Your shopping cart is empty.
About Me
I'm Betsy Hobkirk
My name is Betsy Hobkirk and I am a contemporary artist. I paint because of the joy it creates in me and others. Landscapes, riverscapes and botanicals are my favorite subjects while playing with color, shape and abstraction. Being outdoors is important to me. I bring my experience with the natural world into the studio and pass it on to you through my art. I love the interplay between light, shape, pattern and color that can be found organically in the natural world. '
As each piece develops, I allow myself to stray from my initial ideas to develop new connections and insights. I frequently build up and remove layers of paint and other media as a way to explore pattern, color and texture. I am intentional yet allow for accidental discoveries.
I grew up in Northeast and Midwest USA as well as Europe. Wherever we lived I was exposed to the local art scene thanks to my parents’ interest in the arts. It was just part of growing up. I studied art at the University of Tennessee and the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts where I focused on painting, printmaking and ceramics. Currently I live in Knoxville Tennessee where I am a studio artist as well as an elementary school art teacher.
My art business has been designated as a "Trusted Art Seller" with The Art Storefronts Organization, which means you can shop with confidence, and know that I stand behind the quality and value of my products.
Inspiration
I take what I see while hiking in nearby woods or kayaking on local rivers and bring it into the studio.
The Chlorophyll series is inspired by the intense, verdant landscape of the southeast USA.
The River Art series is inspired by my love of all things water-rivers, lakes, creeks, oceans, and quarries.
Techniques
I work on canvas and wood panels.
When working with canvas I often paint alla prima, a quick oil painting technique in which layers of wet oil paint are applied on top of each other to a create a rich surface.
When working with wood panels I often play with the unique turns and knots in th grain while applying acrylic, watercolor, pencil and plaster.
My paintings are influenced by printmaking techniques. I apply plaster to wood to create texture which I do when making printmaking plates.
Shows and Awards
Dogwood Arts House and Garden Show, Knoxville TN, 2022
Dogwood Arts Festival, Knoxville TN, 2022
Modern Studio, Knoxville TN, 2018
Emporium Center, Knoxville TN, 2014
MetroPulse Design winner, Knoxville TN 2014
11 Café, Knoxville TN, 2012
Emporium Center, Knoxville TN 2011
1010 Gallery, Knoxville Tn, 2009
Fluorescent Gallery, Knoxville TN 2009
University of Tennessee Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement, 2008, 2009
University of Tennessee Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts Scholarship, 2009
University of Tennessee Summer Internship Art Research Grant, 2008
