Hector Beven is a painter whose work delves into the depth and immediacy of oil painting. Raised in Houston, Texas, his artistic journey began with photography and and a lifelong passion for expression through making.
Initially pursuing engineering at The University of Tulsa, Hector discovered his true calling in visual art and shifted his focus to painting under the mentorship of professor and painter Mark Lewis. He was later accepted into the Mount Gretna School of Art’s intensive program, where he developed a strong appreciation for plein air painting.
Hector went on to work at Pierson Gallery, a space dedicated to the historical artwork of Oklahoma and the surrounding region. There, he deepened his knowledge and admiration for the often-overlooked artists of the Midwest and Southwest. This connection to the past is evident in his work, blending historical influence with his own distinctive perspective and modern sensibility.
Hector is currently working on paintings that emphasize the personality of the natural world through his own romantic lens, striving to deepen the connection between his viewers and the living landscapes around them. His work parallels his long-standing interest in environmental stewardship, echoing the time he dedicates to conservation and rewilding efforts.
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Education & Residencies
2026 Artist in Residence Surel's Place
2020 B.F.A., Studio Painting University of Tulsa
2019 Intensive Program Mount Gretna School of Art
Employment
2022 - Pres. Gallery Manager, Pierson Gallery, Tulsa, OK
2019 Co-op Housing Leader, Mount Gretna School of Art, Mount Gretna, PA
Solo Shows
2026 Bold Simplicity - Surel’s Place, Boise, ID
2020 Contrived Light - Living Arts, Tulsa, OK
2020 Contrived Light - Social Distance Gallery, Online
Group Exhibitions
2026 Home Fires TAC Members’ Show
Tulsa Artist Coalition, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Connections
Underground Gallery House, Tulsa, Oklahoma
2025 How Is The Weather: Art + Climate Change, Juror: Shana Nys Dambrot
OCCCA, Santa Ana, California
A Feast for the Eyes; Juror: Robert Papp
Philadelphia Sketch Club, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Art Barn School of Art’s 31st Annual Juried Art Exhibition; Juror: Amy Carr, Sarah Rehmar, Amy Palatnick
Art Barn School of Art, Porter County, Indiana
2020 Gussman Juried Student Exhibition; Juror: Scott Stulen
University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK
2019 Mount Gretna School of Art Student Show; Juror: Jay Noble
Mount Gretna School of Art, Mount Gretna, PA
Gussman Juried Student Exhibition; Juror: Jessica Borusky
University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK
2018 Gussman Juried Student Exhibition; Juror: Ronda Kasl
University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK
Awards & Nominations
2020 Best in Category; Stylus Late, 2020 edition
Publications & Reproductions
2020 Stylus Late; 2020 edition, Artwork; Afterthought
A Deep Conversation with Artist Hector Beven, Deep Conversations
Teaching
2020 Painting The Essentials, Painting Workshop
Surel’s Place, Boise, ID