Ria Hills

(United States)

It seems appropriate that I be the first interview considering that I am the creator of this website, so here's my story.

My first exposure to surrealism was when I saw MC Esher's work when I was a teenager. That was some time ago. Although much of my work does not fall into this category, it's my favorite to work on.

Where do you find inspiration?
I am always inspired to paint because of the richness of our visual world. Some of my paintings have been inspired by a dream, a song and sometimes a single word.A few months ago I started painting a small work, averaging 5" x 7", every day. These paintings are mostly inspired by ordinary small objects.

What are your materials?
The surfaces I use are either Wallis sanded pastel paper or Art Spectrum Colorfix board. Both papers provide the tooth I need to apply many layers of pastel. I use Nupastel to block my colors and shapes and work my way up in layers with soft pastels. My favorite brands of pastels are Unison, Sennelier and Rembrandt.

Your preferred methods?
My method is the conventional method of working from hard to soft pastels in layers. I love the vividness of color that pastels provide and the direct contact with the medium. I use only my fingers for blending.

Preferred subjects?
My subjects vary as much as my subject preferences do. For me, subject is not as important as the process of trying to translate blocks of color and light into something discernable. I greatly enjoy the challenge of realism. I am fascinated with the ways light plays on a subject and have had comments on my interpretation of light which is a wonderful compliment for an artist.

What is your painting process like?
I always paint in my studio. For my surreal pieces I start with a raw idea and fully create it before it is translated to paper. I frequently need reference photos and I either take them myself or use purchased stock photos. From there I "sketch" on the computer using Photoshop until it matches the idea in my head. I then use the finished composition as a reference for the painting. Other paintings are sketched as drawings before translating to the final surface.
For my realistic paintings I use either a photo for reference or a found object. I start each painting with pastel pencils carefully drawing my shapes. I then block my colors with Nupastel (a hard pastel stick). I add many layers to achieve the effect I want ending with the softest pastels.

Your history with art?
As a child, once I realized that ballet and playing the violin were not my strengths I tried drawing. I discovered that I was good at it and have been drawing ever since. As soon as I got my drivers license I spent countless hours at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC.
I am mostly self taught but have taken art classes along the way.
I have 25 years of professional experience in graphic design and as a fine artist.

More surreal work by Ria

Ria's websites -
Daily Pastel Paintings
Ria Hills

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