Artisan Spotlight Featuring Tony Hernandez

Tony Hernandez has been painting for over 27 years. After years of attending architecture school and working in construction, Tony decided to quit those pursuits and work full time as a painter. As he explains, “I decided it was better to have less money and to have the ability to paint much more.” 

Tony uses a curated palette of colors to limit his choices. He often paints children who “still have a mind of wonder,” as Tony says. He continues, “Their symbolism brings less baggage into a painting.” 

Hidell Brooks Gallery, which represents Tony, says, “The moment we saw Tony’s paintings for the first time almost 20 years ago, we looked at each other and said simultaneously, ‘Love them!’ His haunting images of children alone are surrounded by a visual language of hope. He relays this message through images including letters, birds, boats, crowns and fish hooks on strings—all hinting toward communication with someone somewhere. The actual technique Tony uses of oil and encaustic (wax) on birch panels reflects his message as well with the figure encased in the actual encaustic medium. Every child is special and has a message to share. Tony’s paintings speak volumes in their solitude.”