21 Over 31 | Hilarie Lambert

By Bonnie Gangelhoff

When The Rain Lets Up, oil, 18 x 18.

What inspired your winning entry? I have a daughter who lives in Paris, so I go over there a couple times a year and paint. This painting is based on a photo I took looking out the window at the Musée d’Orsay. It was my birthday, and I had gone there to celebrate. I really like abstract shapes in everything I paint. I went to Paris to paint things like the light and shadow. I also try to paint on the street when I am there. You would think there would be quite a few artists painting on the street, because after all, it’s Paris, but there aren’t.
What was your reaction upon hearing the news that you were selected? I was thrilled. The painting you selected is done in a style that I want to go with my art. This gives me validation because I am trying to go a bit more modern.
Do you come from an artistic background? I have a very creative family, but they are not painters. My uncle is a toy designer; he designed the Nerf ball.
Where did you study art? I was a graphic designer, and I was lucky enough to do a lot of illustrations. I have drawn for years. I also studied art at a community college in New York. And I took classes with Burton Silverman.
What is your favorite subject matter, and why? Figurative and portrait work.
What is the best advice you have ever received? To keep painting. Paint what you love. And don’t think about whether it is going to sell.
What is the one thing people will probably never see you paint? I would never paint anything dark and gloomy.
Future goals? To live in Paris for six months and paint.
Representation: Ella Walton Richardson Fine Art, Charleston, SC; I. Pinckney Simons Gallery, Beaufort, SC; City Art Gallery, Greenville, NC; Langman Gallery, Willow Grove, PA; www.hlambert.com.

Featured in our annual “21 Over 31” competition in November 2010