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Erin Hanson's Painted Parks
January 16 - May 28, 2016
Erin Hanson's Painted
Parks collection of landscapes will be displayed at the St. George Art
Museum from January 16, 2016 through May 28, 2016. Hanson's exhibition kicks
off the museum's year-long "2016 NATIONAL PARKS: UNITING AMERICA: 100
Years on Common Ground" event.
California native Erin Hanson is already well known for
her signature wet-on-wet impasto technique, "Open-Impressionism."
Hanson's ability to capture the grandeur, beauty and natural grace of America's
protected landscapes has led to an increasing popularity among impressionist
collectors.
Current oil paintings featuring National Parks include
Arches National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Zion National Park, Cedar
Breaks National Park and Glacier National Park, among others.
Hanson's contemporary style of painting was inspired by
masters such as Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet and Edgar Payne. A life-long
painter, Hanson combined three decades of oil painting talent with her rock
climbing skills into a formidable collection of impressionist paintings.
"National Parks are a treasure we can't afford to neglect," stated
the petite artist. "My park landscapes are more than artistic expressions:
they are an invitation to enjoy, protect and preserve these amazing natural
resources for future generations."
An expanded Erin Hanson Gallery opened its doors in Los
Angeles, CA on November 14, 2015.
Ken Ratner, Curator and Collector, writes about the artist:
- Erin Hanson's paintings command attention. You
cannot help being struck by the artist's vibrant, bold and colorful compositions
that exude life. She transforms the landscape of the West -- rolling
hills and valleys, mountain lakes, rugged coastline, and National Parks
(more about that in a moment) - into an abstract mosaic of color.
Her love of the outdoors is evident in her beautiful and skillfully composed
pictures.
-
- In 2012, while forming a collection of contemporary western
art, I came across the work of Erin Hanson. I had been looking to
purchase modernist pictures to add to my collection that would later travel
to 4 museums in the exhibit known as A Feeling of Humanity.
I became captivated by what I saw. Her paintings pulsated with energy
and color, and were so beautifully textured. They evoked a sense
of immediacy, and a feeling of freshness. There was also great depth
of feeling in her pictures that I found particularly appealing. I
am pleased that many people had the opportunity to experience firsthand
Hanson's unique vision of the American West in this museum exhibit.
-
- Museum visitors will yet again have the chance to see
and experience Hanson's work at the St. George Art Museum in Utah from
January through May of 2016. This catalogue, Erin Hanson's
Painted Parks, produced in conjunction with the St. George exhibit,
gives us a look at some of her superb pictures of our National Parks.
These paintings are intensely personal statements by the artist, and allow
us to gaze into her world. Traveling often to the National Parks,
Hanson studies and interprets the shapes and forms, the ever-changing light,
shadows and color, and records what is meaningful to her.
-
- Hanson's style of painting has been influenced by, among
others, the German Expressionists, the Group of Seven, and the Masters
of California Impressionism. Yet, her work is very original.
We see the influence of the Group of Seven, and in particular, Tom Thomson,
in Woods of Gold, At the Lodge, and Crystal Cottonwoods.
Hanson's vibrant and energetic brushstrokes in these well-executed pictures
lend a sculptural effect, and the treatment of light is splendid.
What is particularly impressive in her work is her use of color.
Colors are arranged with much though process, and there is technical brilliance.
The influence of Edgar Payne can be seen in her brushstrokes in the sky
in Desert Dawn, and on the cliffs in Angels Landing.
Hanson has great expertise in painting descending and ascending views.
Examples of her skill in painting such scenes can be found in Canyon
Color, awash in brilliant hues, and Cedar Breaks, as
if painted from ground level. As with many of her pictures, these
two resonate in your mind.
-
- In the last few years, Hanson's palette has grown brighter
and is more expressive. The thickly applied paint stokes she uses
without layering, a process dubbed as Open-Impressionism, lends
a sculptural effect to her work. The multitude of colors that she
now uses seem to dance throughout the canvas. The pictures you are seeing
in Erin Hanson's Painted Parks catalogue are the culmination
of her mature work. Enjoy!
(above: Erin Hanson, At the Lodge, 60 x 40 inches,
2015)
(above: Erin Hanson, Canyonlands Vista, Oil on Canvas, 40 x 50 inches)
To view an illustrated statement by Erin Hanson about her
National Park paintings, please click
here.
Extended object labels from the exhibition:
-
- Utah Trail
- by Erin Hanson
- oil on canvas, 2015
- 24" x 20" in
-
- Utah has some of our most beautiful National Parks. Cedar
Breaks National Park, near Zion, is stunning in the autumn. The brush strokes
in this painting are loose and impressionistic, creating a sense of movement
and light.
-
-
- Abstract Arch
- by Erin Hanson
- oil on canvas, 2015
- 9" x 12" in
-
- Arches National Park is a land of abstract contrasts.
Dramatic red arches against a blue sky and vibrant blue shadows against
the sun-lit sandstone all make for perfect painting opportunities. This
small oil painting focuses on these dramatic juxtapositions of shape and
color.
-
-
- Sierra Vista
- by Erin Hanson
- oil on canvas, 2015
- 14" x 11" in
-
- The Sierras are truly a monument to why we should be
preserving our National Parks. The stately pines, surrounded by dramatic
alpine peaks and turquoise-colored lakes, stand tall in their protected
surroundings. This oil painting brings to life the great outdoors with
loose brushstrokes and vivid color.
-
-
- Desert Edge
- by Erin Hanson
- oil on canvas, 2015
- 60" x 42" in
-
- Joshua Tree National Park spreads out into the far distance
in this camping-inspired landscape painting. The brush strokes are thickly
applied, alive with texture and energy, bringing to life the desert colors
that appear at dawn's first light.
-
-
- Dawn at Bryce
- by Erin Hanson
- oil on canvas, 2015
- 40" x 36" in
-
- After the first snowfall of November, Bryce Canyon looked
spectacular in the early morning dawn. The sunlight quickly spread down
the canyon walls and the day began to defrost after the sub-freezing early
dawn. The day was spent hiking 14 miles through Bryce Canyon, exploring
the twists and turns of the trails and the beautiful autumn vistas.
-
-
- Fins at Arches
- by Erin Hanson
- oil on canvas, 2015
- 9" x 12" in
-
- The best part about painting Arches National Park is
the unusual abstract shapes that appear naturally in the landscape. These
giant fins of red sandstone stretch incredibly into the sky, towering above
the short, scrubby desert plants.
-
-
- Autumn Zion
- by Erin Hanson
- oil on canvas, 2015
- 24" x 20" in
-
- Another backpacking-inspired painting from the long 50-mile
trek across Zion, this painting brings back memories of days surrounded
by nothing but preserved land and wide-open vistas. This is a painting
of Hop Valley, near Kolob Canyon.
-
-
- Sierra Moss
- by Erin Hanson
- oil on canvas, 2015
- 20" x 30" in
-
- Backpacking in the Sierras during November was well worth
braving the sub-freezing weather. The alpine lakes were amazing (some were
even frozen over) and the snow-dusted landscape was starkly beautiful.
This painting of pine trees near the side of the trail give a sheltered
peak at one of the crystal blue-green lakes.
-
-
- Canyonlands Rainbow
- by Erin Hanson
- oil on canvas, 2015
- 12" x 9" in
-
- Canyonlands National Park is captured in vivid, contemporary
oils by artist Erin Hanson. The painting captures the awe one experiences
when looking at the dramatic scenery of Canyonlands' northern park entrance.
-
-
- Zion Patriarchs
- by Erin Hanson
- oil on canvas, 2015
- 30" x 20" in
-
- The Court of the Patriarchs at Zion National Parks are
a stunning place to catch a classic Zion sunrise. Every time I've watched
the sunrise over this range of peaks the lighting is different, sometimes
filtering through low clouds, sometimes warm and red, and other times they
are lit with a clear, cool winter light, as in this painting. The thick
brush strokes in this work capture the movement and feeling of spontaneity
as the sunrise swiftly overtakes the mountain peaks.
-
-
- California Ocotillos
- by Erin Hanson
- oil on canvas, 2015
- 11" x 14" in
-
- The stately ocotillo cactus grows in abundance in the
southern part of Joshua Tree National Park, their long stalks covered in
red bird-like flowers in the springtime. This painting captures the movement
and life of the California desert.
-
-
- Cottonwood Trail
- by Erin Hanson
- oil on canvas, 2015
- 11" x 14" in
-
- This painting was inspired by backpacking near Kolob
Canyon, in Zion National Park. The autumn-hued cottonwoods are brilliant
in the morning sunlight, a beautiful contrast against the distant cliffs.
-
-
- Arches Spring
- by Erin Hanson
- oil on canvas, 2015
- 12" x 9" in
-
- Arches National Park is stunning in the spring, when
the dark red earth becomes decorated with bright green foliage. The distant
fins rising from the earth are glorious in their surreal beauty.
-
-
- Utah Aspen
- by Erin Hanson
- oil on canvas, 2015
- 12" x 9" in
-
- Vivid color bursts from the canvas, hues of orange rind
and autumn grasses coming alive in the early morning light. Thickly applied
brush strokes meld together in a harmony of texture, bringing to life this
scene from Cedar Breaks National Park.
-
-
- Canyon Cottonwoods
- by Erin Hanson
- oil on canvas, 2015
- 24" x 20" in
-
- Canyon de Chelly looks beautiful in the autumn, as all
the cottonwoods start to change color. Their golden leaves flicker and
dance in the light, while the red sandstone cliffs in the distance act
as the perfect backdrop to the painting.
-
-
- Chelly Lights
- by Erin Hanson
- oil on canvas, 2015
- 12" x 9" in
-
- Canyon de Chelly National Monument is a beautiful place
to find inspiration. Dawn along the rim is a kaleidoscope of color and
dramatic shapes that catch the light. The impressionist brush strokes evoke
a sense of movement and immediacy.
-
-
- At the Lodge
- by Erin Hanson
- oil on canvas, 2015
- 60" x 40" in
-
- A rainy afternoon at the Lodge, deep in the canyons of
Zion National Park, let me see the autumn-hued cottonwoods in a whole new
light, their colors drenched and saturated in the low light. The brush
strokes in this painting are loose and impressionistic, creating a mosaic
of color and texture across the canvas.
-
-
- River Trail
- by Erin Hanson
- oil on canvas, 2015
- 65" x 50" in
-
- Hiking along the canyon floor near the campgrounds in
a relaxing way to enjoy the stunning views of Zion National Park. There
are charming fence-lined paths that lead down to the river bed, inviting
you to pass a few hours in the cool shade by the water. This oil painting
captures the colors and expansive outdoors feeling everyone experiences
in a place like Zion.
-
-
- Desert Dawn
- by Erin Hanson
- oil on canvas, 2015
- 40" x 30" in
-
- Dramatic sunset light plays over these buttes at Monument
Valley. The Four Corners region has some of the most stunning color in
the Western states. Rich lavenders and bold cadmium hues come to life at
sunset, captured here in thick impressionistic oils.
-
-
- Canyon Color
- by Erin Hanson
- oil on canvas, 2015
- 48" x 48" in
-
- Standing on the rim of Canyon de Chelly at daybreak,
the light is so magical, bringing the canyon floor suddenly out of its
pre-dawn gloom with a rainbow burst of color. The cottonwoods are green
with spring, the fields lush with recent rains.
-
-
- Rainbow Wash
- by Erin Hanson
- oil on canvas, 2015
- 50" x 40" in
-
- Winding washes of rainwater weave through the floor of
Canyon de Chelly. Hiking along the wash is beautiful, with ever-changing
views and reflections of the red rock cliffs. This painting was created
with abstracted shapes and vibrant color. Each brush stroke of oil paint
is thickly applied, alive with motion and texture.
-
-
- Saguaro Light
- by Erin Hanson
- oil on canvas, 2015
- 40" x 40" in
-
- Dramatic light streaks down from this skyscape onto a
waiting desert. The Saguaros stand tall against the backdrop of clouds.
Each brush stroke is alive with motion and color, filling the canvas with
a mosaic of texture.
-
-
- Journey into Cedar Breaks
- by Erin Hanson
- oil on canvas, 2015
- 58" x 58" in
- "Hiking along this wide dirt trail in Cedar Breaks
National Park was like traveling in a different world... I felt like I
was surrounded by miles and miles of un-touched golden aspens, glimmering
and tall, so thick I could not see through them. All I could hear was the
rustling mummer of their leaves flickering in the wind, as the first morning
light cut silently through their branches."
-
-
- Utah in Gold
- by Erin Hanson
- oil on canvas with 24 kt gold leaf, 2015
- 30" x 40" in
-
- Hiking in Cedar Breaks National Park inspired this painting
of October-hued cottonwoods. A peaceful and secluded breakfast by the side
of this quiet brook allowed a restful moment of contemplation and awe for
the stunning surroundings.
- This painting was created over 24 karat gold leaf, applied
directly to the canvas as an "underpainting." The thin sheets
of genuine gold gleam with subtle light from between the brush strokes,
catching the eye and making the painting seem to glow from within.
-
-
- Woods of Gold
- by Erin Hanson
- oil on canvas with 24 kt gold leaf, 2015
- 30" x 24" in
-
- Aspen trees are alive with light and color in this original
oil painting. Landscapes like this are best portrayed in a loose, impressionistic
brush stroke, the painterly strokes almost careless in their freedom and
beauty. The painting exudes joy in the essence of color.
-
-
- Crystal Cottonwoods
- by Erin Hanson
- oil on canvas, 2015
- 30" x 40" in
-
- Inspired by backpacking in the early morning through
Hop Valley, near Zion National Park, this painting captures the early morning
light filtering through the autumn cottonwood trees. The red rock cliffs
surround the valley, a beautiful contrast to the golden leaves.
-
-
- Canyonland Wildflowers
- by Erin Hanson
- oil on canvas, 2015
- 38" x 46" in
-
- Canyonlands National Park is captured in abstracted color
by artist Erin Hanson. The dusky-colored wildflowers stand in groves of
color, forming stained glass shapes with their tall branches. The brush
strokes are applied thickly, in a painterly fashion, allowing the natural
movement of the landscape to come alive.
-
-
- First Snow
- by Erin Hanson
- oil on canvas, 2015
- 26" x 40" in
-
- On day five of a recent backpacking trip through Zion
National Park, it snowed almost all day, the clouds occasionally parting
to expose brilliant blue skies overhead. The last leg of the journey from
Kolob Canyon to the East Gate involved steep, winding switchbacks that
cut narrowly along the steep cliffs. The rocks were beautifully cut into
stair shapes when the going got too steep. This painting captures that
adventure and grandeur of the moment.
-
-
- Montana Reflective
- by Erin Hanson
- oil on canvas, 2015
- 30" x 40" in
-
- The fine colors of Montana, at Glacier National Park,
are captured in this panoramic landscape. This evocative painting transports
the viewer to another world of beauty and peace.
-
-
- Angels Landing
- by Erin Hanson
- oil on canvas, 2015
- 24" x 30" in
-
- This painting was inspired by a rainy day hiking up Angels
Landing at Zion National Park. The clouds would part occasionally and leak
sunlight down into the canyon, making the red rock cliffs, already deep
and saturated from the rain, even more vibrant with color.
-
-
- Into the Woods
- by Erin Hanson
- oil on canvas, 2015
- 48" x 48" in
-
- Beautiful flecks of color dance through the branches
of these oaks, their overhanging branches forming a cool tunnel of shade
protecting the hiking trail. The brush strokes are loose and full of texture,
creating an expressionist movement of color and light.
-
-
- Canyonlands Vista
- by Erin Hanson