Arcadia Fine Arts Gallery Online Log / Blog

2011 was a pretty grand year for Ron Hicks, with a knock out fashion heavy one man exhibition this past April, and new works in two different Arcadia group shows. He has to be one of the hardest working painters around these days. After years of hustling, he’s really stepping into the head of the pack as one of the most recognizable and collected painters in our stable of artists. Consistent with his reputation, Ron is coming out of the gate strong this year with a brand new large oil of a couple romancing in Italy. He has a fantastic grasp on pallet to set a mood and environment with those great signature brush strokes. If you happen to be in LA this weekend, make sure you get a look for yourself at the LA Art Show.

Ron Hicks, “Lovers Italiano,” Oil on Linen, 50″ x 50″

While the bulk of Ron Hicks’ latest show is overtly about the various states of romance, this great mid sized piece is the only one that could carry a different narrative style altogether. The cold gaze of this woman on a sunny afternoon scene is mysterious in a way that could be the result of a bad romance, or bad blood. Either way, I’m wondering what’s in the trunk.

Ron Hicks, “The Journey Begins,” Oil on Linen, 30″ x 32″

Today is the opening day of the brand new Ron Hicks show at our gallery in Soho.  The opening runs from 4 to 6 pm, and the artist will be in attendance.   This is the centerpiece of the show– “Intimate Encounter.”  Continuing his theme of romance in the presence of fashion, Hicks depicts a couple that is close by proximity, but infinitely distant in an emotional sense.  Subtle gestures are complimented by loose brush strokes that really drive home the dramatic nature of the scene.

Everything about each characters’  body language– their hands, facial expressions, and postures– create an undeniable dissonance in this romantic pairing.     Each painting in the show reads like a cinematic still, rendered in oil.  I strongly recommend stopping by this weekend to see all this great work in person.

Ron Hicks, “Intimate Encounter,” Oil on Linen, 50″ x 40″

With every show at Arcadia, there is always one piece that comes in that we know right away will have very little time on the gallery wall.  This is one of those pieces.  Everything that Hicks set out to do with this show is right here in this painting– a narrative scene depicting a strong female character, with timeless beauty, an accute awareness of fashion, and a strong heir of ambivalence.  Hicks’ ability to be brilliantly vague is harnessed in all the right ways.  You don’t need to see other men fawning over her.  You don’t even need to see the numbers on the roullette wheel. You don’t need to see every jewel on that necklace.  We all know she’s worth billions– her expression explains it loud and clear.

Ron Hicks, “Lucky Number,” Oil on Linen, 30″ x 24″

One of the few underlying themes in the new Ron Hicks show is transportation. By using vehicles that are ambiguously vintage, Hicks is creating an environment that is incredibly timeless, but still relevant. This new piece “Take Me Away” could be a young couple setting out on a day trip in 1930′s Italy, or some super fabulous Soho fashionistas parked in front of the gallery today, or anything in between. That longing to “get away” with a loved one is as timeless as the concepts of people, home, and romance.

Ron Hicks, “Take Me Away,” Oil on Linen, 40″ x 30″

The new Ron Hicks catalog has arrived for the 2011 show. It’s 16 pages with 14 full color images. They will be available at the show this Saturday, and I must say– it’s a great looking catalog.

Spring is here just in time for the Ron Hicks show this Saturday. Soho is gorgeous today by the way….
Today’s preview is a classy and seductive little piece called “Caught In The Act.” Hicks often depicts incredibly strong, and seductive female figures who dominate the canvas (check out “Daydream Beauty” from a few days ago…). In this piece, however, Hicks introduces us to a strong male character who barely notices the fawning woman in his embrace.

That push and pull of attention between characters gives Hicks’ work the kind of drama that elevates his work from “pretty pictures” to actually being something interesting.

Ron Hicks, “Caught In The Act,” Oil on Linen, 32″ x 28″

While Ron Hicks has a signature style, and an incredibly developed technique, they are only the skeleton of his work. The real substance– the heart, and brains, and muscle of his work– is found in his ability to describe romantic interaction.

His ability to capture the unspoken language of couples in various states of love, is what is most profound. Each narrative can be set by the subtle way he places the eyes, and the hands. Simple adjustments can describe love in bloom, unrequited love, or a couple falling out of love.

Yeah, he has a great style, but his ability to perceive the complexities of romance is tremendous.

Ron Hicks, “Good Company,” Oil on Linen, 30″ x 36

There are two things we are looking forward to in the immediate future (in no particular order)–

#1- Spring (Come on New York, let’s start seeing some green!)

#2- The new Ron Hicks show which opens Saturday April 16.

Just as a teaser, here is a studio shot of Ron with a bunch of his new paintings just before he shipped them out a few days ago. Once we sort through all of his amazing, romantic, and fashion-forward new work, I will start previewing the show right here on our blog (and our Facebook as well– be our fan!).

There are some really great gems. If you’re a painter, keeps your eyes on our blog (arcadiafinearts.com/blog) where I will be posting detail images. If you’re a collector, get a hold of us at the gallery and let us know that you NEED to see a preview before the show opens.

In the meantime– take a gander at all the great work on the way—

Colorado based painter Ron Hicks has an incredible ability to suspend the concept of time in his work, and get to the heart of human interaction. There is always something old world about his work through his technique, with just a hint of modern fashion and style. The most timeless quality of his work though, is the elusive nature of love. Keep an eye out for his brand new show this April at Arcadia.
Ron Hicks, “Intimate Encounter,” Oil on Canvas, 50″ x 40″