Claudia Hartley

Scottsdale Artists’ School: What is your first memory of making art?
Claudia Hartley: My mother said it began when I could hold something in my hand. My childhood was spent drawing and coloring. The best present I ever received was a large box of Crayola crayons. My favorite colors were Prussian blue and turquoise.

SAS: When did you begin to pursue art as a career?
CH: My original goal was to be an art professor. I attended the University of Georgia and received a BFA in painting and drawing. In the ’60s it was the best art school in the South. Painting classes were experimental with lots of freedom. Realism was considered bad—everything was about being modern. I got married and started a family, so my graduate work was put on hold. I was accepted by two galleries in Atlanta. I taught art in our home, headed up a volunteer art program at my kid’s school and painted part time. It was 20 years later, after my divorce, that I began painting as a full-time career.

Claudia Hartley, Grand Canyon Moon Glow, acrylic, 60 x 48" (152 x 121 cm)

SAS: Tell us some things people don’t know about you.
CH: Most people know my acrylic landscapes…but I actually began as a portrait painter using oils. I was a member of the Atlanta Portrait Society. I also ran my own large year-round art school in Georgia teaching both children and adults.

SAS: What brought you from the Georgia to Arizona and painting figures to landscapes?
CH: I came to visit my cousin in Arizona and the dry warm climate was better for my health. I packed a U-Haul and moved across the country. Living in the desert, the scenery was magnificent and I wanted an excuse to be outside, so I began painting landscapes.

Claudia Hartley, Sunset Reflection, acrylic, 16 x 20" (40 x 50 cm)

SAS: How did you find SAS?
CH: It was a Tom Darro painting... that made me dream of going west to paint. SAS gave me a scholarship to take one of his workshops. At that time, I was intimidated by well-known artists and galleries. I showed Tom photos of my brightly colored paintings, and he surprised me by recommending several Scottsdale galleries he thought would be a good fit and said to use his name. I will forever be grateful for his kindness.

Once I moved to Arizona, I was asked to teach at Scottsdale Artists’ School. The school’s focus is on teaching art and encouraging artists. I am blessed to teach alongside the finest art instructors in the US. People are so friendly and helpful. My workshops are so fun—both in-person and online. My next in person workshop is scheduled for March 28 to 31.

SAS: What is your inspiration?
CH: My faith. God gave me talent and my greatest joy is sharing it with others through painting and teaching.

Claudia Hartley, View of Italian Lake from my Balcony, acrylic, 36 x 48" (91 x 121 cm)

SAS: Tell us about your upcoming show.
CH: My one-woman show at Bonner David Galleries opens on March 31 and runs through April 18. The show is based on my past travel sketchbooks. A sketch will be displayed next to each painting.

SAS: What’s your advice to students?
CH: A few things…A class is more stimulating and informative than painting alone. Only take lessons from artists whose artwork you love. A good artist does not necessarily make a good instructor. A good teacher will guide you with structure and encouragement. Get recommendations! My one rule is, “Be willing to fail.” Success comes from hard work and practice. —

Visit www.scottsdaleartschool.org for more information on the school and its upcoming workshops.