Portland artist making strides
Published:Thursday | March 12, 2015 | 4:06 PM
PORT ANTONIO, Portland:
COMBINING COLOURS and applying them skilfully to canvases is what fine artist Hopeton Cargill does best.
Fine arts, which is Cargill's passion, is quite evident at his art shop located at the old railway station in Port Antonio. The colourful portraits displayed on the interior walls of the art facility can easily brighten anyone's day.
The fine arts specialist, who has been painting for the better part of 26 years, a career that started while attending Mount Pleasant All-Age School in Portland, is already imparting his painting skills to not only youngsters, but also to adults or anyone who wants to learn, free of cost.
Cargill, whose artwork has touched and captivated the hearts of many, including tourists, is also a farmer and fisherman - which has helped significantly to boost his full-time painting career.
man with many hats
"I am a man with many hats. The farming and fishing compensate and complement my full-time profession as a fine artist. Income from farming and fishing is pumped directly into my art profession, and that is how I am able to operate efficiently. I consider all my paintings to be masterpieces, and I am thankful for the support that I have received over the years, especially from the local people, businessman Michael Lee Chin, and senior justice of the peace Desmond Goulbourne."
According to Cargill, his family comprising son, daughter and common-law wife are very supportive of him, and, as a result, it is one of the motivating factors which enable him to work even harder, so as to provide financial support to them.
But while slow sales periods are frequent, the 41-year-old remains optimistic that painting/art will remain relevant to Portlanders, who truly appreciate his images.
"My work is made successful through divine intervention. Art/painting is a relaxing profession, which can transform an aggressive person into a state of meekness. As a professional, for me, fine art comes easy, as I have been doing this for a long period. I can easily complete the most complicated piece in a week. I am urging persons who can find extra time to visit our gallery and workstation, where they can learn the basics about painting. My finished products depict real-life images and actual happenings."