Artist Barbara Hack
Barbara Hack is an American artist and painter who earned a Finalist Place in the 3rd Edition of the Boynes Emerging Artist Award.
Can you tell us about your artistic journey so far?
From courtroom artist to fashion illustrator and everything in between, I have always held a great passion for the figure. Three years ago, I made the decision to pursue this love for painting full time. An ongoing reflection on people and their emotions, my subject matter reflects my love for figurative work and the challenge of realistic portraiture. Working predominantly in painting mediums, I aim to push beyond realism and capture resonant moments in time. The paintings pursue figures from the pasts, showing both their moods and contexts. While seemingly simple momentary presences, ephemeral figures, nonetheless, still have the ability to make lasting, even shaping, impressions. Through my work, I strive to understand these figures and their ephemerality and to share that understanding with others.
“Expectance”
By Barbara Hack
Oil
What inspired you to begin creating art?
I don’t think anything any one thing acted as an inspiration to start creating. Art just always stayed with me. My earliest memories revolve around drawing, and my family always encouraged me. In school, I drew anytime that I could, whether I had a sketchbook or the margins of my notebooks in class… I just constantly put something on paper.
What inspires you to create work now?
I focus on figurative work because I want to tell people’s stories. The majority of my inspiration comes from things or people that I see, and a voice in my head tells me that I need to paint that subject. It can come during a ride on the subway, in a hotel lobby, or from the people around me. Sometimes, the reason that I paint that particular subject or the meaning of the painting does not come out until I have begun the process of painting. I like to tell a story with my work. Sometimes, the painting shows the person’s story, and other times, it shows my own story. Quite often when I paint someone else’s image and show their narrative, I learn a lot about myself.
“Jerome-A Life’s Collage”
By Barbara Hack
Oil
What mediums do you work in and experiment with?
For the most part, I work in oil. My drawings include work done in charcoal, pan pastel, and graphite. I oscillate between a loose and tight style, so I constantly experiment with new things and try not to follow one distinct pattern all the time.
Are there any particular brands of art supplies that you prefer using? Is so, why?
I use a variety of paints, but some of my favorite brands include Michael Harding, Vasari, and Rublev because of their texture. Those paints have a soft, buttery consistency that works very well for me. I also have an assortment of brushes; however, I most prefer to use Rosemary, Princeton, Isabey, and Silver because they not only hold up well, but they perfectly translate each stroke. For drawing supplies, I work mostly with General’s charcoal and pencils and Pan Pastel soft pastels. I generally use Canson Mi Teintes and Strathmore products for paper.
“Offering of Strength”
By Barbara Hack
Oil
Do you have any particular ways that you work through a creative artist block?
No… I wish I did though! Sometimes, I just have to accept that block as a time to regroup. I have found it best to treat it as necessary downtime.
Can you give any piece of advice to your fellow artists on what you have learned while you practiced your craft?
While practicing my craft as a full time artist, I have learned that no one can teach you discipline or how to remain disciplined in your work. Despite that fact, you can learn it. Every day, you have to wake up, approach your art, and practice. Painting and drawing anything, not necessarily always for a finish piece, have to function as a piece of your daily routine. Progress only amounts from practice.
“St. Anthony .. Patron Saint of Lost Things”
By Barbara Hack
Oil
How do you manage the need for perfection within your work?
Perfection does not exist… only progress. Nothing perfect will ever come about. When painting, I strive to complete my best work that I can at that moment in time; all the same, I have to know and remember that my options do not include perfection. Ever. I simply try to do my absolute best and keep progressing with each painting or drawing that I complete.
“Untitled”
By Barbara Hack
Oil
How do you process/come to terms with and even use other people’s opinion of your work?
With any critique of my work, I take what I can from the opinion. I will take a deep look the work and the thoughts to see if I agree or disagree. I always remain open to suggestions and constructive critiques, but I know that, in the long run, I still need to feel happy and proud of the work that I have done.
“Whitney”
By Barbara Hack
Oil
Is there an artist/s who inspires you creatively?
Without a doubt, John Singer Sargent, Helen Frankenthaler, and Alberto Giacometti have influenced my work. In addition, so many of my contemporary artists continue to inspire me daily that it seems impossible to name them all. For me, having so many wonderful artists and artwork to see and follow marks the best part of social media these days.
To view more of Barbara Hack’s work