a portfolio
by NOTLEY HAWKINS In the Winter 2006 issue of Show-Me
Missouri, readers were introduced to the photography of
Notley Hawkins, whose ability to capture unique
perspectives of his subjects breathed life into an article
on the Missouri River.
Hawkins has never taken a photography course, and, in fact,
began his career on a different artistic journey. Born and
raised in Columbia, his early interests in painting and
drawing led him to Columbia College, where he studied under
Sid Larsen, a student of Missouri’s most famous artist,
Thomas Hart Benton. While working toward his masters degree
at the University of Missouri Columbia, he worked with
noted artist and cartoonist Frank Stack. He later attended
the prestigious Skowhegan School in Maine.
Growing tired of painting, Hawkins took up photography,
utilizing his artistic eye to create mesmerizing
photographic images. He spends most of his leisure time
shooting people, places, events and landscapes throughout
Missouri. Panoramic images are something of a specialty, a
skill that Hawkins attributes to his experience painting
long, horizontal landscapes that better allow the viewer to
experience the atmosphere of the subject.
A favorite theme is Missouri fairs, which provide a wide
range of photographic opportunities. He has traveled
throughout the state and hopes to one day publish a book of
his fair photographs.
“My art is a visual journal of life and light in
contemporary Missouri,” explains Hawkins.
