Art by Hollis Richardson

Biography

Hollis Richardson's biography is full of rich life experiences and twists and turns, shifting his artwork from realism to impressionism, stylization, 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.
In the beginning, he was inspired by the work of the great masters in European museums, where he was intrigued by the works of impressionists and post-impressionists. He has since studied many modern and traditional masters such as Egon Schiele, Gustave Klimt, Chaim Soutine, other expressionists, and African artists.

Influences

Since Richardson has remained open to learning from many influences, his work has never been static. It has continuously evolved, becoming increasingly more modern. In California (1970-1977), he created detailed realistic drawings using Rapidograph pens, which produced fine lines as seen in his Western Art. In Idaho and Colorado (1977-1992), he mastered impressionism, often painting Native Americans. When he moved to Ohio and started producing art full time, he made a dramatic shift to stylized forms, but continued with his use of bold colors. He continues to produce modern art, emphasizing an abstract quality that is unique and distinctive.
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 Army Schools for Dependents, a school teacher in rural Idaho and a mental health worker for many years in California and Colorado.
His observations of human nature and his love of painting, drawing, and sculpting have consistently intermingled throughout his lifetime. He often explores other subject matter and media and enjoys creating sculptures. However, time after time, he returns to oil painting and drawing, which he finds interesting and challenging.

Artwork

Richardson found new freedom in exploring abstract paintings, graphite drawing and enjoys a whole new process of drawing with Prismacolor pencils, which also satisfies his penchant for vibrant colors. He believes all good art has a strong 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, form, texture, value, color, and positive and negative space. Richardson particularly enjoys following an intuitive form of art. He has often worked spontaneously, without a plan or visual image to follow, allowing his imagination to flow freely. Though he begins with general ideas about colors and shapes, the image evolves as the creative process progresses. He focuses on the elements of design, but the content of the image is subjective. Today, his intention is not to precisely depict nature. but to simplify and present the subject's essence while creating a good design.
Richardson has been actively creating works of art professionally for over 70 years and has devoted himself full time to his art since 1992. More than ever, he continues to pursue artistic excellence, expressing his interest and appreciation of people and his positive outlook on life. His artwork represents the highest form of artistic accomplishment; check out his Selected Shows and Awards to learn more about the recognition he has received over the years. His artwork can be found in homes and offices of discerning collectors throughout the United States. He currently shows his work in selected shows, on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and on this website.