Today, we’re going In the Studio with Delaware artist Paul Hoyt. Paul’s artwork was recently on display in the Chesapeake Arts Center’s Our Maryland Gallery exhibit.

Paul Hoyt, a Delaware resident, began his artistic journey after retiring from Healthcare Management. He began studying art in 2012, enrolling in various art courses including drawing, watercolor, acrylic and oil painting. He acknowledges Linda Minkowski for guiding his creative accomplishments. A sailing enthusiast, Paul’s works often depict nautical themes, namely scenes from the Chesapeake Bay, though he has also begun to broaden his subject areas to architectural themes and portraits. His style has an impressionistic quality through his emphasis of light and it’s fluctuations in his portrayals of modern life in the natural world. This is very evident in his representation of sun glistening on the water and highlighting chrome and glass.

Here’s Paul talking about his art, process and experience...

What art do you most identify with?

My primary interest in art is in painting boats, seashore scenes, buildings and portraits of interesting people.

When did you realize you were an artist?

I have always loved art but grew up in a family of nurses and healthcare so I went into Healthcare management and had little time to pursue my artistic interest until I retired. My second oldest daughter is a professional artist and when I retired in 2008 I began to take art courses. It wasn’t until I moved to Delaware in 2012 that I enrolled in a series of continuing art education programs and started to take courses in drawing, water color, acrylics and oil. I have been fortunate to continue with many area seniors who also enjoy painting and sharing an interest in art.

How did you get into your art/side-gig?

I paint primarily for the joy it gives me, for the challenge of completing a painting, and for the fellowship of painting with other artists. Occasionally I am fortunate to sell one of my paintings and I have given some of my art to friends and family. There is definitely a need for me to show more of my work at art shows, area galleries, and on Facebook or Instagram. Two of my paintings appeared in Scenes: A Collaboration of Coastal Writers & Artists, published by the Rehoboth Beach Writers Guild. One of my recent paintings is scheduled to appear in an online book to be released next spring by the Guild. Promoting and showing my art has been a challenge and I would like to do more art shows. Most artists, particularly retired artists like me, enjoy multiple interests and don’t spend enough time in promoting their own artwork.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently working on an oil painting of a English seaside motel and have been asked to do a painting of a Block Island waterside hotel. I hope to complete both of these paintings sometime soon. I expect to do more paintings with the approach of winter, with more indoor time to paint.

What's your favorite piece of artwork that you have created and why?

My favorite painting was done from a picture I took from my sailboat. It is attached. I have done several paintings of family members and one of Albert Einstein. Recently I painted the deceased wife of my nephew. It’s not my best painting but I got a great deal of personal satisfaction in completing it.

What food, drink, song inspires you?

As a general rule I don’t eat or drink anything while painting. Occasionally I will snack on pretzels and peanuts. The overall satisfaction of painting is the all the stimulus I need.

What’s your favorite quote?

My favorite quote is from the former great New York Yankee, Yogi Berra. “It ain’t over till it’s over.” My interpretation of this is to never give up and always continue to strive for success, no matter what you do. I hope to continue painting for as long as I can and I hope to improve on my artistic skills now and into the future.

What role does the artist have in society?

Art plays an important role within our society. Nearly a day goes by that we aren’t inspired by art, whether it be on television, social media or on the packaging of our food. Without art our lives would be dull and lack meaning.

Why art?

Art helps unleash our inner feelings and gives us a breath of fresh air to continue on with our daily lives.

For more information on Paul and his nautical paintings, check him out on Instagram @pahsail.