Painting, Drawings and Sculpture by Hollis Richardson
American Western Paintings and Drawings by Hollis Richardson
Hollis Richardson's American Western paintings and drawings embody traditional realism and impressionism, capturing the diverse humanity of the American West. Featuring faces of individuals from different backgrounds, his artwork showcases cowboys and Native Americans as they existed in the 1880s, offering a glimpse into another era. Explore the influences behind Hollis Richardson's American Western paintings and drawings to gain insight into his artistic vision and consider adding Western traditional artwork to your collection.
.jpg "Feast Day 11 x 8")
.jpg "Gotta Ride that Bull 14 x 10")
.jpg "Where’s Mama 12 x 9")
.jpg "Blessing This Place 14 x 11")
.jpg "Taos Pueblo with Kiva 15 x 9")
.jpg "Old Timers 12 x 13")
THE INFLUENCES ON HOLLIS RICHARDSON'S ART
Hollis Richardson's artistic vision was shaped by his experiences living and working on the Navajo Reservation in Chinle, AZ, as well as among rural ranchers and loggers in Riggins, ID. His deep appreciation of Native American culture and the simplicity of their lifestyle influenced his ability to see beyond social issues and embrace the humanity of individuals from different backgrounds. Hollis Richardson's American Western paintings and drawings are colorful reminders of a very different way of experiencing life.
The Community of Riggins, ID
Hollis Richardson lived in Riggins, ID, from 1977 to 1987. He was in daily contact with ranchers and loggers, who patronized his small general store. He also taught art and social studies in Riggins, grades one through twelve, where the ranchers and loggers’ children and grandchildren educated Hollis on the local culture. The rodeo was the summer's main event in the Salmon River Canyon community of Riggins.
Everyone in the community went, and some participated. The Nez Perce Reservation at Lewiston, ID, was a short drive, and Hollis enjoyed many of their small powwows, which drew participants from other tribes. The Riggins people became frequent subjects of his American Western paintings and drawings, showcasing life in this small community.
Everyone in the community went, and some participated. The Nez Perce Reservation at Lewiston, ID, was a short drive, and Hollis enjoyed many of their small powwows, which drew participants from other tribes. The Riggins people became frequent subjects of his American Western paintings and drawings, showcasing life in this small community.
Impressions of Native American Life
After selling his small grocery business, Hollis worked full-time on his artwork during the summers. He created realistic art pieces in a traditional and impressionistic style. After moving to Denver, the annual multinational powwow was a special treat, and he continued making Native Americans the subject of his oil paintings.
Hollis’s artwork was also influenced by his love for the color and decorative elements of Native American dress and the movement of their dances. The sound of the drums gave rhythm to his paintings and inspired him to pursue his artwork full-time. This led to visits to Taos and Santa Fe, where he explored art galleries and observed Puebloan life. The work of Taos artists Nicolai Fechin, Sergei Bongart, and William Reese influenced his artwork in traditional and impressionistic styles. Sergei was a Russian impressionist living in Los Angeles, and William was a student of Sergei’s living in the northwest. The work of these amazing artists spurred Hollis on to achieve similar skills in his own artwork.
Hollis’s artwork was also influenced by his love for the color and decorative elements of Native American dress and the movement of their dances. The sound of the drums gave rhythm to his paintings and inspired him to pursue his artwork full-time. This led to visits to Taos and Santa Fe, where he explored art galleries and observed Puebloan life. The work of Taos artists Nicolai Fechin, Sergei Bongart, and William Reese influenced his artwork in traditional and impressionistic styles. Sergei was a Russian impressionist living in Los Angeles, and William was a student of Sergei’s living in the northwest. The work of these amazing artists spurred Hollis on to achieve similar skills in his own artwork.
BECOMING A WESTERN ARTIST: IMMERSING IN THE CULTURE
To excel as a Western artist, it's essential to have an intimate understanding of the subject matter, which is paramount in American Western paintings and drawings. Many traditional artists, such as Frederick Remington and Charlie Russell, immersed themselves in the Old West to authentically capture its essence. Living among the people and experiencing their culture firsthand enriches the artist's ability to render life realistically and accurately.
Gain Authentic Experience
Charlie Russell, for instance, lived and worked as a cowboy and resided among the Blackfeet tribe in Montana, infusing his paintings with action, color, and authenticity. Western art galleries and shows that showcase traditional artwork of the American West are primarily located in the western states, expecting artists to have genuine experiences and accurately depict life in the region.
Recognition in Western Art Shows
Hollis Richardson's participation in numerous Western art shows during his time in Idaho and Colorado led to considerable recognition for his American Western paintings and drawings. Aspiring Western artists can follow in the footsteps of these traditional artists, gaining firsthand experiences and capturing the spirit of the American West in their artwork to captivate art collectors with authentic and compelling pieces.