Paul Hopman
Scratchboard Artist
A scratch is a dot that went for a walk Art in Life
My inspiration comes from witnessing animals in moments.
The moment my passion for the art of scratchboard started to form was the moment my father asked if I would rather attend a traditional college or art school. Soon after, I enrolled at the American Academy of Art in Chicago, IL.
My inspiration comes from witnessing animals in moments. The light reflecting in the fixed gaze of a horse, the pose of a lioness as she lays besides her cubs, the heated breath of a bison on a brisk morning. These moments are filled with energy and emotion, making them beautiful and unique. Once I identify a subject I have the privilege of making it my own. I ask: What would I change? Would another background better enhance the subject? Have I developed my skills enough to accomplish my vision and do the photograph justice? And of course, I lean on a support network of coaches.
The best compliment I ever received came from a great-grandmother at my first art fair when I was 20 years old. I was showing a representation of a Collie I had completed for my father (we watched “Lassie” on Sunday evenings as a family). The woman looked closely at the image for a long time before finally asking, “how long it take you to paste on all of those hairs?” I love that lady!
AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Accomplishments
Phippen Museum Art Show
2018 Peoples Choice Award, Phippen Museum Art Show
2017 Peoples Choice Award, Phippen Museum Art Show
2015 People’s Choice Award, Phippen Museum Western Art Show
2015 Third Place, Drawing, Phippen Museum Western Art Show
2014 People’s Choice Award, Phippen Museum Western Art Show
2013 Third Place, Drawing, Phippen Museum Western Art Show


Additional Honors & Awards
2016 Peoples Choice Award, Red River Arts & Wine Festival
2015 Best of Show, 4th Annual Art on the Greene Festival
2015 People’s Choice Award, Indio Chamber of Commerce Art Festival
2015 Second Choice, Wickenburg Gold Rush Days
2014 Peoples Choice Award, Cattleman’s Western Art Show
2014 First Place, Ruidoso Art Festival
2014 Second Place, St. George Art Festival
2013 Jeannette Gullett Award, NEAFAA Arts Festival
2013 First Place, St. George Art Festival
2012 First Place, St. George Art Festival
2011 First Place, Mustang Heritage Foundation