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Art has been a constant feature in the life of 42 year old artist William Hagerman.

A juror in an art show of which Hagerman participated in and won first place for oil painting had this to say: "In judging this show I looked for work with a personal point of view and artistic (technical) skill. In other words, the artist has something to say and knows how to say it."

Like many artists, Hagerman began learning this artistic language as a child with pencil drawings, graduating to a brush and paint at the age of twelve. Today, his artisanship and command of this artistic language is apparent in his award winning oil paintings that highlight the beauty of the landscape. Adding to the value of William's work is through his use and employment of time tested materials which add to the permanence, longevity and visual appeal of his paintings. Even to an untrained eye, these intrinsic qualities shine through.

In addition to his own personal studies, instruction has come from artists C.L. Curry, Dalhart Windberg, professional workshops under Cowboy Artists of America members Robert Pummill and Gary Carter. William also credits CA artist Tom Ryan for his critiques and advice and artist Wilson Hurly for providing a bibliography of books to further his studies early on in his artistic development.  A common thread and a valuable lesson learned from these artists is the value of working from life. Now, whenever possible, William paints color studies on location and supplements these with photographs for detail and completes the painting indoors or uses the plein air studies as models for larger works. Many other individuals, artists and non-artists alike have also contributed artistic direction and advice over the years.

Some of the honors that William has received include receiving the Best of Show at Art of the Plains 2008 the 23rd Annual Exhibit of the American Plains Artists. The show was held at the Museum of the Southwest in Midland, Texas and was juried by Richard Folger of Folger Gallery in Midland.,  Also, William was priviledged to be invited back  for the American Art in Miniature show held Nov. 2008 at the Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Hagerman has been honored annually for several years with a showing of new works at the Nita Stewart Haley Memorial Library and History Center in Midland, Texas during the month of December. These shows have benefited the History Center which has a large collection of rare books, periodicals and memorabilia devoted to the history of the southwest.

Another highlight was in May of 2001 where William was selected as Distinguished Artist for Midland, Texas' 18th Annual Celebration of the Arts. The poster image produced from one of his originals for the show was one of the most popular and fastest selling in the Celebration of the Arts 18 year history. In September of that year he received a silver medal award in the 16th Annual Bosque Conservatory Art Competition. One additional honor worthy of note from 1995 was being one of 48 artists selected from over 1200 artists nationally for the Texas Fine Arts Association 11th New American Talent. Juror for this show was Chris Bruce, Senior Curator of Exhibitions at the Henry Art Gallery, University of Washington, Seattle. The selected painting was also included in a touring portion of the show to several museum and university galleries.

Hagerman is also an active signature member of the American Plains Artists and has served as President for the association as well as having managed the organizations website.

He also enjoys sharing his artistic knowledge with his many students who are enrolled in his art classes and workshops and hopes to develop a website on the techniques of oil painting.