Meet Iowa's Self-Taught Oil Painter Noel Hatfield

There’s Midwest nice, and then there’s Noel Hatfield. I’ve driven out to meet the 73-year-old self-taught artist a few times, driving through the beautiful rolling hills of central Iowa to roll up to his peaceful and calming home. His big smile, a warm handshake, and soft-spoken voice make me feel like we’re long-lost friends.

But I’ve only known Noel for a few years. He reached out to me on Instagram to see if I was at all interested in his artwork. Noel explained to me that he lived about thirty minutes from me and just recently taught himself to paint. He didn’t really like the way acrylic felt, so he took up oil painting.

Today, Noel has over one hundred paintings stored in his newly renovated basement studio. Some big, some small, some unframed, and some framed with a personal touch (he made them himself). All works with familiar faces such as Frida Kahlo, Edgar Allan Poe, and Willie Nelson to name a few.

In the run-up to the first-ever FolkArtwork exhibit, “Faces In The Crowd,” which I’m proud to showcase work by Noel. I was fortunate enough catch up with him and learn a little more about his art-making process.

Introducing, Noel Hatfield, Iowa self-taught artist.

FolkArtwork: Can you tell me a little bit about your background. Every time I drive out to meet with you I am blown away by the rolling hills and beautiful landscape of Winterset, Iowa. How did you end up here and what experiences do you feel have led you to your current art-making practice?

Noel Hatfield: I worked for 28 years with telephone companies and retired at age 50 when they downsized. Then, my wife and I cleaned houses, built and sold primitive furniture, opened an antique mall, and finally moved to Winterset to babysit grandchildren. We have two of our daughters living in Winterset, so we see them daily. I have always doodled with art in pencil but found a love of oil painting about five years ago.

FA: As a high school art teacher, I’m fascinated with students’ art experiences. Especially how confidence affects art making as a teenager in both a positive and negative way. What was your experience making art throughout your days as either an elementary, middle or high school student?

NH: Growing up I was not very good at art but did enjoy drawing. It wasn’t until my senior years that I started to become better at it.

FA: I know you started painting seriously once the pandemic had started. What was it that led you not to just put paintbrush to canvas, but continue doing for the years that followed?

NH: When the pandemic hit we stayed at home and I started painting as a hobby. I listed my art on eBay and Etsy and it began to sell. That was exciting. I have sold over $15,000.00 in painting over the past five years.

Noel Hatfield’s “Frida Kahlo” painting

FA: From your early work until now, you can see a clear evolution of progression in your artwork. What were some of the original thoughts and feelings about your work when you first started? And what are some thoughts and feelings you have about your work today?

NH: This was a completely new learning process for me. I watched YouTube to see how to mix oil paints and brushes to use and I’ve always been self taught with most work that I do, so yes, more or less I learned on my own and learned from my mistakes. I have come along way as far as quality of work goes over the past few years but last fall something clicked and [I’ve created] my best paintings yet.

FA: As someone who works full time (as a husband, a grandfather, and caretaker of your wonderful home) – I know it’s hard to find time to make art. How and when do you find the time to make artwork?

NH: We are very busy with babysitting 3 grandchildren most days and helping our kids remodel their farmhouse. In about a month, I will be caught up and will be able to get back in my art room and do some serious painting. It’s the one thing that I truly love to do.

FA: When making art, do you listen to music, podcasts or watch movies? Is there any other art form that helps you push through “creative blocks”? Or gets you in the mood to make art?

NH: I like to paint celebrities and say I’m doing Johnny Cash, I will listen to his music while I paint and create a bond. I love the fact that I can have an idea and create it on canvas. Things that I like most [are like] George and Martha Washington skinny dipping in the Potomac River or the Conjoined Zombie Twins.

FA: Is there anything else we should know about you or you want to share?

NH: I’m 73 years old now and hope to be painting for along time to come. I would say your never to old to learn. A few months ago I stopped in to see an old friend and found he had started oil painting. He had created some beautiful traditional art, and he is in his late 80s. Just create.

You can follow Noel Hatfield, Iowa self-taught artist on Instagram at @iowaartoilpaintings.