Galveston Scenes Star In Artist’s Paintings
Joseph C. Henderson loved art from his youth but didn’t start painting seriously until moving to Galveston about five years ago. For three decades before that, Henderson, now 63, was a registered architect, an occupation that explains his affinity for depicting the city’s famously eye-catching architecture in his artwork, along with beach and harbor scenes. Henderson, who had some art instruction in high school and took a couple of college classes, began painting with watercolors but now paints in acrylic on panel or canvas.
He often exhibits at the Galveston Art League Gallery, 2117A Postoffice St., on the island. He’s a member of the 105-year-old Art League, a nonprofit organization that promotes visual arts and arts education in Galveston County and beyond (details at GalvestonArtLeague.com or call 409-938-1671). Henderson also sells his paintings in that gallery and in Third Coast Gallery, 2413 Mechanic St. in Galveston.
Below, the artist describes factors that influence his paintings and his appreciation for art past and present.
Q: When did you discover your passion for art? How?
A: As a student in middle school and high school, I was often painting in our suburban, split-level basement in Indianapolis. In the late 1960s, my parents purchased a large oil on canvas by the East Coast American impressionist A.C. Goodwin (1864-1929). I was fascinated with the colors and loose, thick brush strokes. It was a Boston harbor scene with the skyline in fading sunlight, and the wharf and harbor looking very dark and cold.
Q: Did family/friends encourage you?
A: Family, friends, and a very strong art faculty in high school were most supportive when I was younger. Third Coast Gallery curators Jack Morris and Betsy Campbell have been big supporters more recently.
Q: How has the Galveston Art League benefited you?
A: The GAL is a wonderful organization that encourages, educates, and supports all types of artists in the area. Their recent gallery expansion will offer a new variety of exhibition spaces. The Art League has requested I show as a featured member in August 2019. [Any visual-arts fan can be a member, not just artists; visit GalvestonArtLeague.com and click on “Join” to learn more.]
Q: Could you describe your start-to-finish process?
A: I follow a fairly typical painting process. I start with an underpainting layer of burnt sienna, then sketch the subject working from photographs. Next I start to develop the scene with additional darker tones, and then eventually add color. I often adjust or fine-tune the colors as the painting develops.
Q: Do you have any rules that you follow in creating your artwork?
A: Keep an open mind. Explore new styles, subject matter, and media. Embrace the unexpected when you work. An unintended effect might completely alter the piece you are working on, often with great results.
Q: Do you use photos as part of your artistic process?
A: The photos I use are from my phone. It’s always in my pocket to capture unexpected scenes or lighting effects.
Q: Do you favor certain subjects for your paintings?
A: Galveston buildings, beaches, and boats.
Q: Do you often enter competitions?
A: I always try and enter work in the three annual juried Galveston Art League shows each year [visit GalvestonArtLeague.com to see competition details]. My first entry was a watercolor in 2016 that won a first-place award. Since then I have received additional ribbons and recognition including a Best of Show award in the fall of 2017. I also have received the annual McGivney Purchase Award in 2017 and 2018, and those two pieces are now part of the Rosenberg Library’s permanent art collection.
Q: What is your biggest challenge artistically?
A: I was a registered architect for 30 years so my natural inclination is toward more hard-edged, precise renderings. I am always trying to loosen up my style.
Q: What’s the most rewarding aspect of creating art?
A: I’ve always enjoyed giving pieces to friends and family. Also, watching people’s reactions to my work and talking with them during gallery shows is entertaining.
Turns 64 late in 2019; Joe Henderson 847 372-4006
CAPTIONS:
HEAD SHOT: Joseph C. Henderson
BELLARAE: Henderson’s “Bellarae” won Best of Show in a Galveston Art League contest. Boats are a favorite subject for the artist.
THE HEYE HOUSE: “Heye House,” a painting by Joseph C. Henderson, was a McGivney winner in a Galveston Art League competition. It’s now in the permanent collection of the Rosenberg Library in Galveston.
