Spotlight on Hillary Doggart-Greer

Hillary Doggart-Greer is the artist behind Hilaria Galleries, a collection of original paintings, drawings and prints.

Hillary's art is the purest form of true expression because, quite simply, she paints what she likes. Her art encompasses numerous genres, including landscapes, abstracts and pop art.

Though she likes to dabble in different media, she most often is found putting brush to canvas. Hillary just loves to create; her art gives her both purpose and tranquility.

When did you first know you were meant to be an artist?

To be honest, not until after my son was born. I'd always been a sketcher, a painter and a general doodler, but I didn't really hone my skills or pay attention to my passion for the visual arts until I became a mother.

Simply "bringing home a paycheck" wasn't enough anymore; I wanted to become a better woman, in general, for my child... Following dreams such as selling my artwork were no longer unimportant.

I want to be the best example for my son as I can be and how can I teach him to follow his heart if I don't attempt to do the same?

What is the most rewarding aspect of pursuing a creative career?

Allowing myself free reign to create whatever I emote. It's true that as a small-scale entrepeneur you always have to have your finger on the pulse of consumer demand, but I like to fit my musings into those market niches with my own flair.

It's a challenge to see what the customer wants, but express yourself through your art simultaneously. I love challenges - they are food for inspiration.

Which artists do you admire most and why?

Any self-representing one. It takes a lot of guts to face the world with your work, on your own - every turn can be rife with rejection and dashed hopes. Though I've shown my pieces in galleries previously, I've found that it's much more satisfying to make a one-on-one connection with your clients and customers. To interact with people moved by my art - well, there are few things as satisfying as that.

What's your current source of inspiration?

I draw inspiration from a plethora of sources. Children's books, classical art masters, the colors in nature I see on a walk with my family - sometimes even TV commercials get my gears working!

Whenever I think of an idea or color combination, I usually do a little sketch or write it down.

When you're not painting, you're...

Taking care of my son, my husband and myself (in that order). I also love to read, play guitar and am ALWAYS working on my Etsy shop.

If you could meet any person, real or fictional, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

It may be cliché to mention an American President, but I've always been a fan of Harry S. Truman. To come from such humble beginnings and graduate to the most powerful person in one's contemporary history is quite a feat. In addition, I find him inspirational - seeing as he wasn't "successful" in societal norms until his forties and he wore so many "hats" to get there. I'm sure he'd be full of useful advice for anyone.

How would you describe your creative process?

My creative process is somewhat hectic. A piece might be boiling in my brain for days, weeks, minutes or even seconds before it's put down on paper or canvas. I usually wait until I've written a few notes of inspiration before I begin, but I've also been known to sit in front of a white background and pick up a brush straight away.

The only rule for my process is NO BOUNDARIES. I don't believe in pigeon-holing yourself into one style, genre or subject - that kind of thinking is stifling and non-productive in my point of view. If I'm not allowed to dream freely, I'm blocked and can't create effectively.