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We recently had the honor of dining with Ron Hicks and a small group of collectors and artists, all of whom were equally captivated by the conversation between The ArtSol curator Rose Fredrick and Ron at Gallery 1261 in Denver, Colorado. Transported on a journey of how he became the figure painter we see today, Ron Hicks, a Denver based, born and raised artist, began recounting the story behind his most recent work. That road was filled with twists and turns and shaped by the people, places, and moments beyond his studio.
The emotions he portrays are so vivid that as he talks about his experience as an African American man, you can feel them jumping off the canvas. Seen in the faces of his figure paintings, the memory of his mother as a strong female influence, reminding him that there is going to be good and there is going to be bad in the world. It was as if each stroke of the brush whispered tales of resilience, hope, and the inherent complexities of existence.
Ron Hicks, Odd Woman In, Oil on cradled panel, 2023 Ron Hicks, Auroral Continuum, Oil on cradled panel, 2022
From the Grind to the Studio
But how did Ron embark on this artistic path? Like many artists, Ron Hicks didn’t start his journey as a full-time painter. He once had what some may call a “real job” working in the complaint department of PrimeStar, but his passion for art eventually led him down a different path.
His earlier works were somewhat different from what is displayed in the gallery today, mundane scenes you might find in any community. Conducting the interview, Rose Fredrick, mentions a piece from these early days, now in her private collection, “The Barber Shop”. This work conveys a sense of romanticism with a splash of formulaic depictions of these men doing their job.
A true realist, Ron only paints what he knows, and a black barbershop in a Denver neighborhood was exactly that. A determination to be himself through painting, he sought out to seek his truth of how he saw the world and convey that story into the canvas.
Ron Hicks, The Barber Shop
Artist as storyteller
And oh, what stories those canvases tell! Ron Hicks breathes life into his artwork. He infuses each artwork with a part of himself. His paintings become more than just images. They become vessels of self-expression, reflecting his own journey, his triumphs and setbacks from his own experiences. In his own words, “I am my art, and my art is me,” encapsulating the profound connection between the artist and his creations, providing his take on the world.
One of the most captivating aspects of Ron Hicks’ art is his ability to transform the human figure into an abstract shape. Place your hand over the face and it’s a standalone abstract painting. In a collaboration with another artist, Michael Gadlin, who also taught at the Art Students League of Denver, he had this shift in what his work could be.
From then to now
His fellow artist worked exclusively in abstract paintings, whereas Ron had his forms and figures. Each artist started in a different corner of this large canvas they slowly worked together bringing about something new for each of them! The resulting artwork was a beautiful fusion of form and emotion, completely changing Ron’s perspective.
But what goes into creating such impactful artwork? Ron Hicks’ artistic process is a testament to his dedication and passion. He carefully lays down a bible passage, drawing inspiration from the emotions and thoughts that are brought to the surface.
Every stroke carries an emotional response, a piece of his soul embedded within the canvas. And the question of when a painting is finished? It’s not just about technicalities; it’s about capturing that elusive moment when the artwork speaks to him and evokes that powerful emotional connection.
Cherry on top
During the end of the dinner, Ron Hicks answered questions from guests, brimming with curiosity about the inspiration behind his captivating figures. People often assume that his paintings depict specific people. Imagine the surprise to learn that most of the faces he paints are from his own imagination! Ron explains that he views the figure as another abstract shape pulling audiences into the stories with no obvious light source and figures often anatomically incorrect.
Dinner with Artists event featuring Ron Hicks
As the evening winds down, plates with a beautiful strawberry tres leches cake, created by chefs from Señor Bear, a restaurant in the Culinary Creative team, are placed in front of each guest. Surrounded visually by the emotionally charged figures of Ron’s, the aroma of a beautiful meal and the taste of inspired flavors fills our other senses. Just like this culinary masterpiece crafted by skilled Chef Johnny DePierro (join our patreon to get recipes), art has the power to evoke emotions and create a sensory experience. Art, like food, can take us on a journey, touching our hearts and souls with every brushstroke or bite.
As art enthusiasts, it’s important to recognize the depth and significance of an artist’s work. Ron Hicks invites us to do just that and get lost in the emotions.
Ron Hicks, Amber Eve, Oil on panel, 2022
Listen to the full podcast episode here or wherever you stream your podcasts!