Paintings by Steve Hanks
September 17, 2010 by All Art News
Filed under Art Reviews, Featured
Steve Hanks is recognized as one of the best watercolor artists working today. The detail, color and realism of Steve Hanks’ paintings are unheard of in this difficult medium. A softly worn patterned quilt, the play of light on the thin veil of surf on sand, or the delicate expression of a child—-Steve Hanks captures these patterns of life better than anyone.
Steve Hanks was born into a military family in San Diego in 1949. His father was a highly decorated WWII Navy flyer. Hanks grew up playing tennis and surfing along the beaches of Southern California. “The ocean made a strong and lasting impression on me. It was good for the soul to be out in the water—surfing, swimming, or simply getting in touch with its mysterious power.”
The family was transferred to New Mexico when Steve was a junior. After high school he attended the Academy of Fine Arts in San Francisco, earning excellent marks in commercial art and figure drawing. He transferred to the California College of Arts and Crafts, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
Steve Hanks took a job as a caretaker at a Campfire Girl’s camp near Cuba, New Mexico in 1976. The pay was minimal, but the rent was free, and all during the winter months his time was his own. For the next four and a half years Hanks experimented with many media: oils, watercolor, pencil, acrylics. “If I hadn’t spent so much time perfecting my drawing skills,” he comments, “I would not be the painter I am today.” His first romantic piece, “Daisies and Lace”, was a harbinger of his developing style—it featured a lacy dress and a serene sunlit setting.
Hanks calls his style ‘emotional realism’. He often leaves the faces of his figures obscured or turned away, not only to leave the face to the imagination of the viewer but also to allow the entire figure to express the emotion. Backlighting is also a signature element of his style. “Sunlight has become one of my favorite subjects. I’m fascinated by how it filters through things, how it floods a whole room with color. Often my paintings are really more about sunlight than anything else.”
His marriage to Laura and the arrival of three children provided new inspiration for the artist. Many lovingly rendered domestic scenes were added to the portfolio during those years.
Jurors, galleries and collectors have long recognized the stature of Steve Hanks’ achievements. He received the National Watercolor Society Merit Award and the National Academy of Western Art Gold Medal, in addition to consistently appearing in the list of top ten American artists compiled by U.S. Art Magazine. Art for the Parks has honored his work with many awards since 1989.
“I’ve tried to be responsible and put positive images out into the world,” says Hanks. “I hope that my work brings comfort, pleasure and insight into people’s lives.”
Apparently, its more of women and their backsides.
I completely agree. Even the one of the little girls is pseudo-sexual.
I think they’re beautiful, the detail is very realistic. All your portraits capture the beauty in everyday feelings. Even if it is “more of women and their backsides”. You’re a fantastic artist and you should keep working!
I never knew that watercolor had such potential!
Eunice, you must be a feminist. Probably one of the radical, man-hating variety. There is nothing wrong whatsoever for an artist to explore his vision of feminine sexuality, however much you anti-man-anti-sex feminist puritans piss and moan. Well done Steve Hanks, these are impressive images and very insightful examinations of the feminine subjects. Good work!
Wow… Whatever anyone thinks about this man’s art, what you said is just awful. First of all, there’s nothing wrong with being feminist. Secondly, it’s true that these women are all wildly idealized and at least somewhat sexualized. Thirdly, having a problem with women being consistently portrayed in an unrealistic, ultimately damaging way in our culture doesn’t mean you hate men… It just means you want to be able to leave your house without feeling like you’re an object. Honestly, go to school for a bit or at least READ about the subject before you jump all over it. Your comment was just completely ignorant and hateful.
Not that I completely agree with Mysyikan, but I do think Eunice was taking her own comment a little far, and it IS ignorant to believe otherwise. Being a straight, female artist I draw almost exclusively portraits of women and their backsides, because face it. Women are beautiful. Just because Steve agrees with that and Eunice doesn’t, doesn’t make anyone a feminist, nor does it make them a pervert. It’s just what he sees. Furthermore if anybody doesn’t like it than it’s their own problem and should respectfully keep their negative opinions to themselves.
Personally, I fail to see what is offensive about the paintings. I don’t see women being objectified as sexual objects. The paintings of backsides feature the entire back of the woman, not just her butt. Female bodies are quite possibly the most incredible natural art in the world, but for more than just sexual appeal – like these paintings, which show the woman’s soul and femininity. They all have stories. I wish I could create such beautiful work.
For the record, I am both female and gay, so girl-power is definitely my style. The third painting is my favourite.