Story Weaver on a Journey

Frank Hyer

I have many incredibly talented friends who describe themselves as: “plein air landscape painters, who occasionally finish a painting in the studio.” They are an amazing bunch, and I’m glad I know them. But it has taken me a long time to realize that it is OK for me to be a “studio painter who occasionally draws and paints outdoors.”  

I grew up a skinny kid with a pencil behind my ear, mucking around in ponds, bogs, and marshes on the south shore of Massachusetts. I was drawn to water! Fascinated by its effect on sunlight, and forever intrigued by the mysterious creatures that inhabited these peaceful places. As a skinny kid, drawing and picture making was simply an easy way to tell stories and make people laugh. 

I made my living as an architect for 25 years- designing custom homes, and furniture. And it took all that time for me to find my voice and the confidence to tell my stories, and to paint and draw the work that feels meaningful to me. More importantly, it took all that time for me to realize that I do not have to draw or paint in a specific style. That I can learn from other talented artists that I respect, without feeling the need to emulate their styles, or their voices.

My process always begins with drawing. Quick representational sketches that are drawn from life, outdoors or crafted from photos that I’ve taken during adventures. There is almost always some back story about the location or my journey to that location. And they almost always include a figure, a friend or family member- interacting with that landscape. The best of my sketches is typically recomposed and refined multiple times but only a handful are ultimately worthy of the effort that goes into creating a truly finished drawing or painting.

As an artist and lifelong sailor, you just get that feeling in your gut, ride, baby, ride. And those are the ones I expend all the energy of my creative power to compose in to being.

Come by for my talk to the Rye Art Study on January 20 where I will share stories, my creative process and a peek into my mind which ultimately makes all the creative choices of each painting.