"PasoScapes: Erin Hanson Landscapes in Oil" comes to Studios on the Park

Paso Robles Press Local Spotlight Feature: 'PasoScapes: Erin Hanson Landscapes in Oil' comes to Studios in the Park

By Hayley Thomas 

For The Paso Robles Press

Following the success of her 2012 solo show, artist Erin Hanson is slated to unveil her most recent Paso-centric collection yet: 'PasoScapes: Erin Hanson Landscapes in Oil' will run at Studios on the Park beginning Oct. 3. The show runs through Oct. 27 with an opening reception on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 5 to 10 p.m. Wine and live music will round out the event.

Hanson is a lifelong painter with a worldwide following of both esteemed collectors and casual art lovers. According to the artist's biography, her paintings "breathe unexpected life into the world of landscapes with her signature bold and prismatic style, deemed open impressionism."

"I started painting in an impressionist style as a kid," said Hanson. "The classical impressionists use tiny brushstrokes, using layering and a lot of paint to build up texture. Over 20 years, I developed my own style of open impressionism. I don't use any layering, but I do use a ton of texture and large brush strokes."

Hanson said the finished effect is like "a mosaic of color" that you may have to step back to fully appreciate. In college, the artist was interested in comic book art, even dabbling in ink and watercolor. She said there are graphic elements to her landscapes that resonate a bold vibe.

"When I look for something to paint, I look for simplicity of composition and lines. There's something about the clean lines of the [Paso Robles] hills and the clean lines of the trees that I love painting," said Hanson. "There's something about oak trees that is really dramatic and creates contrast and motion with the interplay of branches and the interplay of grasses."

 A Los Angeles resident, Hanson came to Paso Robles three years ago.

"I thought, 'I could paint this landscape forever,'" said Hanson. "I grew up in California, but had never seen those perfect, rounded hills with those perfect little oak trees. It's like from out of a movie."

The artist returned a week later to take photos of the area. Her upcoming exhibit will feature landscapes from Cambria to Paso Robles. 

"I went down every back road that wasn't closed off," she said, adding that she enjoys returning to see the hills turn green and gold throughout the year. 

The artist, 32, said she understands why her work is so beloved in Paso Robles.

"Anyone who lives in Paso has a pride in their landscape, and it is a unique landscape," she said. "I have a lot of love from the area, too, and it comes through in my work; they feel my passion."

As an avid hiker and rock climber, Hanson said she experiences her landscape hands-on. She began painting full-time about seven years ago. At the time, she was living in Las Vegas.

"I started painting deserts, eventually going to Utah and Arizona," she said. "I do have a passion for desertscapes, but the other landscape that I love to paint is Paso Robles. If you look on my website, you can see that it's almost all Paso Robles."

Hanson said the word "landscape" need not be connected with musty or blasé.

"Even people who love abstract works are drawn to my work, and they just have to have it," said Hanson. "You don't have to love landscapes to love my work."

After three years of painting Paso Robles, Hanson doesn't plan on quitting anytime soon. The artist will continue to find a vibrant drama in the rolling hills, gnarled oak trees, and expansive sky.

"A lot of landscapes aren't that dramatic," said Hanson. "In order for someone to love a landscape, there needs to be drama. There needs to be a feeling that makes you want to come back to it again and again."

Studios on the Park

Studios on the Park, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a transformational experience to enhance understanding and appreciation of the visual arts.  Studios engages and inspires the San Luis Obispo County community and its visitors with a unique open studio environment. Studios features artists working in a variety of media, educational programs for children and adults, and quality exhibitions by regional, national, and international artists. 

Online at www.Studiosionthepark.org.