Join us for First Friday in Highlands Ft. Berkeley Hoerr
3442 W 32nd Ave
9.5.2025, 6-9pm
Meet Berkeley Hoerr
My paintings are a celebration of color and the profound beauty that exists within the everyday. I am inspired by the quiet details of my daily life–objects, textures, and fleeting moments. I live much of my life outdoors, where I notice and record moments where our presence leaves its mark on the landscape and how our environment shapes us in return.
Color is central to my practice. It allows me to turn these familiar moments into something extraordinary. I use bold hues and unexpected combinations to invite viewers into my world, where ordinary scenes are actually vivid expressions of connection, resilience, and constant change.
My work is a call to pause, to look closely, and to embrace the richness of our shared experiences. By magnifying everyday moments, I aim to inspire a deeper connection to the world around us and a renewed sense of wonder in the small details of our lives.
Learn more about Berkeley in our Q+A!
What are you working on right now?
Right now I am starting work on a series of large scale oil paintings based on photographs from my trip down the Grand Canyon this fall. I took photographs of different textures throughout the canyon along our 24 day rafting trip. I’m zooming in on each subject so much that although the paintings themselves are realistic they feel abstract because of the close-up scale.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work I like to spend time outdoors. As much as I love trail running and mountain biking, I also enjoy moving slowly. Looking is my favorite thing to do. Observing small moments in nature feels monumental.
What is your dream project?
My dream project is a large-scale installation of my palette scrapes series. I would love to frame each palette scrape individually and hang them in a huge grid. I’ve done smaller-scale installations of them before but would love to see 60 or so of them hung together on one wall.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is mixing paint. I started oil painting when I was eight years old and would copy Old Masters' paintings. In doing so, I became an expert at matching colors and it's still one of my very favorite things to do. I love adding unexpected pigments to a big pile of paint, smushing it around with my palette knife, adjusting until I get just the right color.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration in the outdoors and in the mundane routine of my life. I’m much more interested in painting subjects that are not already considered beautiful, but instead become beautiful through the act of painting them. I think inspiration only works up to a point. I am a much bigger believer in going to work everyday and working even when inspiration hasn’t “struck.” I think it is the process of painting that propels my ideas forward.
What are your thoughts about your city's creative scene for artists, designers, crafters, makers, and/or small businesses?
I love Denver’s creative scene! I have a studio at Prism Workspaces, where I’m surrounded everyday by other artists working in a variety of media. I’m constantly amazing by the creativity and talent of other Denver artists.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever received?
The best piece of advice I have ever received was from my college painting professor: “Don’t wait for inspiration, just show up and work everyday.” It’s a motto I continue to live by.
Get in touch with Berkeley
Instagram: @berkeley.hoerr.art
Website: www.berkeleyhoerr.com
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