Today we’d like to introduce you to Betty Jean Hoaglund.
Betty Jean, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Art has been a part of my life since early childhood. My first portrait was at age three and it was alleged to be a very good likeness of Abraham Lincoln. My artwork was not saved from my youth as my mother was never a fan and did not want me to be an artist.
I still sketched every chance I could…even on the backs of canned food labels. Art was my personal companion as an only child. Art was my go-to place in times of stress.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Life always throws you speed bumps and roadblocks.I became caregiver to a mother with depression at a very young age. I was unaware that any attempt on my part to bring her happiness was never going to happen. Personal dreams of painting and writing in Paris never came to fruition but becoming an artist/writer did happen. I arrived in Dallas over thirty years ago as a single parent and a stranger to a “ you are what you own” way of life. Still, I made time for my art aside from my sales driven career. Since I had only myself to rely on financially, I found fear to be a strong motivator. Even if you only have five minutes to practice your art, do it. Sometimes I would write or paint at three in the morning when everyone was asleep. It helps when you are a lifelong insomniac. I created the best selling calendar cookbook for a major company that way. I did the art and copy. After thirty-eight years, the excerpts are turning up on Pinterest as vintage favorites. You have to make time for your art. It is a gift to yourself.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with My Paint of View – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
In 2009 through the endless encouragement of my daughter Danielle, I took serious steps to promote my art. I joined the art league in Rockwall and later became president. I had my first solo show at KE Cellars winery thanks to a dear friend and fan, Jenniffer Norman. She discovered my art that was on display at Allures/ Rockwall Yacht Club. Months after I displayed it, I actually married my soulmate. My husband and I reunited after fifty years. We were classmates who never dated and went separate ways. He and my daughter are my main fan base.
At my solo show, I sold six paintings within the first hour and received eleven commissions. My art just grew in popularity after that. I am known for my Let’s Do Lunch Series…Three Ladies are painted in settings around the globe. The blonde is based on my beautiful daughter who is my best and favorite work of art. The ladies have tiny crosses for their lips. It symbolizes that I was at a crossroads in my life when I began the series. My art is colorful and expressionistic. I have painted Divas and legends and portraits of humans and pets. My collectors are actually nationwide.
Art is a continuing education and adventure. My most recent technique is painting on silk. My maternal grandmother learned to make and dye silk as a teenager in Calabria, Italy. I remember her stories and feel she led me to do my silk art. Last year a producer from PBS contacted me to do a half-hour segment on my silk painting. The show was filmed at KERA and will be aired in April. I was asked to sign a wall where well-known performers had signed. It was very surreal for me at the young age of 75. The show is part of Peggy Sagers series which is entering the 7th season.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I continue to do painting commissions and wearable silk art. I am also on the Commission for the Arts in Rockwall, Texas for Art in Public Places. Rockwall is growing and a wonderful town. All it needs right now is a cultural arts center to make it complete. I wrote a column with My Paint of View as the tag line. The articles were thinly disguised humorous ways of lobbying for the arts center and also stories of co-owning a gallery.
I will continue to learn new techniques and advocate for the Arts. At 76 years old, I know for a fact that Art has no Age requirements and Art has no age limitations.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mypaintofview.net
- Phone: 214-226-9942
- Email: mypaintofview@gmail.com
- Instagram: Bettyjeanhoaglund_theartist
- Facebook: FaceBook.com. Betty Jean Hoaglund “My Paint of View@expressionistartist
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