Richard Hawk

Composure

2016

American painter Richard Hawk creates work with a coalescence of mediums. Oxidized copper merges with oil paint in a way that brings out the beauty of a decayed patina. The results are eloquent and powerful, with imagery that is open to interpretation. Hawk is inspired by the human body, duality, eternity and the natural processes of decay. Each piece begins with taking hundreds of photographs of a model or scene to thoroughly capture the form he will create on canvas. Occasionally, he will combine several photos into one finished painting, adding a visual sumptuousness to the art. 

Hawk was born in New York in 1952. His parents provided an enriching environment where he was encouraged to pursue academics. He began his career in advertising design and illustration, working on many commercial projects and film productions. Eventually, he shifted his practice to fine art and moved to California. 

Hawk’s work is in private and public collections worldwide. General Electric commissioned him to create a piece for its New York offices. Called Jet Engine Mandala, the painting has a metallic copper tone that emphasizes the mechanical components of a jet engine and its striking geometry. 

On 1stDibs, find a selection of Richard Hawk’s figurative paintings, abstract paintings and nude paintings.