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Artist
Musician Theater Professor Actor Director Storyteller |
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I don't really like to write about my work as a painter. I just like to paint.
I always hope that the work speaks for itself. But here goes. My work tends to fall into the traditional representational category. While I sometimes venture in other directions, it always leaves me dissatisfied, and I return to the familiar style. I am very much influenced by Edward Hopper and artists of the American scene.
In particular, I am drawn to images that reflect the era of my childhood, the 1950s, and earlier twentieth-century Americana. Many of the paintings included here are of family members or close friends. I derive the greatest pleasure from painting such images.
Paul Baker, the founder and original artistic director of the Dallas Theater Center, believed that artists creative energy is initially generated in their formative years. In order to create, we must identify and ultimately tap into the original energy source to find inspiration. I agree, and it was this concept that set me on the painting path I have followed. In the mid-eighties, I hit on the "nuclear family" theme, which is directly linked to my original creative energy source, and it has been the anchor for my output. I hope that my work inspires a narrative in the respondent and, perhaps, a smile.
I am most grateful to my wife, Betty for allowing me to have my "studio" set up in our living room and for being my favorite subject matter. I have painted her at least fifteen times over the years, much to her chagrin. I am also grateful to Carol and Glenn Dromgoole for their patronage over the years, their desire to publish a book of my paintings, but most especially for their friendship.
Charlie Hukill
Abilene, Texas
I always hope that the work speaks for itself. But here goes. My work tends to fall into the traditional representational category. While I sometimes venture in other directions, it always leaves me dissatisfied, and I return to the familiar style. I am very much influenced by Edward Hopper and artists of the American scene.
In particular, I am drawn to images that reflect the era of my childhood, the 1950s, and earlier twentieth-century Americana. Many of the paintings included here are of family members or close friends. I derive the greatest pleasure from painting such images.
Paul Baker, the founder and original artistic director of the Dallas Theater Center, believed that artists creative energy is initially generated in their formative years. In order to create, we must identify and ultimately tap into the original energy source to find inspiration. I agree, and it was this concept that set me on the painting path I have followed. In the mid-eighties, I hit on the "nuclear family" theme, which is directly linked to my original creative energy source, and it has been the anchor for my output. I hope that my work inspires a narrative in the respondent and, perhaps, a smile.
I am most grateful to my wife, Betty for allowing me to have my "studio" set up in our living room and for being my favorite subject matter. I have painted her at least fifteen times over the years, much to her chagrin. I am also grateful to Carol and Glenn Dromgoole for their patronage over the years, their desire to publish a book of my paintings, but most especially for their friendship.
Charlie Hukill
Abilene, Texas
Charlie Hukill is Professor Emeritus of Theatre at McMurry University in Abilene, Texas, where he designed and built scenery and designed and executed lighting for stage productions. He holds a BFA in Theatre from Stephen F. Austin State University, an MFA in Design and Playwriting from Trinity University, and an additional sixty hours of post-graduate study in Fine Arts from Texas Tech University.
Charlie has been pursuing artistic endeavors as long as he can remember and he began painting in oils while a student in junior high in 1966. He studied oil painting for three years at the Fort Worth Museum of Modern Art under W.C. Austin and would rather paint than just about anything else. He has been a Signature Artist Member of the Center for Contemporary Arts since the Artist League of Texas days. Charlie has had six exhibits in the Jane Breed Gallery of the CCA—four were solo and two were with friends. He has also had one exhibition in the Upstairs Gallery at the CCA, two exhibitions at the River Oaks Gallery, and one at McMurry University.
Recognitions at McMurry include the Outstanding Faculty of the Year (2000), the Graduates' Faculty Award (2001), the Gordon R. and Lola J. Bennett Award (2002), and the E.E. Hall Memorial Scholarship Award (2005). Most recently, both he and his wife, Betty, were awarded the Honorary Doctor of Arts degree. In addition, he was recognized as the 2017 Stephen F. Austin Distinguished Theatre Alumnus. In 2023, he was included as one of the McMurry 100.
He is married to the lovely and talented Betty Hukill and they have immersed themselves wholeheartedly in retirement.
Charlie has been pursuing artistic endeavors as long as he can remember and he began painting in oils while a student in junior high in 1966. He studied oil painting for three years at the Fort Worth Museum of Modern Art under W.C. Austin and would rather paint than just about anything else. He has been a Signature Artist Member of the Center for Contemporary Arts since the Artist League of Texas days. Charlie has had six exhibits in the Jane Breed Gallery of the CCA—four were solo and two were with friends. He has also had one exhibition in the Upstairs Gallery at the CCA, two exhibitions at the River Oaks Gallery, and one at McMurry University.
Recognitions at McMurry include the Outstanding Faculty of the Year (2000), the Graduates' Faculty Award (2001), the Gordon R. and Lola J. Bennett Award (2002), and the E.E. Hall Memorial Scholarship Award (2005). Most recently, both he and his wife, Betty, were awarded the Honorary Doctor of Arts degree. In addition, he was recognized as the 2017 Stephen F. Austin Distinguished Theatre Alumnus. In 2023, he was included as one of the McMurry 100.
He is married to the lovely and talented Betty Hukill and they have immersed themselves wholeheartedly in retirement.
