Terry Hagen never set out to become an artist—in fact, she had no formal training and no prior experience before picking up a brush. What began as a step outside her comfort zone quickly became a rewarding and personal journey of discovery.
For Terry, art isn’t about accolades or recognition; it’s about the joy of creating and uncovering a part of herself she never knew was there. “I simply discovered I could create and never really knew it,” she explained. “I found a part of me I kinda liked…”
Over the past 12 years, Terry has grown from taking her very first art classes at Main Street Creatives to maintaining a studio and exhibiting her work at Main Street Gallery. Along the way, she has earned recognition in local shows hosted by the Paletteers Art Club, Adams County Fair, the Brighton Armory, and the City of Brighton’s Eye for Art program.
In 2015, her work and generosity were highlighted in Local Color magazine for taking her art to Uganda, where she sponsored a young girl through a Christian ministry. The following year, she received the memorial Tina Stroud Award for her evocative painting of a horse playing in the surf.
Though she describes herself as a “hobby artist” and enjoys working behind the scenes, Terry’s art continues to resonate with the community and inspire others who may be curious about discovering their own creative spark.
Following is our interview with Terry, where she reflects on her challenges, successes, influences, and growth as an artist. Please click here to watch a brief video featuring over 30 of her paintings.
You can also see Terry’s work at Main Street Gallery, 36 S. Main Street in Brighton, Tuesdays through Thursdays from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, or visit mainstreetcreatives.com.
BCAC: What do you enjoy most about working at Main Street Gallery?
TH: Main Street is a group of individuals who are interested in and dedicated to promoting art as a whole. Artists are willing to help each other improve their art work, and it provides a venue for art instruction, ideas, and friendship through various forms of art. It is great to have a place where all my art supplies and work are in one place and available whenever I want to paint. I have learned a lot, met new people, and participated in many art activities sponsored through Main Street and the City of Brighton.
BCAC: How did you become interested in painting?
TH: After retiring from Adams County Sheriff’s Office, I was attending a craft show in Brighton where a booth was promoting art classes. I picked up a flyer and signed up for oil painting with absolutely zero experience!
BCAC: Name some artists you admire or who have influenced you.
TH: Main Street has had many great artists during my time there. I have learned lots of different things from every artist there, and each one has something different to contribute to help other artists. On a larger scale, the art of British artist Michael James Smith and the great western works of Howard Terpning and Frederic Remington are just mind boggling!
BCAC: What are some creative challenges you face?
TH: Although many artists are not flattered by comments about their art looking photographic, that is kind of what I want from a finished painting. It is a challenge for me to try painting “loose” using larger brushes and strokes. I love the detail and want to end up with a painting that looks like a photograph. I paint a lot of southwest scenes, pottery, and animals/wildlife.
BCAC: What is your biggest success as an artist?
TH: My most rewarding works are the many pet portraits I’ve done. I love someone looking at the finished painting and being touched by the memory or good feeling they get about their special pet.
BCAC: If you could offer a younger you a piece of advice, what would it be?
TH: If you are interested in trying art, do it! I wish I would have started sooner and pursued the thought in the back of my head that said “what have you got to lose?” I have found a niche to not only be creative, but an outlet for finding some quiet, peaceful time in my little studio! You never know if you can do something if you don’t give it some time and effort.
BCAC: What emotions or ideas do you hope viewers take away from your work?
TH: I paint from pictures of things that give me a peaceful feeling, a laugh, or are just in some way evoking good vibes. I want people who see my art to feel the same way. Whether it’s their family pet, a cute animal photo, or a place they have a good memory from, I want them to feel that feeling every time they look at the painting.
BCAC: How has your artistic style evolved over time?
TH: I think I have gotten better with values and chroma in my work. I have tried several different types of art, and developed a fondness for scratch art after taking a class through Main Street. My style pretty much remains realism although I have produced a few “out of my comfort zone” paintings which are definitely not realistic in nature!
BCAC: Other than art, what brings you joy?
TH: I love living in Colorado; we have some of God’s best scenery and a variety of seasons, which all places do not have. I enjoy volunteering and have participated in many groups over the years, from pet shelters to local projects to church activities. I am an individual who is content spending time at home with my pets, working on projects or crafts and spending time with friends.
BCAC: Anything else you’d like to add?
TH: I’d like people to realize they don’t have to make a lot of money with their art, create web sites or enter shows all around the state. You can enjoy art and feel rewarded with every piece you complete just being a small scale, local hobby artist in Brighton, Colorado!