aeronautical and architectural commissions over theyears. Yet, the quick spontaneity of plein air painting is my preference when conditions permit. Most of my work is done in the studio from sketches, photos or imagination, but there is no denying the pull of Coastal Maine or our own Monadnock. Water, sky and trees are staples of my w/c's, reflecting where I most like to be. Outdoors with nature, hearing and seeing its song.
Biography : Early retirement via a corporate takeover in 1990 provided the opportunity to challenge watercolor, full-time, no excuses. Intensive, (still) ongoing self-study and training with several master AWS watercolorists led to recognition and satisfying sales. In 1993, my watercolor "Green Mountain Flyer" was awarded "Best in Show" at the Sharon Arts Member's Exhibit and with "Through a Doorway", I was juried into the Academic Artists National Exhibit" for the first of six times. From 1993 on, my w/c's have consistently received award in local and regional competitions while exhibits throughout New England helped to stimulate sales.
Since 1994, I have taught watercolor classes sponsored by Saxtons River Art Guild, Keene Art Association, KIMRA, and Jaffrey Civic Center plus several privately organized courses. Recently, I have begun offering museum quality Giclee` prints of watercolors depicting local historically significant scenes. I am semi-retired, still painting, teaching watercolor. And, loving it! Life is good. hhh.