Steve Hanks Realistic Watercolor Paintings

Steve Hanks watercolor paintings are realistic and extra-ordinary in terms of perfection and style. He is titled as one of the best artists working today using watercolor. The color, light and realism of Steve Hanks’ paintings are a miracle in this tough medium. An artistically tailored quilt, the outline of light on beach sand along with innocent expression and love  of a child—all these precious moments are perfectly portrayed better than anyone in this medium.

This gifted artist was born in San Diego in 1949. He grew up surfing along the beaches of California and playing tennis. According to him it was the ocean that made an evergreen impression and he enjoyed every moment with water-swimming, surfing or simply sitting on the beaches watching the magical power of water. In 1976, he took a caretaker job at a camp in New Mexico. Even though the pay was not much, he got enough leisure time there. He tried different mediums including acrylics, oils and watercolor.

Most of his works are an example for “emotional realism”. When you examine his paintings, you may notice one common factor that he left the faces turned away or obscured so that viewer’s imagination goes up to sky and there is room for the entire figure to completely express the emotion. One of the notable features of his style is “backlighting”. It is the sunlight that inspired most of his artworks. He was more inspired and energetic after marrying Laura and after being blessed with three children.

His artworks are highly recognized and appreciated by galleries, jurors and art collectors. Some of his achievements are:

• National Watercolor Society Merit Award
• Gold Medal(National Academy of Western Art)
• Appeared several times in the list of top ten American artists compiled by U.S. Art Magazine

Steve Hanks Watercolor Paintings:

Check out more artworks of Steve Hanks at his website www.stevehanksartwork.com