Monica Hokeilen (pronounced HOE-ki’len) grew up in an artistic family in rural Missouri and has been creating all her life. While following a science path for college and career that led her to many fascinating experiences, she returned to art at every opportunity. She is mostly self-taught as an artist, and has enjoyed studying with other artists when the opportunity arises. As a military spouse, her family moved often, providing a variety of experiences and environments that is often reflected in the subject matter of her art. She is now settled in Aurora, Colorado with her family where she paints in a variety of subjects that reflects who she is and the path she has walked in life.


Artist Statement

I am interested in hearing and telling the stories of our lives. Hidden behind the common titles that are universally shared across humanity (in my case: middle-aged woman, mother and spouse, sister and daughter, friend and neighbor) are unique perspectives, lived experiences, and beautiful moments. We all have a story to tell, and I am interested in having those conversations.

I have lived a varied life and have worn many hats along the way. I tell my story through my art by painting the landscapes, wildlife, and everyday moments I have experienced. Sometimes the subject of my art is a literal interpretation of scenes where I grew up in rural Missouri, other places I have lived over the decades, and experiences while traveling. Other times they are an extension of my life-long love of space science and earth science, or an expression of my identity as an American. My path through life has been a winding, curving, multi-faceted one, and the variety of subjects reflected in my art is representative of who I am.

I paint primarily in oil on stretched canvas. My art is representational with expressive and abstracted characteristics that allow me to add emotion and perspective to the paintings. This is my imprint on what may otherwise be a common experience or scene. I am interested in creating art that feels like a piece of a conversation - at once relatable and wholly unique.

I am always learning and growing artistically, pushing myself to try new subjects or focusing for a time on what feels challenging. I also love studying with various artists across our country as the opportunity arises. Every new creative experience is another facet in who I am as an artist, another opportunity to grow as a human being.


My artwork can be divided into two collections: DOWN TO EARTH includes my landscapes, wildlife, and still life paintings, while my Mars landscapes (aka MarsScapes), Mercury landscapes, and other space-related paintings can be found in WHAT LIES BEYOND.

What Lies Beyond


Catch up on the latest news about me and my art

Check out my “News” page to read blog posts about my artistic experiences and sources of inspiration, and to see where I’ve been exhibiting this year.


Contact Monica Hokeilen

I’d love to hear from you! Contact me via the link above or join me on facebook and instagram (@HokeilenArt) for more information about what I am currently working on, where I am exhibiting, and to inquire about purchasing my artwork.