I have decided to do an Artist Spotlight series, with the aim of introducing you to new artists and their works. I also intend to analyze and break down my reasons for liking the artist. What is it I’m drawn to? What part of me identifies with the artist? It is beyond, “I like this piece,” or “that is an incredible amount of work and talent.”
I’m not going to be highbrow and try to even begin to assume that I really know what I’m seeing when I’m looking at an artist’s work, or their intention—that is entirely their domain, and reason, and head space. But, I will say that I will break down in terms of how I feel, what pulls me toward the work, the artist, and what I feel I’m learning from the pull of experience.
I may even cycle through artists several times, and different artworks. I don’t want to this academic. I want to this to be self-discovery through others’ discovery. Just like a good poem leaves you learning about yourself, and then asking more questions, so does great art! ♥
Without further ado, here are in-studio images of Hope Gangloff to entice you. I highly recommend you view her completed works with time, space, and attention, here.
I love Hope Gangloff’s work. I’ve been entranced with her for several years now. There are many reasons for this: of course, her portraits, which are always what I’m drawn to, but there is more.
- The intimacy of her subjects, all being friends she knows well, and has spent time with
- Her color choices are pop-art bright and alive
- Her lines, loose, and young, with structure as needed
- Her inclusion of household objects: sometimes as setting, mood, commentary, or just for their shape
- Large format, which is eye-entrancing and pulls
- Subject matter: common life, friends, free time, and rest—small wonders of every day life, and enduring friendships
- The works’ overall tone: like a friend you could tell you life story to over a bottle of wine—kindness and tolerance exemplified
