Tennessee State Artist-in-Residence

HR Lovell

(Artist-in-Residence 2001-2003)

H. R. Lovell designated as Tennessee's official artist-in-residence by House Joint Resolution 435 of 2000 for 2001 - 2003.

The resolution stated that the official artist-in-residence will express the spirit and assets of Tennessee through his works.

Tennessee State Artist-in-Residence: HR Lovell

H.R. Lovell is one of Tennessee's best kept secrets, who was officially titled "Tennessee's Artist in Residence" 2001-2003 by the State Senate's majority vote (Tennessee Senate Joint Resolution 180)

This honor encompasses a direct correlation between the artist of high creative standard and the audience that has recognized the artwork's credibility and strength. As quoted from Fanciose Gilot in the first chapter of "Life with Picasso", painting isn't an aesthetic operation;  it's a form of passion designed as a mediator between this strange, hostile world, and us, a way of seizing the power by giving form to our terrors as well as our desires. As the official "Tennessee Artist in Residence", H.R. Lovell has expressed the spirit and assets of Tennessee through his many works of art, contributing to the outstanding talent in this state, and professional accomplishment in the creation of visual art.  His artistry is not driven by the commercial pressures of today, but by and from a place within that is in complete conjunction to the raw, but exquisite photo-realism present in all of his paintings that seem to have the power to evoke many emotions.

Lovell, who is completely self taught, uses primarily watercolor and egg tempra for the mediums in each and every masterpiece. Watercolor is used for brushed, plyable strokes, and egg tempra for intense depth of color and illumination. His paintings are often characterized by strong, rigid composition, late afternoon sunlight and deep shadows.

H. R. Lovell was born and raised in Cheatham County, Tennessee, where his life is still very much centered. A realist, the paintings in watercolor and egg tempera touch on ordinary moments from our lives - straightforward reminders of our heritage. He enriches us all with his art, which beautifully portrays the peaceful moments in life which touch all of us. His choice of subject and obvious love of painting have earned him a following which includes other artists, such as R. C. Gorman, the acclaimed Native American painter. Mr. Lovell's work has also been shown at The Renassaince Center in Dickson, TN, The James-Ben Gallery in Franklin, TN, The Ocoee exhibit near Chattanooga, and has also been shown with R.C. Gorman

Although Mr. Lovell's primary goal is not commercial success, his choice of subject and obvious love of painting have earned him a following which includes other artists, such as R. C. Gorman, the acclaimed Native American painter.

Mr. Lovell enriches us all with his art, which beautifully portrays the peaceful moments in life which touch all of us. We continue to benefit from the perspective of a mind which cares deeply for the quiet moments in this world.