Watercolorist Steve Hanks

Steve Hanks is a well established artist who now primarily works in watercolor, producing very realistic pieces typically depicting children, oceans, and semi-nude women. Hanks was always recognized early on for his artistic greatness, but in art classes received a “C” for lack of completing required assignments. I find it hilarious that instead of doing the required word, waited until the end of the term and “proved” he was good by creating his own show and selling a painting to one of the art teachers at his school.

He actually began as a painter using mostly oils, not doing too much exploring among other options. It wasn’t until he experienced an allergic reaction to the oil paints that he tested his bounds in watercolor. Using the techniques he gathered through working with oil paints, he created extremely detailed, life-like water color pieces.  He graduated from the California School of Arts and Crafts in the 1960’s with a BFA. Soon he became a well renowned watercolorist.  (and definitely a favorite of mine!)
    His work stands out to me because of the realism for one, and two, the saturation and weight of the watercolor in his work. Based on the watercolor I have experienced and pieces I have seen, watercolor doesn’t often carry that same weight and depth. It certainly has the potential, to which I am suggesting Hanks takes his works to the very highest of quality in this particular media.  I am just astounded by the tones, saturations, and detail he creates within his pieces. I love too, that he uses such direct and prominent light sources in each depiction. It is always apparent in his work where the light is coming from. The subject matter is still made even more interesting by his handling of the media. I also enjoy that his pieces depict not only a moment, or a subject, but an emotion, and a memory. It’s as if his pieces are placed in a space much greater than a piece of paper; the corner of someone’s mind. It evokes emotion and memories reminiscent to the nature of his work.

I haven't worked much on my own in watercolor, but am greatly inspired by Hanks' work, and I hope you'll check out more of his stuff too!





Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.  -Theodore Roosevelt