Dánial Hoydal

From Confederacy

Dánial Hoydal (1887–1963) was a Kalduroyan painter and artist. He came from the village Hoydal, in a valley between Fjørðgápið, Vesturhavnar and Vindavík. He used to paint momumental motives from Kalduroyan nature. Today, he is considered as one of the most important Kalduroyans in history, especially known for his painting "Hammarin" (Hammarin is an actual mountain that Dánial Hoydal could see from his house).

Early life

Nobody knows exactly which date Dánial was born at, nor exactly where he was born. All we know is that Dánial was born in 1887, probably at the spring, and that he probably was born at home. Dánial grew up at the uppermost farm in Hoydal together with his mother and father (Astrið and Njál), two sisters (Marjun and Rannvá), and one older brother (Hans).

Dánial was sent to the local school, and learned to write and read. Dánial never had any special skills within these subjects, but he finished school when he was 14 with normal marks. The local priest saw Dánial's talent in painting when Dánial had one of his lessons in front of his Lutheran confirmation when he was 15 years old (in 1902). The pupils were supposed to make drawings of the church, and Dánial made a beautiful drawing in colours.

Career

To let Dánial develop his talent, the priest payed for Dánial's education at the University of Kalduroyar in Vesturhavnar (1903–1907), since Dánial's parents didn't have enough money. Dánial studied arts with special teaching in painting and drawing.

After he finsihed his studies in 1907, Dánial bought a house in Útbú. Dánial was well-known in the local arts society, and had often exhibitions with his works in churches and public buildings. Though, Dánial never became rich, and when his parents died in the 1940's, Dánial moved back to their house, where he spent the rest of his life.

Family life

Dánial married Elin (1893–1971) in 1916, and got two daughters; Anna (1917–1990) and Maria (1919–1996). Anna and Maria were both married, and both got children, so Dánial still has descendants. Dánial himself died peacefully in his house in August 1963.