Dr. David Hutchins
From Professor to Painter, 1971-2005
MAGNOLIA SCATTERING GOLD
Acrylic, 22.5" h X 28" w
From Professor: My professional life included a highly enjoyable and successful professional career in higher education, beginning in 1965 at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (5 years), Ohio University (2 years) and Virginia Tech (31 years). In 1971 at Virginia Tech, I was one of two full time professors who started graduate programs in Counselor Education and College Student Affairs. Upon retirement in 2002, I was awarded the status of Professor Emeritus.
And Early Creativity: Mom said I was always involved in creative activities, from building castles in the sand pile next to the house and model ships on the kitchen table, to sketching designs for what cars would look like more than 50 years later, or doodling in study halls. Except for 6 weeks of formal art study in high school, and a couple summers painting sides of barns (mostly red) to help earn expenses at the University of Iowa, I learned art largely from personal observation, reading, and drawing.
RIVER VISTA
Acrylic, 4' h X 5.5' w
To Painter: In the spring of 1994 at the suggestion of a Department Secretary I began taking evening painting classes from noted artist and outstanding teacher, Barbara Capps. Sometime later, she admitted to having grave doubts about my abilities. However, with improving skills, both she and I began to have more fun. After 4 years of weekly classes Barbara's training was supplemented with week long workshops with nationally noted artists including Arleta Pech (Colorado), Tony Couch (Atlanta), Terry Isaac (Oregon) and others. Over an 8 year period of weekly classes, painting became an increasing source of personal pleasure. Upon retirement I gave away my professional books and materials to pursue leisure time painting activities (rather than a 2nd career).
CHATEAU MORRISETTE
Acrylic,
48" h X 30" w
Taking Stock of Art Activities, September 2005: My original paintings are now in private collections throughout the U.S. Highlights of my art in 2005 include four major events:
- I had the honor of having one of my paintings, Fall on the New River, selected and hung in all 147 new guest rooms at The Inn at Virginia Tech,
- A painting titled Chateau Morrisette was reproduced in limited edition museum quality giclees to help initiate the 25th Anniversary of Chateau Morrisette,
- The largest painting I've completed (4 x 5.5 feet) was commissioned for the Board Room of the new Holtzman Alumni Center, and
- I was invited to exhibit selected work in the Alumni Gallery of Holtzman Alumni Center. For all these events I am greatly privileged and honored!
Artistic Goals: I'm still "learning to see." With greater awareness comes an increasing appreciation for the incredible beauty and complexity in Nature we are privileged to enjoy. My goal is to create art that reflects Nature's beauty and uplifts the soul. I'll be continuing as a student for the rest of my life with eyes wide open.
David Hutchins
Blacksburg, Virginia
Phone: 540/951-2157