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Q & A – Questions and Artists – Tony van Hasselt

Watercolor painting by Tony van Hasselt.

The Peninsula Pulse has teamed up with the Door County Art League (DCAL) to reprint portions of interviews conducted by Randy Rasmussen, a DCAL Member-at-Large, with various artists. Featured in this issue of the Pulse is an interview with internationally recognized watercolorist Tony van Hasselt. To read the interviews in their entirety, to sign up for DCAL’s monthly newsletter or for more information visit http://www.doorcountyartleague.org.


Randy Rasmussen (RR): Mr. van Hasselt, how did you become a watercolorist?

Tony van Hasselt (TVH): Like most watercolorists, I started watercolor as a kid…just having fun.

RR: How many years have been painting?

TVH: I’ve always been in the art field. I started as a window dresser and show-card letterer in one of Europe’s big department stores; then here in the United States, I switched to commercial design, working for various ad agencies. All that before my “formal” art training, which began with a once-a-week class, then developed into some time in New York studying under Frank Reilly. Mr. Reilly taught at the Art Student’s League for 27 years.

RR: Who did you study with early in your career and how did they influence you?

TVH: To earn money to support this New York schooling, I started organizing European painting workshops taught by nationally known watercolorists. In retrospect, that took a lot of chutzpah. After organizing and conducting a Rex Brandt workshop, the word spread and I was able to attract teaching talents of other well-known names in the watercolor field. Naturally, I sat in the front row of the demonstrations and learned a lot from John Pike, Robert E. Wood, Herb Olsen, Milford Zornes, Tom Hill and many others over the 15 years that I owned and operated Painting Holidays. These artists and friends influenced me to become a plein air landscape painter in watercolor.

RR: How has watercolor changed over the years?

TVH: Watercolor lends itself to so many interpretations and so much freedom. I feel two trends have developed. I see more experimental, abstract work as well as the super realistic enlargements of objects and flora.

RR: Do you still get excited about painting? The thrill of the blank sheet?

TVH: Yes, I do and get cranky if other duties stop me from spending as much time at my love. I also enjoy the sharing of those wonderful happenings on the blank sheet of paper – the flowing of color and the beautiful design of the untouched areas. Pike used to call watercolor “the gambler’s medium.” It’s the thrill of being able to think ahead and skip the areas that need to remain white.

RR: What is the most common flaw you see in the beginning watercolorists you see in your workshops?

TVH: Being an on-location-painter, I see the beginner’s problem as not having logical equipment and a logical approach to setting up. They, many times, don’t use freshly squeezed paint and instead wear out expensive brushes trying to bring back 25 cents worth of paint.

RR: How would you describe your current work? In your books you seem to be able to paint anyway you want…tight or loose.

TVH: I have had an opportunity to be influenced by East and West Coast masters. My major influence was both John Pike and Robert E. Wood. As a result some call me versatile. I call myself confused. I love the realistic on-location impressions, but after those, I will often do a more creative, loose interpretation of the same subject. With those the failure rate is higher, but when they come off, I prefer them as do collectors.

RR: What do you really enjoy painting?

TVH: In one word, the landscape, although I think I am a glorified house-painter. I like structures, quiet street scenes, and the natural beauty of rocks and streams. I love to paint trees. It depends on where I am of course. I also enjoy painting the "seedy" part of town. I’m sad to see the old barns being replaced by metal structures.

RR: Do you think an individual can still make a living as a artist and if so what would you advise.?

TVH: Wow, this is a bad time of the year to ask that question. It also depends on how you define “making a living.” You better accept your life style or find a very understanding partner, ideally with promotional talents. Few artists are financially successful. Those who make a living spend time honing their skills to create a sale-able product, and more time to market that product. My advice? If you are really into art, enjoy the work, create something you are proud to sign and like the Nike commercial says, “Just do it.” As far as promotion is concerned, have a database of possible collectors. Photograph your work before it is framed and under glass so you have a record. Explore websites like http://www.printsmadeeasy.com which give you the opportunity to do postcard promotions for practically nothing. Keep it up, keep on doing, and don’t become discouraged.

RR: What do you see as the future of art?

TVH: Art will always be around, in all its forms. Imagine industrial design without artistic input. Imagine advertising without artistic input. Architecture. All those are venues for artists. Yes, even fine art. The market direction might change to where the money is, but it has always done that. So, we will just continue to do what we love. We can’t help it.

RR: One final question, have you ever been to Door County?

TVH: Not yet…[However] years ago I met a lanky old fellow sitting on the ground on Monhegan Island here in Maine, with his feet wrapped around a watercolor board. It was cold and foggy, so we told him to come in when he finished and have some hot tea. It was Phil Austin, “Mr. Door County” himself. We had a nice visit, and I wish I could have said I have been to Door County.

Randall Rasmussen is a DCAL ‘Member at Large’, and a Charter Member of the Peninsula Plein Air Painters. His work can be seen at http://www.penpap.com

Tony van Hasselt has conducted painting workshops worldwide for over 40 years. His work has been featured in almost all the major art publications and he has authored/co-authored four books. For more information visit http://www.tonyvanhasselt.com.