While the art world is gradually shifting towards digital artwork and NFTs, the importance of original paintings remains highly appreciated among collectors in the artwork. Meet Alicia Hobbs, a young, talented Los Angeles-based artist who proves that painting on canvas remains as alluring as ever. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to speak with Alicia about her art journey and her upcoming series.
1. You are expecting to release your new “Nudies” series soon. Could you give some information about the idea behind this series and its significance to contemporary art?
Yes! I am so excited. The third iteration of my Nudies series will be available on my website, aliciahobbs.com on August 8 at 9:00 am PST. This series will consist of a variety of female figure oil portraits done in my signature color palette, and will be available in framed canvases ranging from 5×7” to 12×16”.
The idea was born initially out of my love of figure drawing and color theory. These tiny nudies give me the ability to experiment with different body forms and color exploration that help inform my larger pieces. I believe the importance of this series to contemporary art is exemplified by its approachability.
Art exists not only to look pretty but to connect others by serving as a mirror to its audience, and in turn connecting the artist, art, and inspiration to the person who sees themself in that piece. Each nudie I create is inspired by a different person- the friend of a friend I met at dinner, the random person I overheard behind me in the grocery line, the neighbor I stopped with to pet their dog and listen to tidbits of their week, or the lady who served me a croissant at a bakery in Germany in 2016. I give each nudie a name and a light-hearted, silly backstory that I’ve written inspired by my everyday interactions. It celebrates the strangers I meet out in the real world and speaks out an alternate reality I like to think they’re living. Not only is this my creative writing outlet, but I’ve discovered the magic in it is that my collectors who relate to a specific nudie, are also relating to a total random stranger out in the world. I truly believe that we are all connected. As this series solely focuses on celebrating women and telling their stories, it serves at its core to connect women from all over the world.
2. What do you think your role is as an artist who predominantly utilizes the conventional forms of art in a society that is currently being transformed into a digital one?
My role as an artist is to bring a personal connection to someone’s art journey. While creating tactile art to match a collector’s home is significant, it is ultimately the story and memory a buyer has forged with me that I believe gives my art life. Sure a machine or AI can replicate my brush strokes and print them onto a surface- but what tech doesn’t have is the giggly conversation I and a buyer had at my show where we realized my childhood neighbor is now their neighbor in a different state, or a nudie’s story is the exact story of someone’s loved one, or that both of our grandmothers were named Dorothy and loved to paint. It doesn’t have that “wow” moment when a client sees a commission come to life after a last layer. And it doesn’t have the misty eyes of someone receiving a portrait of their beloved pet who recently passed. The wheel will keep moving, and technology will continue to be technology. But the people who value and cherish human connection will always be around, and my role as an artist will always be to provide that for both of us because I crave it as well.
3. Could you tell us about the times in your career when you changed your artistic approach?
Yes, but we’d be here all day. Ha! I’ll tell you about my favorite pivotal moment to date. I have been selling paintings for 15 years now, and over the years, my artistic approach in every aspect has been constantly evolving, with the major shift happening after I graduated university in 2018, and then again shortly after once I quickly honed in on my colorful impressionistic style.
During my senior year of school, I took a beginner’s painting class which helped elevate my work tremendously by giving me the basic tools and knowledge to apply going forward. Before taking this class, I was selling pieces on a commission basis and painting whatever my collectors asked for. However, after this class, I began exploring different subject matter and painting for myself, which led to quickly finding a color palette and playful style that my paintings have become known for. At this time in my career, I began selling my own pieces and receiving more commissions than I could keep up with. This was a huge turning point for me, as my mentality shifted from having doubts about pursuing a career in art, to “hey, I think I will do just fine as an artist.”
After exploring a variety of subject matter since 2018, I have always found myself returning back to figures. And each time I return, they look a tad bit different from the previous ones- almost like a summation of the tiny different approaches occurring on a daily basis, which ultimately serve as visual stamps of my artistic evolution.
4. The art market seems to be quite volatile at times. How is it possible to be creative while not compromising the commercial output of your company?
It has taken me years to fully realize that my creativity is my most valuable resource and that I must figure out ways to best protect it. I find that when I am in tune with my art and my paintings are coming from a place of authenticity, the creative process fuels me to keep going. While it can be easy to get caught up in the “what will sell” mindset that inevitably comes with a volatile art market and the need to survive, it can become the quickest way to fall out of alignment with my art. This leads to procrastination, creative block, and ultimately creating disconnected and inauthentic art. The ultimate sabotage to my creativity. How do I avoid falling into that trap? I run towards what makes me excited.
Despite what the art market is doing outside of my studio, I try my best to avoid burnout by aligning my creative process with my joy and excitement. Creating these tiny nudies and writing silly stories about them brings so much laughter to my studio and social media. Finding the balance between light and color brings me immense joy, so while the art market outside may say black and white art is “in,” I will proudly continue using every shade of pastel because that’s what makes me happy. And what makes me even happier- despite what’s trending in the art news or at the Guggenheim or the next Sotheby’s auction, my color loving audience will still be there waiting to embrace my next hot pink painting.
Alicia’s nudies series will be available on her website (aliciahobbs.com) on August 8 at 9:00 am PST.
