Aaron’s influences are vast.  In a recent Q&A in the gallery, we asked Aaron to share a bit more about his influences:

While Russian impressionists are huge influences of mine, I’ve also been heavily influenced by the work of Jasper Johns, and  his use of color, application  of paint, and simplicity of form. I’m also super influenced by Warhol, Rauschenberg, Hockney, and just mid-century modernism in general. Chuck Close was also influential in that his later work really proved that abstract shapes in their correct value can read as realistic, even photorealistic. Basquiat’s application of paint influenced the Rufus Buck, and Cassidy pieces.

I paint portraits because I find people fascinating. Their narratives excite and inspire me. Their faces pique my curiosity. I love the variety of colors within a skin tone and I enjoy exploring the array of avenues to create a face. As a child the image of the traditional Native American was that of peace, yet savagery, and a race that was almost mythical and non-existent.   So since youth, I’ve always been curious, and have wanted to do a full-fledged research project on Natives, and other minorities of the old west who I figured had to exist…so this is my opportunity.

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About Aaron

Aaron Hazel is an award-winning, full-time artist based in Kirkland, WA.  A Fine Arts major from Whitman College, Hazel moved to the Pacific Northwest upon graduating to focus on oil-painting.  Hazel’s work eventually caught the attention of various galleries and corporate entities, featuring spots on television, and in national publications.  A former college basketball player, Hazel’s initial body of work centered around the art of athletics. Hazel’s recent work focuses on minorities of the West, who he feels are vastly underrepresented in general academia. An avid “student of the game” Hazel is constantly exploring different subject matter, and enjoys taking trips to his home state of Idaho to learn from and assist in the workshops of renowned impressionist Robert Moore. Currently, Hazel’s work can be seen in galleries in Washington, Montana, Wyoming,  and on the corporate walls of Starbucks, Facebook and Nike.