1874 to 2024 Impressionism Then and Now

A look toward the future of impressionism

Thursday, August 22, 2024

Erin Hanson recently returned from a whirlwind adventure across France, following in the footsteps of Monet and van Gogh. She stood in many of the exact locations they stood and painted, seeing the French landscape from their point of view, finding inspiration from the same beautiful light and colors that inspired these two artistic pioneers.

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Erin Hanson's Artistic Pilgrimage through France

Retracing the Steps of van Gogh and Monet

Thursday, August 15, 2024

Renowned artist Erin Hanson embarked on a transformative journey through France, following in the footsteps of two pioneering painters whose works have profoundly influenced Erin’s love of art and impressionism for decades: Monet and van Gogh. As a result of this inspiring journey, Erin has created a new collection titled “Reflections of the Seine: Inspirations from France” as a love letter to the artists who first inspired her in her formative years.

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Introducing: Monet's Water Lilies

Immersive Inspiration

Saturday, July 27, 2024

Erin Hanson recently embarked on an artistic pilgrimage through the heart of Monet's artistic universe. Since then, she has returned to her studio put brush to canvas. We invite you to enjoy her newest large-scale painting, "Monet's Lilies."

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Erin Hanson’s Water Art

Explore impressionist water artwork

Saturday, June 15, 2024

Erin Hanson has created over two hundred coastal landscapes, a collection of water lily paintings, and innumerable works featuring rivers and lakes. Water, its motion, reflections, and beauty have all been featured in many of her paintings.

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Erin Hanson’s Sakura Adventure

Erin visited the cherry blossoms in her recent Japan trip

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Erin just returned from her second trip to Japan. Her goal for this trip was to find inspiration among the blossoming cherry trees known in Japan as "sakura."

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The Secret Meaning of Cypress Trees in Art

Cypress trees have held symbolism in cultures across the planet

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Did you know cypress trees have particular symbolism in art, mythology, and religion? For centuries, Middle Eastern and European cultures have revered the cypress as a symbol of the transition between life and death, with cypresses symbolizing the uplifting of the human spirit and the possibilities of eternal life.

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Why Wine Country?

Erin Hanson delves into why she loves to paint wine country

Monday, January 1, 2024

Erin Hanson explains why she chose pastoral landscapes in wine country as a subject for her open impressionist oil paintings.

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Preservation through Art: California Desert

Enjoy the vibrancy within every desert-scape

Sunday, December 31, 2023

Erin Hanson has been painting California desert scenes for well over two decades. As a California native who grew up both in the Southwest and Pacific Northwest, deserts have been her lifelong companion. Erin Hanson has been painting California desert scenes for well over two decades. As an Oregon native who transplanted to the California desert at a young age, deserts acted as a childhood companion. However, unless one is actively immersed in a desert town like Palm Springs, La Quinta, or Indian Wells, one must seek out the dusty expanses that cover California's desert region. These desolate areas strike one as stark and monotonous. However, if one has Erin's eye, a desert dweller can see the vibrancy blossoming within.

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Painting the Blue Ridge Mountains

Art of Appalachia

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

In the 1800s, oil painter William Louis Sonntag put brush to board and created a lovely painting called The Blue Ridge Mountains. Since then, many artists have depicted the Blue Ridge Mountains in paint, and those artists include Erin Hanson.

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Painting Small Works

Erin Hanson's Petite Paintings

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

I began creating “petite” paintings as little studies to reference when painting a larger piece. I now find particular joy in creating them and use them to push myself as a painter.

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Follow In Erin Hanson's Footsteps: Explore the Grand Canyon Like an Artist

Follow in Erin Hanson's Footsteps

Tuesday, October 31, 2023

If you are interested in Erin Hanson's work, this article will allow you to virtually follow in her footsteps around the canyon. You can also use it as a resource when visiting the Grand Canyon National Park. Using this guide, you can see the views Hanson portrays and watch as the park changes throughout the seasons.

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What are Floater Frames?

Find out what it means when someone offers "floater frames" or "floating frames"

Thursday, September 21, 2023

One question that gets asked here at the Erin Hanson Gallery is "What is a floater frame?" or "What is a floating frame?" We are here to answer that question - and give you an overview of the various framing styles we use when framing Erin Hanson's oil paintings, canvas prints, and 3D textured replicas here at the gallery.

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Follow In Erin Hanson's Footsteps: Explore Zion National Park Like an Artist

Where should artists go to paint in Zion?

Friday, September 15, 2023

Erin Hanson has painted the red rock cliffs and diverse ecosystem found in Zion National Park for over a decade. Explore Zion through Hanson's open impressionist paintings. Where should artists go to Zion to paint?

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Following in the Footsteps of the Impressionists

Impressionists are painters of light

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

The Impressionists have been called the “painters of light.” Anyone who has stood in front of a Monet water lily painting knows what this means. The waving lines of color look loose and abstract up close, but when you step back, the whole painting comes into focus, and you see where each ripple in the water changes color, reflecting the light from the sky or the rich colors of the surrounding trees.

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Ode to Sunflowers

Impressionist Paintings of Sunflowers

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

While I had always admired the colorful sunflower paintings by van Gogh, it never occurred to me to try painting them myself until, one day, I saw a vase of sunflowers that had been allowed to dry out without any water for two months. When I looked at the drooping, dried-out petals curving around the large heads, I knew instantly I had to paint them. Here was abstract color, bold contrast, classic theme... everything needed for the perfect painting. I have been painting sunflowers ever since.

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Following in the Footsteps of Early California Painters

The long tradition of California Impressionists

Saturday, July 15, 2023

I have loved every painting I have ever seen of Edgar Payne, and his works make me want to jump in my van and head back out to the Colorado Plateau to explore Arches, Monument Valley, and Canyon de Chelly just one more time. When I first saw with my own eyes the twisted cypress trees and aquamarine waters of Monterey and Carmel, I understood why the Early California painters loved this landscape so much.

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Art: Beauty Inspired by Nature

Interview with the Artist

Monday, July 3, 2023

In a recent interview, Erin Hanson spoke with Turkish interviewer Yazı Cansu Karakuş for a piece in L'Officiel Türkiye. Below is a translated version of the article that was published.

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The Future of Art Reproduction

The making of 3D textured replicas

Saturday, July 1, 2023

Learn how Erin Hanson went from giclee prints to creating 3D replicas of her original oil paintings.

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Behind-the-Art: Cherry in Bloom

The Feeling of Spring

Thursday, June 1, 2023

This piece is inspired by a local Oregon scene Hanson spotted not too far from her wine country estate. Cherry blossoms typically last for about a week, and then as quickly as they graced us, their petals fall like snow, and the wait starts for their next bloom.

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Capturing the Magic of a Monterey Sunset: A Modern Impressionism

Friday, May 19, 2023

Impressionism is a beautiful style of painting that captures the true essence of a moment in time. Monterey sunsets are especially breathtaking, and an impressionism sunset painting is the perfect way to capture the beauty of this photo-worthy sight. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at an original oil painting of a Monterey sunset by Erin Hanson and explore the unique way she uses the impressionism style to showcase the beauty of this natural wonder.

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Erin Hanson is Revolutionizing Art Reproduction

Textured art reproduction is tricky.

Saturday, May 13, 2023

In a painting, the play of light over the texture of brushstrokes plays a vital role in how we interact with and enjoy a piece of art. This is why a paper art print looks flat compared to an original oil painting. Indeed, one can present a reproduction through a film, as is the case in the Van Gogh immersive experience, but such reproductions are an art in themselves, and you cannot take them home with you. So, how to solve the problem of capturing the light and motion as intended by the artist? This is where 3D scanning and printing comes in. In a recent interview, Erin Hanson shared how the process works.

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Introducing... 16 x 20 Erin Hanson Paper Prints

Art for Every Budget and Space

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

For the first time, you can purchase Erin's popular paper prints online! Erin has been selling her vibrant 16x20 paper prints at art festivals for the past 15 years, and now we have her customer favorites available online!

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Behind-the-Scenes at The Erin Hanson Gallery

Wednesday, April 5, 2023

Get a virtual tour of The Erin Hanson Gallery, McMinnville. This tour includes the gallery, studio, print shop, and warehouse.

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Limited Palette for Unlimited Color

Article by Erin Hanson

Friday, March 24, 2023

It seems counter-intuitive, but to create more colors in your painting, you need fewer colors on your palette. Here’s why...

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(For Artists) Commonly Asked Questions About Open Impressionism

A Look at Erin Hanson's Technique and Artist's Tools

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Here are answers to commonly asked questions about Erin Hanson's painting style, Open Impressionism.

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Bringing Sunset Color to Canvas

Sunset Paintings in Oil

Thursday, February 23, 2023

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Winter Painting in Color

Winter through the Lens of Impressionism

Thursday, February 9, 2023

Have you ever thought about heading to a national park during winter? How about California wine country? Erin Hanson has spent years traveling across the country and internationally so that you can both enjoy lovely art and become inspired to visit treasured locations that you may not have considered off-season.

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Adventures Turned into Art

Article by Erin Hanson

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

My paintings all begin with outdoor hikes and explorations in nature. My goal when I paint is to re-capture that feeling of being out of doors and surrounded by natural beauty...

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What is a Painting Style?

Article by Erin Hanson

Sunday, January 1, 2023

I started painting one painting a week about sixteen years ago. I had just moved to Las Vegas to rock climb at Red Rock Canyon, and I instantly fell in love with its red and orange sandstone cliffs. I decided I could paint nothing but landscapes for the rest of my life.

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Erin Hanson: Amica’s 2022 Thanksgiving Artist

Unveiling "Maple Lights"

Saturday, November 12, 2022

Erin Hanson has been selected as Amica Mutual Insurance Company’s 2022 Thanksgiving card artist. Hanson’s piece, Maple Lights, was featured on a Thanksgiving-themed holiday card that was mailed to 800,000 subscribers. Amica also released a digital version of the card that features beautiful classical music paired with an autumnal poem by Margaret Melozzi.

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Inside Erin Hanson's Petite Works

small works, BIG IMPACT

Saturday, October 8, 2022

Impressionist painter Erin Hanson invites you to explore her collection of petite works. Hanson’s vibrant palette is rich with texture and light, a sumptuous feast for the senses. Her harmonious compositions celebrate the natural beauty of the great outdoors. Her oil paintings have garnered international critical acclaim and are in hundreds of museum and private collections worldwide.

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Erin Hanson on Her Petite Works

"Petite paintings are the jewels of Open Impressionism". - Erin Hanson

Saturday, October 8, 2022

I began creating “petite” paintings as little studies to reference when painting a larger piece. Oftentimes, I found I loved these little painting sketches better than the finished paintings. The sketches were looser and more confident than the finished paintings; I was able to capture an entire vast landscape with only a few dozen brushstrokes that seemed to magically fall in the exact correct position. After a few years of painting these sketches, I started painting these small works deliberately, and The Petite Collection was born.

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Warm Up Your Home with Artwork

Use color theory and colorful art to keep your home cozy

Saturday, October 1, 2022

Autumn is right around the corner, which means cooler weather is also coming. This time of year always feels like a celebration as the world around us fills with buttery yellow sunflowers, multi-colored pumpkins, and tawny autumn leaves. Your home is likely no exception. If you love autumn, you are probably decorating your home with warm and welcoming decor.

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How Vibrant Colors Have Been Used in Art Throughout History

Tuesday, June 7, 2022

From the beginning of recorded history, artists have sought vibrant colors to use in their art. Cave paintings used a mixture of animal fats and saliva with charcoal, iron-rich soil, or chalk to create red, yellow, brown, black, and white. Ancient Egyptians used rich red, blue, green, brown, yellow, and black pigments to paint hieroglyphs and works of art. Renaissance artists went into debt sourcing lapis lazuli to create brilliant blue for their masterworks in oil.

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A History of Sunflower Art

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Sunflowers have famously been depicted by impressionist and post-impressionist artists Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin. While these two giants in the art world were European, the flower has a distinctly American origin.

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When to Stop Painting

A Note from Erin Hanson

Friday, January 14, 2022

How do you know when a painting is done? How do you stop a painting from becoming overworked and muddy? Learn about how impressionist artist Erin Hanson knows when to stop painting.

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Surrounding Yourself with Beauty

Interview with Gallerist Amy Jensen

Friday, December 31, 2021

Do you find that new collectors are intimidated by original art? Many of our original paintings sell to first-time collectors. I have noticed that people who are really passionate about impressionists like Monet and van Gogh also fall in love with Erin’s paintings. We make it easy to start collecting original work, like taking videos of the piece if they can’t see it in person, and we offer layaways or financing options through Art Money.

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A Modern-Day Look at Impressionism Versus Expressionism

How two distinct painting movements merge

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

The term “impressionism” often conjures up images of van Gogh’s sunflowers, Monet’s waterlilies, and luncheons with Renoir. These paintings are beautiful, rich in color, and depict everyday scenes from the period. On the other hand, the first painting most people think about when hearing “expressionism” is The Scream by Edvard Munch. Other classic expressionist paintings like Der Blaue Reiter by Kandinsky and Large Blue Horses by Marc showcase expressive movement and brilliant color. These expressionist works and many others use movement, color, and style to evoke emotion in both painter and viewer. Both styles of painting are evocative, rich with imagery and color, and completely fascinating.

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Go Leaf Peeping in the Northeast with Erin Hanson [Part 1]

Leaf Peeping in New England

Monday, October 25, 2021

Have you ever gone leaf peeping? Seeking out the most vibrant autumnal colors among local or far-flung trees and forests can be immensely satisfying. There is something about turning a corner to find a shock of gold and red against green or stopping at a lookout to view a patchwork of fall hues. The vibrant, seasonal colors found in trees around the world can bring a feeling of renewed energy and peace to those who go looking.

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Go Leaf-Peeping on Paths Less Traveled with Erin Hanson [Part 2]

Go Leaf Peeping with Erin Hanson Throughout the United States

Monday, October 25, 2021

Come on a journey with Erin as she explores the leaf-peeping paths less traveled around the United States.

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An Ode to Water Lilies

Tuesday, September 14, 2021

In honor of Erin Hanson's new, expansive water lilies painting, we wanted to take a moment to look back at the rich and colorful history of these luminous blooms.

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How Does Color Influence Your Mood?

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Erin Hanson, like many artists over the years, creates artwork in a varied palette. Each Hanson piece focuses on a particular landscape, viewed at a specific time of day. Often, these paintings focus on the play of light and shadow in natural spaces. The work can be as stark as the backlit oaks in her Crystal Light series or softer, as in a view of central California on a summer’s day

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Patone's Color of the Year (Yellow!) in Art

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Pantone has long been known for their ability to detect and influence color trends that impact every facet of our visual day-to-day lives. Every year Pantone selects two "Colors of the Year," which help furniture, textile, fashion, makeup and technology designers decide on which colors to use in their products. This year the colors are Ultimate Gray and Illuminating Yellow. These choosen colors are a culmination of years of aesthetic fires and misfires and long experience with color creating various emotions, whether pleasant, jarring, soothing or joyful.

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Emotions and Art

Sunday, February 28, 2021

Great art evokes an emotional response. Some have said that this is art’s purpose. Others have stated an elevation of man’s essential being is art’s fundamental purpose. Bob Dylan said it best when he said “The highest purpose of art is to inspire. What else can you do? What else can you do for anyone but inspire them?” This idea brings the relevance of art in our world to a much greater level than the simple evocation of emotion. Many things, besides art, can evoke emotion. An argument at the dinner table, a positive pregnancy test, or even a deep breath and a cup of tea. There is nothing inherently artistic in these actions, beyond the fact that they require some kind of intentionality and creation to make them happen

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Memory Lane: The History of Open Impressionism

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Open Impressionism was born after painting (and climbing) desert rocks for many years. The chunky, abstract shapes of the rocks informed my brush as I captured their sharp shadow lines and flat planes of color. I apply the word "open" to denote a more open and modern approach to impressionism (I use wide, thick brush strokes instead of the traditional narrow brush strokes, for example); also the word "open" is appropriate because my paintings are inspired directly by the open air and natural beauty of the outdoors. My paintings focus on the changing effects of light, in the spirit of the past impressionist masters.

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A Commission Steeped in Family History

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

As a teenager, my family was stationed overseas in Europe. We were able to trace our roots back to a small village in Switzerland named Steinen. We located our family crest carved into the posts of the town’s courthouse indicating our ancestors as one of the original founding families of the village many centuries earlier. Fifty years later, my wife and I traveled back to Switzerland in order for her to also experience the area and its intrinsic beauty.

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Welcome to the World of 3D Art Reproduction

An Inside Look at the Technical Specifications and Details

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

This incredible fine art print is Erin’s high-tech answer to the growing demand for textured prints. Each replica faithfully duplicates every brush stroke's color and feel, using cutting-edge, three-dimensional scanning technology and multi-layered printing to capture every aspect of the original painting. While previous articles have discussed the replicas themselves, we wanted to take this opportunity to share the technical details of Erin’s state-of-the-art reproductions.

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How Erin Hanson’s 3D Textured Replicas Are Made

Behind the Scenes

Thursday, September 24, 2020

Erin Hanson has brought the latest in 3D printing to her custom, limited edition offerings. This new print is a textured replica created using micro-layered 3D modeling and 48-bit color to make the most realistic painting reproductions available today. How is this done?

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Announcing: A Revolutionary New Fine Art Print, the 3D Textured Replica

Erin Hanson 3D Textured Replicas

Monday, September 21, 2020

In response to a growing demand for textured prints, we are proud to announce a new product that faithfully reproduces the texture of Erin's original oil paintings. “Erin Hanson 3D Textured Replicas” are created using cutting-edge, 3-dimensional scanning technology and multi-layered printing to capture the actual brush strokes and texture of the original.

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A Memorable Birthday Gift

Monday, September 14, 2020

"It was such an incredible moment! She had no idea, and was completely overwhelmed with the beauty of your painting, Erin! It was so amazing to watch the hues of the painting change as the afternoon light faded into the evening and night. Erin, you really captured that moment perfectly, and we’ll treasure it forever."

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Mavericks Turned Masters

Impressionists Have Long Dared to Paint Their Subjects Fearlessly and Boldly

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

​Louis Leroy was outraged. And the popular Parisian playwright, who also dabbled at painting and printmaking, was determined to expose an upstart group of artists—who had banded together to show their works in a new exhibition—for what he thought they really were: imposters.

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An in-depth look at the painting "Rays of Light"

Painting In-Depth Look

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

One of my favorite places to explore these unique desert landscapes are the many palm oases around Palm Springs and Indio. These hidden miracles of water and life are tucked away amid dry, arid mountain crevices. You would never know they existed until they appear suddenly in front of you, a bright green explosion of verdant plant growth. From ferns to shaggy palm trees, these plants gather around the running waters that spring from the San Andreas fault line.

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An in-depth look at the painting "Autumn Vineyards"

Sunday, July 14, 2019

I was inspired by a late afternoon drive through the vineyards in western Paso. Oak trees gather along the lines of the hills, catching the warm afternoon light. The golden vines glimmer in colorful autumn hues. The brushstrokes are thick and impressionistic, conveying a sense of movement within the painting.

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Cypress Lights: Behind the Art

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

We wanted to take a moment to look behind the scenes at one of Erin Hanson's newest paintings. Cypress Lights was painted in 2019 in her San Diego-based studio. We hope you enjoy this Erin Hanson interview about Cypress Lights.

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How to Light Your Artwork at Home

Sunday, March 17, 2019

One question we often hear from collectors purchasing paintings here at The Erin Hanson Gallery is “What is the best lighting solution to highlight this piece?” This is a topic close to our hearts here at the gallery, as an Erin Hanson painting looks different depending on the type of lighting used. Because the lighting of a piece is so vital to one’s enjoyment of the artwork, we wanted to take a deep dive into the various lighting you can utilize in your home to display your painting.

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Artist Resources

Thursday, March 14, 2019

I have put this collection of resources together as a way to inspire other artists to discover their own painting style and find their own niche in the art world. These resources will guide you on how to become a true master at your own style of painting, how to make a living as an artist, and see what the life of being an artist is really like.

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How Does Copyright Work for Artwork?

Copyright helps an artist retain ownership for his/her work.

Friday, December 14, 2018

Copyright is essential protection for artists. The fact that a piece of art is unique makes it valuable, so safeguarding that one-of-a-kind piece is vital to any artist who wants to make a living.

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Purchasing Prints

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Erin Hanson offers fine art prints directly to her fans and collectors, at www.erinhansonprints.com.

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Collecting Erin Hanson Originals

Information for art collectors

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Learn about collecting Erin Hanson original oil paintings.

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The Red Rock Collection Release

The Erin Hanson Gallery presents The Red Rock Show

Wednesday, July 4, 2018

The Erin Hanson Gallery presented Hanson’s newest collection of vibrant paintings on June 16, 2018. Each piece in the Red Rock collection featured bright, bold colors inspired by the National Parks and monuments of Utah, Arizona, Nevada and Colorado.

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Cowgirl Up! Awards Erin Hanson Best in Painting

"North Canyon" Wins First Place

Saturday, April 14, 2018

While every style is celebrated in the Cowgirl Up! exhibition and show, there are specific categories in which the various artists can be awarded special recognition. This year, we are honored to announce that Erin Hanson won “First Place Two Dimensional on Canvas” for her painting North Canyon.

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Ocotillo Light: An In-Depth Look

Saturday, February 24, 2018

The painting "Ocotillo Light" captures a scene from the southern edge of Borrego, where there are hundreds of ocotillo growing along the slopes leading up to the surrounding mountains. When the ocotillo bloom, their desert stalks turn from gray-brown to green, and the tips of their spider-like stalks bloom with bright red flowers that always remind me of birds of paradise.

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Open Skies: An In-Depth Look

Thursday, February 15, 2018

I have been painting Paso Robles for 8 years now, and it is still one of my favorite places to find inspiration. Although I have spent most of my life in California, growing up in Los Angeles and attending school at Berkeley in northern California, I never drove through the coastal wine country regions of central California until many years after I graduated college. I had seen the film "Sideways" and the wine tasting adventure looked like so much fun I just had to experience it for myself. So I ventured for the first time into the idyllic landscapes of Paso Robles.

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The Properties of Crystal Light

Find out about the most popular series created by Erin Hanson.

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Erin Hanson’s Crystal Light series is one of her most popular collections of works. Each piece features a backlit landscape and seeks to illustrate the drama and beauty that light can bring to the natural world. While all of the Hanson pieces boast a striking understanding of light and shadow, the Crystal Light series really brings this to the fore.

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Maple Path: An In-Depth Look

Friday, January 12, 2018

I went to Japan over Thanksgiving to explore the famous fall colors in Kyoto. The mountains surrounding the city are full of Buddhist temples with incredible gardens and maple trees. My favorite part of Kyoto was Arashiyama Park, home to several beautiful temples and wide, expansive grounds of natural beauty.

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Kolob Light: An In-Depth Look

Friday, January 5, 2018

Zion National Park has been a favorite haunt of mine for almost ten years. The landscape is quite varied, changing from high-altitude plateaus to steep cliffs of changing color, from slot canyons to river-bed scenery. I love visiting at different times of the year, seeing snow in January, yellow cottonwoods in the fall, and golden grass in the summer.

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How to Clean My Original Artwork

Friday, November 24, 2017

​One common question we get asked at The Erin Hanson Gallery is “how do I clean my painting?” This is a vital piece of knowledge that every art collector should have in his or her repertoire. Whether you are a serious or casual collector, it’s important to know how to care for the pieces you cherish.

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The History of The Erin Hanson Gallery

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

I thought you would enjoy the story behind the creation of The Erin Hanson Gallery. About 8 years ago I was happily painting in my 3-car garage, located snugly in the Burbank hills with a great view overlooking Downtown Los Angeles....

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The Modernization of Impressionism

A Look at Impressionism and its Influence on Erin Hanson's "Open Impressionism"

Thursday, October 19, 2017

Since its inception, Impressionism has been an expression of independence from the constraints the world has placed upon art. Van Gogh, Monet, Degas, and the others who helped create this art form were seeking to break away from traditional art and dared to see the world differently. This theme has carried on from the origins of Impressionism in the late 1800’s into present.

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"Oaks and Blooms" In-Depth Look

Erin shares her inspiration behind a recent painting inspired by Texas Hill Country.

Monday, October 16, 2017

I visit Texas every year in the spring, and I always make sure to spend a few days in the beautiful hill country near Austin and the countryside north of Houston. Texas is full of color in the spring, the trees and meadows bright with new green growth.

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Framing Options

Framing an Erin Hanson Original Oil Painting

Thursday, October 12, 2017

I have experimented with many framing options over the years: a decade ago I taught myself how to use a miter saw and joining tools, and I was making my own frames out of fine cherry wood molding. I have framed my work in simple floater frames, traditional plein air frames, and elaborate baroque frames. I have hung many paintings without any frame at all, letting the artistically-finished edges stand un-covered for a more contemporary look.

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The California Super Bloom

California Impressionist Captures the Natural Phenomena

Friday, October 6, 2017

California experienced a severe drought for several years which finally broke in the winter of 2017 when torrents of rain fell from the sky and turned California the most vivid shade of green we had seen in years. The wildflowers seeds had been waiting latent in the desert floor for several years, multiplying with each year of the drought. When the heavy rains finally arrived, the deserts erupted in a natural phenomena known as the "Super Bloom". Almost overnight the California desert and hills started turning orange, yellow and purple with a Super Bloom of flowers far more abundant than the typical spring bloom. So vibrant and widespread, it was even visible from space.

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What is an Open Impressionism Frame?

Wednesday, May 31, 2017

What are Open Impressionism frames? These hand-carved and gilded floater frames are a perfect bridge between the classic and the contemporary.

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How to Commission a Painting - Example

Friday, April 14, 2017

Erin Hanson demonstrates the step-by-step process of commissioning a painting from an artist. Learn how to commission a painting to match the colors and style of your home.

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How to Commission a Painting - Example

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Erin paints over an antique floral painting from WW2-era, transforming it into a new commemorative painting of a sacred Colorado camp.

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Erin Hanson Painting Details

Things to Know When Buying an Erin Hanson Painting

Friday, December 16, 2016

This is an essay that describes the technique and materials used by Erin Hanson, including information about lighting and framing.

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The Role of Impasto in Impressionism

Why is impasto commonly used in Impressionist paintings?

Monday, October 31, 2016

Impressionist paintings are distinct because of how the artist applies paint to the canvas. Impasto is a style that many impressionist painters have used since the birth of the art form.

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Erin Hanson: The Orange Show Opening Reception

Celebrating Striking Impressionism in Hues of Orange

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

On Saturday, October 1st Erin Hanson's anticipated The Orange Show opened with ardent fans and steadfast collectors alike gathering to experience this unique collection. The various hues of orange contrasted beautifully against the midnight blue walls of her Los Angeles-based gallery.

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Artist Talk: Museum of Big Bend

Inside the Rise of a Modern Master

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Erin's talk covered her key sources of inspiration, she also discussed her rise from discovering the red rock canyons surrounding Las Vegas ten years ago through to her current status as a forerunner in an impressionistic resurgence.

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

Erin Hanson: The Orange Show

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

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.

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What is it Like to Get a Print from ErinHanson.com?

Easy, Beautiful, High-Quality and Ready to Hang

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

We wanted to show you exactly what happens when you order a fine art print through The Erin Hanson Gallery: two weeks ago the team ordered a print of Erin Hanson's Saguaro Dusk, a spectacular piece focusing on Arizona's iconic landscape. We selected the white frame option to contrast the vibrant purples of the piece and the gallery's midnight blue walls.

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How-To: Lighting Your Fine Art

Monday, August 15, 2016

Many art collectors have preferences for different types of lighting in their homes. Some prefer ambient lamp light while others would rather have spotlight-like track lights. No matter your preference, it’s important to understand that light affects each painting differently.

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Introducing: Open Impressionism Vol II

What Inspires Erin Hanson?

Thursday, August 4, 2016

"As viewers are flipping through my book, I want them to feel a sense of peace and I want to help inspire them to go beyond their everyday life. I hope this book inspires you to bring more color and beauty into your life."

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Art of Impressionism: A Love Letter

The Modernization of the Impressionist Brushstroke

Sunday, June 5, 2016

Impressionist painters of the past often used short, layered brushstrokes to create texture and depth in their paintings. This is where past masters and the modern Impressionist painter Erin Hanson diverge. As Hanson works, she practices an economy of motion not seen by past masters. For example, one length of an ocotillo may by created in a brushstroke by Hanson, while the traditional, “classical” impressionist would paint in small strokes or even dots.

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A Profile of Borrego Springs

Inspiration Comes Easily from this Vast California Desert

Monday, April 25, 2016

Borrego Springs is a unique town. Surrounded by a 600,000-acre State Park in San Diego County, it is the only desert community in San Diego County. This town lays in a valley and is surrounded by desert. The land stretches out to the surrounding mountains. This makes Borrego Springs an incredible spot for beautiful color combinations. The startling blue skies are a glorious contrast to the sandy desert and wildflowers, which differ from the looming mountains.

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The Inspiration of Zion National Park

Erin Hanson explores the National Parks for inspiration.

Monday, April 4, 2016

One of Erin’s favorite National Parks to paint is Zion National Park in Utah. This park features landscape that is truly incredible and worth capturing through brush strokes and photographs. The park features stark panoramas, vibrant rock formations, lush landscapes, and extreme biodiversity.

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Field of Blooms: Erin's Largest Single Canvas

The Work in Progress of Hanson's Field of Blooms

Saturday, February 20, 2016

A wide expanse of wildflowers sweeps across the canvas in this large oil painting. The expressionist movement of brush strokes captures the vibrancy and color of the poppies, thistles and daisies growing among the grasses. The abstracted shapes of the landscape come together in a harmony of motion and color.

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Behind the Art: Canyon Color

Daybreak captured at Canyon de Chelly

Sunday, December 6, 2015

Canyon de Chelly National Monument as captured by the swift brush of artist Erin Hanson. "Canyon Color" will be on display at the St. George Art Museum until May 28th, 2015 as part of their National Parks Centennial event.

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Behind the Art: Woods of Gold

Golden Aspens at the Cedar Breaks National Monument

Friday, November 13, 2015

Part of the 24 Karat Collection, Woods of Gold is a close up of the famous golden aspens of Cedar Breaks National Monument. Featuring a underlying layer of 24 karat gold leaf, it gleams with warmth to brighten any room.

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Behind the Art: Vineyard of Color

A Slice of Paso Robles Wine Country

Monday, November 2, 2015

Paso Robles is shortened from the original name El Paso de Robles, which means 'The Pass of the Oaks.’ Paso Robles is wonderful place to visit - for the stunning landscapes and for a variety of activities.

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How Should I Frame My Original Oil Painting?

Framing Ideas for Gallery-Depth Paintings

Monday, June 16, 2014

Whether or not you decide to frame your gallery-wrap oil painting, it will be a beautiful and eye-catching addition to your room, bringing in a breath of color that is a joy to design around.

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Seven Years of Art Festivals

Sharing My Experiences with New and Aspiring Artists

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Art festivals are the perfect way to take your art career into your own hands, gradually building your collector base until you can support yourself entirely on your fine art sales.

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Erin Hanson: PasoScapes Demo of Open-Impressionism

Review of a Rare Painting Demonstration

Sunday, October 27, 2013

"Hanson’s paintings are bold, often times large in scale like the grandeur of her inspirations. Her loose “open” strokes and pure colors represent her singular vision to the beauty of the landscapes that surround her. When asked about her inspiration she says, 'whenever I find myself in a slump, I take a hike.'"

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How to Commission a Painting

Commissioning a Custom Oil Painting

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Do you love an artist's work but need a special painting for a certain wall in your home?

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New Oil Paintings on Board

Erin Hanson Presents a Series of Small Oil Paintings

Friday, January 11, 2013

Erin Hanson presents a new series of small oil paintings on board. Inspired by treks across Utah, Nevada and California, Erin transforms desert landscapes into a mosaic of color impressions.

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Erin Hanson Painting Plein Air

Plein Air Painting in the Paso Robles Wine Country

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

It's always nice to take some time from my busy schedule and just observe the landscape around me, concentrating on mixing a new array of beautiful colors from my limited palette.

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What is the Best Lighting for My Painting?

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Natural ambient light will create a nice feel for your painting during the day, the colors subtly changing as the sun rises and sets during the day. At night, however, you will be fully reliant on artificial light.

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What is Open Impressionism?

The Inspiration Behind Open Impressionism

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Fewer strokes is better in Open-Impressionism. Color choice is secondary. Texture and spontaneity are everything.

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