Ann Hanson What You See Is What You Get - Summer 2008 Issue of Horses in Art Magazine

Ann Hanson - “What You See Is What You Get”

by Sarah H. Crampton

Slow Dancin’ — Oil on panel, 12 x 9, by Ann Hanson. “Girls have a special affection for horses. Leo is especially dear to Lacee. He is a dance partner she knows will never break her heart.”
The realistic oil paintings of Ann Hanson are fashioned in the classical style with a careful study of form and with considerable regard for detail. Hanson portrays the subjects of the western art genre, but with a modern interpretation of the ranch life that exists all around her. Hanson grew up in rural Wyoming and today paints from her home studio at the foot of the Big Horn Mountains outside of Shell, Wyoming. She remarks, “I am really lucky in where I live. I started drawing horses when I was little and just never quit. If I lived in an urban area, I might be painting different things, but I would create no matter what.”

Working diligently to achieve accuracy is part of Hanson’s technique. “I usually start out with an image I have in my mind, then I try to get research material to mesh with my mental image. If I can manage that, I start drawing. I draw until I have all the bugs worked out, then transfer the basics on to my painting panel using graphite paper.”

“My husband says I am the most driven person he knows. I think I am affected more by the little things in everyday life rather than being inspired by one particular scene. Inspiring things just accumulate in me and I have to let them out. In a way it is like each painting is the sum of my experiences to that point.”

Two to Tango — Oil on panel, 9 x 12, by Ann Hanson. “I met Megan at a cowboy mounted shooting event. She had such good interaction with her horse, you could just tell they make a good team.”

Hanson’s subjects are tenderly portrayed and brought into focus with thoughtful composition, rich color, and with the intent to share a feeling. The titles add spark. She remarks, “I do try to inject a little humor or wit into the titles of my work. I think that probably says more about me than about the piece for the most part.” Commenting on herself and her artwork, Ann Hanson states, “I guess the two are pretty well linked – what you see is what you get.”

Ann Hanson finds the thought of her paintings recording history a bit intimidating. She explains, “It is kind of like an oral history. You can have three people relating the same event and they all see it from a different viewpoint. Consequently, each of them has something a little different to say about what they experienced and how it has affected them. All I can do is show people what affects me, and hope it has some meaning to future viewers.” s

Ann Hanson, an established artist for more than twenty years, is represented by The Big Horn Galleries in Cody, Wyoming, and Tubac, Arizona, and L Bar Western Art in Kerrville, Texas. Visit her web site at www.annhanson.com for more information.

“Each day I go to my studio full of joy; in the evening when obliged to stop because of darkness I can scarcely wait for the next morning to come…if I cannot give myself to my dear painting I am miserable” - William Bouguereau (1825-1905)
a French artist admired by Ann Hanson

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