During his residency at Surel’s Place, Hector Beven immersed himself in the parks, riverbanks, and neighborhoods surrounding Garden City and Boise. His practice relies on extended time outdoors, observing light, movement, and the personality of place. He spent long hours sketching and painting along the Boise River Greenbelt and nearby landscapes, returning to the studio to translate these studies into larger, more meditative works.

This series of paintings embodies the character of the local environment--both the beauty of the natural landscape and also the energy and spirit Hector encountered in daily interactions with residents. "By emphasizing bold brushwork and expressive simplification, I want each work to feel alive with the persona of its subject, whether that be a tree, river bend, or overlooked corner of the city."

This show presents the paintings created during Hector's stay and sparks conversation about how an “outsider” artist perceives and interprets Garden City. His hope is that you recognize familiar places in new ways, opening dialogue about the unique character of your home environment.

BIOGRAPHY
Hector Beven (Oklahoma) is a painter whose work explores the immediacy and depth of oil painting. Raised in Houston, Texas, his creative journey began with photography and a lifelong passion for expression through making. Initially studying engineering at The University of Tulsa, he soon shifted to visual art, studying painting under the mentorship of professor Mark Lewis.

He later attended the Mount Gretna School of Art’s intensive program, where he developed a deep appreciation for plein air painting and direct engagement with the landscape. After graduating, he worked at Pierson Gallery, a space dedicated to the historical art of Oklahoma and the surrounding region. There, he gained a strong knowledge of and admiration for often-overlooked artists of the Midwest and Southwest. This connection to the past is evident in his work, blending historical influence with his own distinctive perspective and modern sensibility.

After a hiatus, Hector returned to painting with renewed commitment. He is currently working on paintings that emphasize the personality of the natural world through his own romantic lens, striving to deepen the connection between his viewers and the living landscapes around them. His work parallels his long-standing interest in environmental stewardship, echoing the time he dedicates to conservation and rewilding efforts.