Featured Artist Barbara Hangan

Romanian artist Barbara Hangan paints portraits that echo the old masters with layers of paint and varnishes, velvety rich colors and texture. Visit her website to see more of her work.

 

 

I was born and educated in Cluj, Romania, during a difficult time, when art and culture were among a couple of limited ways that people would choose to escape the grim communist reality.

 

 

I grew up in a family of artists who understood and nurtured talent, so I can say I was very fortunate in a way.

 

 

Painting has been my calling from as early as I can remember. It was the form of art I knew I could confidently use to express my feelings and emotions the way I wanted to.

 

 

My parents helped me follow my artistic path. I went to the local Art School Romul Ladea in Cluj as a high school student, and later on graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts. I painted at school and outside of classes.

 

 

As children and teenagers, the educational system back then allowed us to attend art clubs and workshops and that is what I did—with a passion.

 

 

Later, my most important goal was to find and follow my artistic path. As it turned out, it was not so difficult. I find inspiration in all things of beauty around me, from music and perfume to sights and delicate objects.

 

 

I tend to look back at the old masters as well, and have learned a lot from the Flemish painters—from the Austrian Secession to Michelangelo Caravaggio. I always try to distill whatever I see and incorporate it into my paintings, from the shades I use to the textures and the attitude of my portrait subjects.

 

 

I tried a variety of techniques as I am constantly experimenting. Currently I use oil paints and an old Flemish painting technique. I prefer oils for their richness and texture.

 

 

In a work of art, I sometimes take ownership not only of the canvas, wood or board, but also of the frames. I like bringing old frames back to life, and I like matching them with my paintings. Beauty matters to me. I just love to bring classical beauty into contemporary art.

 

 

Whether I look at a woman, a man, a swan or a delicate fruit, I am painting a portrait. I am trying to capture the spirit and the expression of my subjects. I hope it will stir the imagination of the viewer, getting him or her to converse, to interact, to feel.

 

Artist Barbara Hangan invites you to follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

 

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