Perkins Mansion

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One of the most celebrated self-taught artists of the twentieth century, Hawkins spent most of his life in Columbus, Ohio. He focused his art on two main subjects: cityscapes and animals. This painting of the Perkins Stone Mansion was inspired by a postcard sent to Hawkins by Carol Friedman, a former docent at the Akron Art Museum. Using bright colors and broad, flat brushstrokes, Hawkins created an expressive representation of Akron’s historical and architectural landmark. While the building appears to be aflame, Hawkins’ turbulent sky is rather a result of his desire to explore color and reflects the nature of the thick enamel paint he used.

Keywords

Painting
African American
Folk Art
Buildings
Regional
Text in art
Ohio Art
United States