About the Artist
Hope has been drawing since she could hold a
pencil (cliché, but correct), as this talent is truly a gift from God. On
beginning high school, her parents enrolled her in Art Instruction, Inc.,
which is a correspondence course emanating from Minneapolis, MN. She
graduated from there in May of 1962 and high school in June of 1962.
Although her first job was that of cartography, the rest consisted of
typing with very little chance for creativity.
She started doing calligraphy in 1987 when she scribed the Bible verses
for her son's and his classmate's confirmation. This has continued as well
as expanded to greeting cards on which she includes an explanation of the
calligraphy on the back; prints for one's home; and banners for her
church. She says, "I work up an interpretation to the flourishes and
swashes of my calligraphy to help tell the story of Jesus in
easy-to-remember symbols throughout the verses. This normally comes to me as I write out the verses. Sometimes I leave things not mentioned so
people can discover their own."
On December 1, 1997, after reducing her "day job" work week to 20 hours,
she started Hope's Fine Art. She says, "This finally allows more time to
devote to enjoying and developing the talent God has given me." However,
in January 2005, she increased her day job hours to 30 and in October 2005 to 40, now working four 10-hour days, which still allows one day a week for artwork.
She paints portraits (all ages as well as animals-but is especially
endeared to children) in colored pencil, acrylic, and oil (not so much
pastel anymore). She also paints landscapes, seascapes, and florals. Oils
and acrylics are mostly painted with a knife. The majority of her work is
sold on commission so each piece is personal. Sometimes clients desire a
portrait in combination with calligraphy for a treasured keepsake; e.g., a
wedding or anniversary. She also scribes wedding invitations and just
started delving into collage with her calligraphy (10/08). Her art also
includes photography.
In the past several years she has been entering art competitions and has
won five awards for portraits including first place in the 33rd annual
Celebration of the Arts juried art competition in Grand Rapids.