Art by Hollis Richardson
Biography
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Hollis Richardson's biography is full of rich life experiences and twists and turns, shifting his artwork from realism to impressionism, the stylization of modern art, and abstract forms. He began as a young child by drawing everything he saw and became encouraged to pursue art when his mural won an award in high school. Richardson majored in art at Southeastern State University in Oklahoma and graduated with an MA in Art Education, ultimately creating expresive modern art.
influences
While teaching in Europe he was inspired by the great artworks he saw in European museums by master artists. He was intrigued by the works of impressionists and post impressionists and their story. He found Van Gogh’s work artwork impressive and it created a desire in him to become a skilled expressive artist.
Hollis Richardson has since studied traditional master artists such as Nicoli Fechin, a Russian Impressionist from Taos, and William Reese an American artist from the northwest. More recently he has favored modern artists like Ergon Schiele, Gustave Klimt, Chaim Soutine, other expressionists and African art.
Since Richardson has been open to many influences, his work has never been static, evolving over the years following a similar progression of art history, becoming increasingly modern art.
Throughout the years, the common thread has been Richardson’s interest in people, especially women, diverse people and their circumstances. It is a direct result of his positive relationships and varied experiences: as a child migrant worker in California, a teacher on the Navajo reservation, a soldier in the last days of the Korean War, life in Germany and France, as a teacher in the Schools for Army Dependents in Europe, a teacher in rural Idaho and a mental health worker for many years in California and Colorado. His deep understanding of human nature and his love of painting, drawing and sculpting have consistently intermingled throughout his lifetime. He explores other subject matter and media, but he always returns to oil painting and drawing, which he finds interesting and challenging.
artwork
In California (1969-1970), Richardson created detailed drawings, using radiograph pens, which produced fine lines, as seen in his traditional western artwork. In Idaho and Colorado (1977-1992) he mastered impressionism, often painting Native Americans. When he moved to Ohio and started working full time, he made a dramatic shift to stylized forms, but continued his use of bold colors. Richardson then found new freedom in abstract paintings and drawings with Prismacolor Pencils, which also satisfies his penchant for vibrant colors.
He believes all good artwork has an abstract quality and that is always his artistic goal, no matter if he is painting, drawing or sculpting. He is a master of artistic expression, the deliberate use of distortion, and the elements of design: line, shape, form, texture, value, color and positive and negative space. Richardson particularly enjoys following an intuitive form of art. He allows his imagination to flow freely by not making a detailed plan. He begins with general ideas about shapes and colors. The image evolves as the creative process progresses. He focuses on the elements of design, but the content of his artwork is subjective. Today, he has no interest in precise depictions of nature, but aspires to simplify and present the subject’s essence while creating good design.
Richardson has been creating artwork for over 70 years and has devoted himself full time to his art since 1992. More than ever, he continues to pursue artistic excellence. Check out his Selected Shows and Awards to learn more about the recognition he has received over the years. He continues to produce modern art that is unique and distinctive.
His artwork can be found in homes and offices of discerning collectors throughout the United States. He currently displays his art in selected shows, on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram. This website contains the most extensive collection of his artwork.