Oil painter John David Hawver, one of many Florida Keys’ best-known artists, is soft-spoken, modest and pleasant. Whereas he loves the folks of the Keys, he paints the 125-mile-long island chain’s distinctive environmental scenes and nature-scapes.
“In my work, I like to make use of colour — the colours of the water and the sky,” he mentioned.
A former artwork instructor and journal artwork director, Hawver described his private model as a “hybrid of impressionism.” A lot of his works are accented with dots, evoking pixels present in photographic photos.
Within the Keys, Hawver’s giant oil work on canvas will be seen at public buildings together with the Murray Nelson Authorities Middle in Key Largo, Morada Bay in Islamorada and the historic Gato Constructing in Key West. His works are additionally exhibited in main museums, distinguished artwork galleries and at faculties and universities all through South Florida and the U.S.
The artist’s youth was spent in Binghamton, New York, however he moved to Hollywood, Florida, at age 10. At the moment he lives on Plantation Key, the place folks can go to his house studio, surrounded by hardwood hammocks, by appointment.
Prints are displayed year-round at Islamorada’s Artwork on a Whim Gallery at Rain Barrel Village. Islamorada’s The Hale Gallery — based by artist Taylor Hale, who fondly refers to Hawver as his mentor — not too long ago showcased a devoted exhibition of his authentic work titled “Nearer to Residence.”
Hawver’s favourite actions embody frequent kayaking, attending artwork gallery occasions and, he mentioned jokingly, sleeping because it restores creativity. He and his spouse Marcia, additionally an artist and educator and a fancy dress designer-creator, are planning additional involvement with Keys environmental teams.
Keys Voices: When did you first come to the Florida Keys and why?
John David Hawver: Within the early ’90s. My girlfriend’s household had a weekend retreat in Decrease Matecumbe, which we might “borrow” each time obtainable. This led to assembly some locals and discovering and generally creating alternatives. Like a crimson mangrove seed, we stopped in a single place, put down a root, put out one other root, and subsequent factor we knew, we turned a part of the island panorama — nonetheless placing out roots.
KV: What facets of the Keys atmosphere or lifestyle matter most to you?
JDH: The ever-changing mild on the water. There’s a distinctive and particular high quality, not solely to the atmosphere, but in addition to the individuals who inhabit these islands. Individuals listed here are very pleasant, giving, loving.
KV: Who or what impressed you to grow to be captivated with respecting and defending the Keys’ pure world?
JDH: Marjory Stoneman Douglas involves thoughts. I had the great fortune to satisfy her on her 103rd birthday at an artwork opening. Creator Carl Hiaasen’s wit and sarcasm converse volumes about what was, and what’s being accomplished to and for Florida.
KV: How does that keenness affect your work or career?
JDH: Artists will need to have ardour, imbued within the canvas. My work is all concerning the pure atmosphere.

John David Hawver’s work is rightfully acclaimed round the US and past. (Picture by John David Hawver)
KV: What are a number of the methods, personally or by your work, that you simply join with and/or assist defend the native atmosphere and distinctive life-style?
JDH: This entire course of is round. I’m going out into nature and if I see one thing that draws me visually, I’m going again to the studio and digest, interpret, rework and simplify the picture to my style. To finish the method, the work now must be seen.This is essential to me to get suggestions — optimistic and unfavourable. My work can’t exist with out this full course of.
KV: What retains you energized, challenged and targeted in your path?
JDH: Many individuals have expressed to me that, after seeing my work, it adjustments the best way they see the atmosphere.
KV: What do you hope your optimistic environmental actions will accomplish?
JDH: After coming to the Keys, I turned a painter of the colours of nature. I hope my admiration for the fantastic thing about our distinctive atmosphere evokes others to take pleasure in and defend our water and shoreline.
KV: What’s your favourite pure or eco-friendly exercise within the Keys?
JDH: Kayaking. This permits me to go gradual and actually see issues. I can expertise the minimal great thing about the open ocean, and I may get means again within the mangroves within the tiny creeks and hidden lagoons. It’s very quiet and calming.