DON HEGWOOD

I began my work as an artist studying and training in watercolor painting in 2000 and continuing for four years under the direction of Dolores Price, a lifetime professional artist in Kingsville, TX, whose accomplishments as a watercolor artist are widely known and respected. Her approach is to interpret life through watercolor as still life, landscapes, and other techniques and to share her skill and talent teaching it to other students. I quickly learned the value of this interpretation for one whom, like myself, who has seen life and interacted with different cultures in many places and countries in the world through a career in higher education, science and development in the U.S., Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.

I look at the practice of my art as a ministry, and continually study and explore different and, for me, new techniques in order to develop the talent and skill I believe demanded to adequately express life and culture as I have seen and experienced it in my life's work.

I have taken workshops with Wyatt Waters, and from members of the SMAA. I currently serve as SMAA Vice President and am a member of the Mississippi Watercolor Society. I have shown my work at various shows in the South Mississippi area and it is on display at the S.H. Kress Building Gallery on Main Street in Hattiesburg, the Frame Shop on Main Street in Petal, and the Farmers Market on Corrine Street in Hattiesburg.

I paint primarily in watercolor although I continually explore other media and techniques. I also write poetry. I find that the excitement and satisfaction I derive from learning new and different ways of expression through art is a blessing that I want to share with all who show interest.