Blue Skies Up Above William C. Hook
“Blue Skies Up Above” reveals Hook’s deep reverence for the American landscape, particularly the expanses of open skies, distant horizons, and textured foregrounds. As a counter point, Hook’s works depicting southwestern architecture, bring to life the beauty and rich qualities of the human spaces in New Mexico and California. Both his landscapes, and human environs possess a unique quality that sets them apart from the works of his contemporaries.
In addition to the breathtaking collection of representational landscapes and southwestern architecture, “Blue Skies Up Above” will feature a captivating series of abstract paintings by William C. Hook. These abstract works serve as a counterpart to a handful of the representational pieces, as they use the same vivid color palette. Many of the abstract paintings have been thoughtfully paired with a specific landscape, establishing a unique and intimate connection between the two. Through his abstract expressions, Hook invites viewers to explore the essence of the American Southwest beyond its tangible features, delving into the emotions and sensations evoked by the region’s vast skies and rugged terrains. “Blue Skies Up Above” promises to be a celebration of both the tangible and the intangible, capturing the spirit of the American Southwest.
Throughout his lasting career, Hook has garnered widespread recognition and acclaim. His works have been featured in leading art publications, including Southwest Art, Art of the West, U.S. Art, American Artist, and Focus Santa Fe. Additionally, his contributions to the contemporary art scene have been acknowledged in the book “Leading the West” by Donald Hagerty.
The exhibition “Blue Skies Up Above” will showcase a curated selection of Hook’s artwork, offering a glimpse into his most recent artistic journey. His paintings can be found in the permanent collections of esteemed institutions such as the Denver Art Museum, the Tucson Art Museum, the University of New Mexico, and the FORBES Museum in New York City. Hook’s work has also been featured in prints for renowned organizations including the New Mexico Symphony, Music from Angel Fire, and the Santa Fe Opera.
A.M. Bluff acrylic 12 x 24
A.M. Bluff
Aspen Garden Study
Azimuthally Speaking
Black Mesa
Mesa Madness
Bright Horizon
Casa Cottonwood
Casa De Canyon
Desert Blue
Hacienda Del Sol
Late Light Aspen
Los Luceros Summer
Mi Casa Es Su Casa
Monument Valley Elder
Patience is a Virtue
Peggy Sue
Ranch Porch
Round Peg
Sangre Chamisa
Santa Fe No. 11
Send
Sheep Rock, AZ
Sunflowers & Cacti
Viga
Rio Summer
October Shade