An In-Depth Look into Erin Hanson's Anticipated Exhibition

Erin Hanson has long been fascinated by the endless color variations found in nature. She has spent her life working to capture the intense colors produced during different times of day in a variety of terrains and locales. If you have had the opportunity to browse her portfolio, you will see that she focuses on capturing the play of light and depth of shadow found in landscapes across the western United States. Many of her past paintings have shown a predominance of greens, blues, and reds; rarely has she ventured exclusively into the many shades of oranges.

In Hanson’s upcoming The Orange Show, she dives deep into this color, capturing every tint of orange from amber to marigold. In this article, we take a closer look at each painting to be featured in the show.

Streak of Orange by Erin Hanson, 40x30 in

The spray of dying light cast across the sky by a setting sun is a scene many artists have tried to capture across the world. Erin Hanson recreates sunset across a Southern California sky in Streak of Orange, using her signature impressionistic style.

Gilded Path by Erin Hanson, 36x24 in

Many of us miss dawn. We may sleep through this unique time of day or already be fast at work as the sun lightens our sky. Though dawn is rarely seen, it is well known as a distinctive time of day when the sun first peaks into the world, creating intense colors for only a few moments. Gilded Path captures the fiery intensity of dawn with more than paint. Erin has applied 24kt gold leaf to the underpainting, using the light of the present to recreate the shimmering golden rays that hit the world on the morning captured in Gilded Path.

Shaded Breeze by Erin Hanson, 48x48 in

Autumn leaves are the ideal subject for anyone wishing to find fiery reds and bright oranges in nature. Shaded Breeze depicts Jack Frost’s first touch upon a tree-lined lane in Southern Utah.

Topaz Glow by Erin Hanson, 30x30 in

Thick, impressionistic brush strokes capture a summer dawn in Paso Robles. There is something energetic about the light Erin depicts in this modern impressionist painting – the intense light that begins a brand new day.

Grand Canyon in Orange by Erin Hanson, 48x48 in

Anyone who has experienced the majesty of the Grand Canyon will have the opportunity to re-experience that feeling at Erin Hanson’s Orange Show. Grand Canyon in Orange depicts the awe-inspiring vistas, intense colors, and raw beauty represented by one of our nation’s most spectacular national treasures.

Aspens and Pine by Erin Hanson, 40x32 in

Autumn progresses through many shades. As the year progresses towards its close, the trees begin to turn: autumn leaves contrasting against green summer leaves. As autumn moves forward, there is a very short time that may only last for a few days when every single tree boasts vibrant tangerine, gold, amber, and fiery colors. Aspens and Pine captures that apex of autumn and contrasts it with the evergreen colors of pine.

Winter Orange by Erin Hanson, 30x24 in

Sunsets are different across the globe. In Winter Orange, Erin Hanson captures the cerulean sky of the Northwest as it gradually turns rosy and golden.

 Radiant Orange by Erin Hanson, 48x36 in

Winter in Utah is often harsh and frigid. However, that clear, clean light sets bare branches on fire as the sun falls behind the red rock cliffs of St. George in Radiant Orange.

 Adelaida Orange by Erin Hanson, 40x30 in

The view of California’s wine country in summer is often row upon row of green, fruitful vines. Erin Hanson steps past the vineyards and into the natural landscape of Paso Robles in Adeliada Orange. Here, she catches early morning light cast over the golden grass, creating a unique combination of light and shadow.

     
Sunflowers in Vase by Erin Hanson, 40x40 in
Sunflowers in Orange by Erin Hanson, 48x60 in

Sunflowers are a simple summer flower that engulf the essence of the season. They grow wild throughout Southern California, brightening up dusty roads and lifting the spirits of hikers as they wander the hills and mountains throughout the state. Erin has her own relationship with floral still lifes and became energized at the prospect of painting sunflowers in honor of the Orange Show.

Erin says, “I have always wanted to paint orange sunflowers, it is one of the ideas that initially got me excited about doing an Orange Show.”

Citrus Hills by Erin Hanson, 40x40 in

California sunsets are said to be some of the most beautiful in the world. Citrus Hills captures Northern California as the sun sets the world on fire with each dying ray, creating a luminous landscape of crimson, gold, and every color in between.

North of Arches by Erin Hanson, 48x48 in

Following the Colorado River in January, Erin Hanson discovered a vista of rock and river that both captured and reflected the brilliance of the rising sun. Light plays across every part of North of Arches, reawakening the cold, bright beauty of a winter dawn.

Monument in Orange by Erin Hanson, 50x36 in

Erin captures the red-sand desert of Monument Valley in cadmium, ginger, and crimson in Monument in Orange. The stunning vistas of this Navajo Tribal Park are backdropped by a sapphire sky.

                                                                Autumn Orange by Erin Hanson, 48x30 in

Even Southern California experiences the beauty and vibrancy of autumn, as shown in Autumn Orange. California sycamores rise up in celebration of the crisp air, clear light, and intense hues of the season.

Fins at Dawn by Erin Hanson, 40 x 50 in

The raw beauty of Arches National Park is captured in Fins at Dawn. This painting includes every shade from wine to apricot, showing how the natural progression of light changes red sandstone into something even more spectacular.

Thistles in Orange by Erin Hanson, 30x40 in

Erin Hanson shows us the golden hills of California, dotted with green oak trees as the day begins in Paso Robles.

Erin Hanson: The Orange Show is complete at eighteen paintings. Be sure to celebrate the season with us by visiting this exhibition at The Erin Hanson Gallery in Los Angeles, October 1st – 28th. 

We hope you enjoy the vibrancy and beauty of this triumph of orange.

Erin Hanson: The Orange Show   |   About Erin Hanson